Selections from the General Handbook

Contents
Title Page
Using Selections from the General Handbook
Doctrinal Foundation
- 0. Introductory Overview
- 1. God’s Plan and Your Role in His Work of Salvation and Exaltation
- 2. Supporting Individuals and Families in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation
- 3. Priesthood Principles
- 4. Leadership and Councils in the Church of Jesus Christ
Church Organization
- 5. General and Area Leadership
  - 5.0. Introduction
- 6. Stake Leadership
- 7. The Bishopric
- 8. Elders Quorum
- 9. Relief Society
- 10. Aaronic Priesthood Quorums
- 11. Young Women
- 12. Primary
- 13. Sunday School
- 14. Single Members
- 15. Seminaries and Institutes of Religion
The Work of Salvation and Exaltation
- Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  - 16. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  - 17. Teaching the Gospel
  - 18. Performing Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
  - 19. Music
  - 20. Activities
- Caring for Those in Need
  - 21. Ministering
  - 22. Providing for Temporal Needs and Building Self-Reliance
- Inviting All to Receive the Gospel
  - 23. Sharing the Gospel and Strengthening New and Returning Members
  - 24. Missionary Recommendations and Service
- Uniting Families for Eternity
  - 25. Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake
  - 26. Temple Recommends
  - 27. Temple Ordinances for the Living
  - 28. Temple Ordinances for the Deceased
Church Administration
- 29. Meetings in the Church
- 30. Callings in the Church
- 31. Interviews and Other Meetings with Members
- 32. Repentance and Church Membership Councils
- 33. Records and Reports
- 34. Finances and Audits
- 35. Care and Use of Meetinghouses
- 36. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units
  - 36.0. Introduction
- 37. Specialized Stakes, Wards, and Branches
- 38. Church Policies and Guidelines

5. General and Area Leadership

“5. General and Area Leadership,” Selections from the General Handbook (2023).

“5. General and Area Leadership,” Selections from the General Handbook.

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First Presidency

General and Area Leadership

5.0

Introduction

Jesus Christ is the “chief corner stone” of His Church (Ephesians 2:20). He holds all priesthood keys. He calls apostles and prophets to assist Him in the work of salvation and exaltation. He confers upon these chosen servants all the keys that presently pertain to the kingdom of God on the earth. (See Doctrine and Covenants 27:12–13; see also 3.4.1 in this handbook.)

Through prophets and apostles, the Lord calls men to the office of Seventy to assist in His work in all the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:38). In addition, the Presiding Bishopric, General Officers, and other men and women leaders are given important responsibilities to assist in the work.

For more information, see chapter 5 in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).