Getting Started

Thank you for accepting a calling to serve as a ward temple and family history leader! Your dedicated service will bless Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil. 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 are helping to gather Israel (see Ephesians 1:10).

As a ward temple and family history leader and a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, 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.

You have been called to support the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies in their temple and family history responsibilities. You help coordinate temple and family history efforts with ward organization leaders, including youth quorum and class presidencies. You also direct the work of ward temple and family history consultants.

You Are Not Alone

As a newly called temple and family history leader, 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 His guidance, He will bless your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you and for the people you serve. There are also many others from your ward and stake willing to help you.

Where to Start

When You Are Called, Sustained, and Set Apart

Counsel with the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies 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 General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Seek to understand your responsibilities as a temple and family history leader (see General Handbook, 25.2.3).
Review and understand the principles taught in chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.
Watch or read the transcripts of the Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction broadcasts (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The messages and discussions in these sessions will help you receive revelation for your calling. You will also learn how to assist in the goals of 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 about your responsibilities with the elders quorum and Relief Society counselors assigned to lead temple and family history work (see General Handbook, 25.2.3). Learn how they would like you to support temple and family history efforts in the ward. Share your best counsel and then support them in their decisions.
Pray often for guidance about your service.
Counsel with ward organization leaders to understand how you can encourage and support temple and family history efforts in their organizations.
Help the elders quorum presidency, Relief Society Presidency, and ward council develop and implement the ward temple and family history plan (see General Handbook, 25.2.6). This plan should involve all ward organizations, including youth, in temple and family history efforts.
Remember to involve the youth representatives in the temple and family history coordinating meeting. They want to be included. You will find that they bring a special spirit into the ward efforts.
Coordinate the efforts of ward temple and family history consultants.
Organize regular instruction for ward temple and family history consultants. They will benefit from your leadership and instruction.
Plan and conduct regular temple and family history coordination meetings (see “Conduct Ward Temple and Family History Coordination Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”). Determine the best way to hold these meetings.
Attend ward council meetings when invited.
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.