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
- 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

36. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units

“36. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units,” Selections from the General Handbook (2023).

“36. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units,” Selections from the General Handbook

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man giving a talk in sacrament meeting

36.

Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units

36.0

Introduction

Church members belong to congregations based on where they live (see Mosiah 25:17–24). These congregations are necessary for organizing and doing the work of the Church under the proper priesthood authority.

Church congregations (also called units) include stakes, districts, wards, and branches. They are created, changed, or discontinued only as needed.

Leaders work to increase the spiritual strength of members before proposing to create a new unit or change a unit’s boundary. New units should be created only when the existing units are sufficiently strong.

For support in the United States and Canada, call 1-801-240-1007. Outside the United States and Canada, call the area office.