My Calling as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant

Getting Started

Thank you for accepting a calling to serve as a ward temple and family history consultant! President Russell M. Nelson has declared: “The Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

When we engage in temple and family history activities, we discover more about ourselves and our ancestors. We then connect with our ancestors by getting to know them and by performing needed gospel ordinances. This discovery and connection is part of the gathering of Israel (see Ephesians 1:10).

As a ward temple and family history consultant, your primary objective is to help members invite the blessings of the temple and of family history into their lives and to prepare them to attend the temple for themselves as well as for their ancestors.

Being a ward temple and family history consultant does not require you to be an expert genealogist. Instead, you will focus on creating simple discovery experiences to help individuals and families learn about their family members and connect with them. These uplifting experiences can invite the Holy Ghost to testify of the divine nature of families and the importance of gospel ordinances. Those you help can experience the joy of performing temple ordinances for their deceased family members.

You Are Not Alone

As a newly called ward temple and family history consultant, 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 helping others participate in temple and family history work throughout the stake, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you and for the people you serve. Seek and nurture your personal testimony of temple and family history work. There are individuals who can help you, such as other stake temple and family history consultants. Your stake presidency may also call upon area temple and family history advisers to instruct and assist you (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 25.3.7, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Where to Start

When You Are Called, Sustained, and Set Apart

• Counsel with the elders quorum presidency or Relief Society presidency counselors who have responsibility for temple and family history work about where to begin.

• Remember that your family is your first priority. Seek the guidance of the Spirit as you prioritize time for your family and your calling.

• Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and if possible, temple attendance.

• Seek and nurture your personal testimony of temple and family history work.

• Read chapter 25, “Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake,” in the General Handbook. Strive to understand your responsibilities as a temple and family history consultant (see General Handbook, 25.2.4).

• Review and understand the principles taught in chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and provides additional guidance.

• Watch or read the transcripts of Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction broadcasts (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The messages and discussion in these sessions will help you receive revelation for your calling. You will also learn how to assist in the work in your ward and minister to all through temple and family history work, especially to those learning the gospel, new and returning members, and children and youth preparing to receive a temple recommend.

As You Fulfill Your Calling

• Counsel regularly with the ward temple and family history leader about your responsibilities and how you can support the work in your ward. Share your best counsel and then support the decisions he makes. If your ward doesn’t have a ward temple and family history leader, counsel with the elders quorum presidency and Relief Society presidency members assigned to family history.

• Seek guidance about other ways to involve ward members in temple and family history work.

• Utilize stake family history consultants and other online sources for training and to learn the basics of FamilySearch. Then practice those skills.

• Proactively help members experience the blessings of discovering their ancestors and performing temple ordinances on their behalf.

• Meet with individuals and families and adapt the experience to the interests and skills of those you are helping. Encourage the members to seek and prepare to receive temple ordinances and make temple covenants. Have these meetings in person when possible.

• Participate in ward temple and family history coordination meetings, where you will receive opportunities and assignments to help specific members with their temple and family history work (see General Handbook, 25.2.7).

• Serve in a local family history center when assigned (see General Handbook, 25.3.6).

• To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the mandatory training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew this training every three years.