Getting Started

From the Sunday School General Presidency

Dear Stake Sunday School Secretary,

Welcome to your new calling! Sunday School is centered on improving home-centered, Church-supported gospel learning and understanding.

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of a teacher. “Jesus has been described as a philosopher, an economist, a social reformer, and many other things. But more than these, the Savior was a teacher. If you were to ask, ‘What did Jesus have as an occupation?’ There is only one answer: He was a teacher. It is He who should be our ideal. It is He who is the master teacher” (Boyd K. Packer, Mine Errand from the Lord [2008], 336).

We invite you to explore the resources available on the Sunday School page on ChurchofJesusChrist.org to assist you in your calling.

May the Lord bless you in all your pursuits, especially in your efforts to teach in His way.

We love you and are grateful to serve with you,

The Sunday School General Presidency

You Are Not Alone

You have been called to minister to ward Sunday School leaders, who guide and support teachers of youth and adult Sunday School classes. As a newly called stake Sunday School secretary, you will likely feel a range of emotions about your responsibilities. Remember that you are not alone. This calling is a partnership with the Lord. As you seek the Lord’s guidance in serving the ward Sunday School leaders in your stake, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you and experience great joy as you serve Heavenly Father’s children.

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

Counsel with the member of the stake presidency or high councilor who called you about where to begin.
Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.
Read “Stake Leadership,” chapter 6 in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Read “Sunday School,” chapter 13 in the General Handbook, especially the purposes of Sunday School (see 13.1). Also review chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.
Seek to understand your responsibilities as a stake Sunday School secretary and the responsibilities of the stake Sunday School presidency (see General Handbook, 13.2.2.2; 6.7.1; 6.7.1.4; 6.7.3).

After You Are Sustained and Set Apart

With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority.
Continue to pray for guidance about your service.
Counsel with the stake Sunday School president about your responsibilities and how he would like you to support him.
Assist the stake Sunday School president in preparing agendas for presidency meetings. In these meetings, take notes and keep track of assignments. (See “Participate in Presidency Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)
Access reports and lists on Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or in the Member Tools mobile app to help the stake Sunday School presidency get to know ward Sunday School presidencies and be aware of the strengths and needs of their organizations.
Under the direction of the stake presidency, provide instruction and support to ward Sunday School secretaries. (See “Know and Minister to Ward Sunday School Secretaries” under “What Should I Focus On?”)
To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the online training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew this training every three years.