First Sunday Quorum or Group Meetings

From the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

On the first Sunday of each month, quorum and group leaders should teach priesthood bearers their duties and help them “to act … in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Leaders should not delegate this responsibility to others.

Planning for the first Sunday instruction can be done in presidency or group leadership meetings. In considering topics for instruction, leaders should review the needs of quorum members, their families, and others for whom the leaders are responsible. In first Sunday meetings, leaders should help quorum members become better husbands, fathers, and sons who are actively engaged in accomplishing the mission of the Church.

The booklet Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum Instructions (item no. 35553) provides practical suggestions for first Sunday instruction. For example, these instructions provide suggestions for topics such as “Using the Priesthood to Strengthen Family Members,” “Strengthening Members through Home Teaching,” and “Helping New Members Feel Welcome.” If a quorum or group leader does not have a copy of these instructions, he should contact the stake or district for a copy.

Each suggested topic could be the basis for one or more first Sunday meetings. Leaders may be flexible in adapting and combining the suggested topics to meet the needs and circumstances of their quorum or group members.

As they teach, leaders should remember that part of their calling is “to sit in council” (D&C 107:89) with those they lead. Leaders can fulfill this responsibility in several ways, including inviting quorum or group members to report on priesthood assignments or committee work, discussing the quorum’s or group’s goals, demonstrating how to fulfill basic priesthood responsibilities, and inviting members to share their feelings about different aspects of the first Sunday topic.

In summary, through first Sunday instruction, leaders help each quorum and group member “learn his duty, and … act in the office in which he is appointed” (D&C 107:99).