North America Southwest Area Plan 2019

A Land of Promise—A People of Promise

Vision

“Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

Priority

Leaders invite each individual and family to “press forward” and receive the next ordinance on the covenant path.

Goals

Each individual and family “presses forward” on the covenant path by acting on their love of God, others, and family.

Love of God
- Individual and family:
  - Hold daily individual and family scripture study and prayer.
  - Honor the Sabbath day at home and at church.
- Ward and stake:
  - Sacrament meeting attendance

Love of others
- Individual and family:
  - At least monthly, invite someone to participate in a gospel activity.
  - Fast each month and pay a generous fast offering.
- Ward and stake:
  - Convert baptisms

Love of family
- Individual and family:
  - Serve in the temple often, using your own family names.
- Ward and Stake:
  - Current temple recommends

Implementation

Establish goals and create a plan, and as you help others progress on the covenant path, remember that each person needs a friend, a responsibility, and to be nurtured by the good word of God.

Principles of Accountability for the Area Plan

“Build up my Church in every region” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:8). We have been called to build the kingdom, not simply maintain it. “Bind yourselves to act” (Doctrine and Covenants 43:9).

Ministering Visits

“[He] went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Leaders make regular ministering visits to homes with next ordinances needed in mind.

Love and befriend them.
Ask inspired questions and teach to their needs, questions, and concerns.
Teach, testify, and promise blessings as they progress on the covenant path.
Extend an inspired “will-you” invitation to receive the next ordinance needed.
Show continuing love by following up and helping them with commitments made.

Less-Active Melchizedek Priesthood

Reactivating Melchizedek Priesthood holders and their families has proven to be one of the most effective ways to help more members progress on the covenant path.

Accountability:

Keep it simple—no new reports, only the Quarterly Report and reports in LCR.

Area Presidency reviews Quarterly Reports with Area Seventies.
Area Seventies minister to stake and mission presidents and review the Quarterly Report indicators of progress. They help align the keys/goals of the stake and mission.
Stake presidents review selected reports in LCR in regular interviews with each bishop, to identify individuals and families and next ordinances needed.
Bishops review the Bishop’s Interview and Action List, focusing on youth and Aaronic Priesthood ordinations. He counsels with the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents on next ordinances needed for those identified on other reports in LCR.
Ward clerk keeps Clerk and Leader Resources current and provides helpful reports in LCR to leaders so they can identify next ordinances needed.
High councilor works with elders quorum presidencies using reports in LCR to help them identify individuals and families and next ordinances needed.
Elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies hold quarterly ministering interviews, including a report on next ordinances needed, with regular coordination and communication with the bishopric and ward council.
Families make plans for accomplishing the five Individual and Family goals.