“29. Meetings in the Church,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2024).
“29. Meetings in the Church,” General Handbook.
29.
Meetings in the Church
29.0
Introduction
Latter-day Saints meet together to worship, edify each other, and teach and learn the gospel (see Alma 6:6; Moroni 6:5–6). The Savior promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Meeting together is one way our hearts can be “knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21).
Leadership meetings help leaders counsel together and coordinate efforts to serve others. However, holding a meeting should never replace serving and ministering as Jesus Christ did. Ways to assist God in His work of salvation and exaltation can be planned in a meeting, but these are most often accomplished outside of the meeting.
29.1
Planning and Conducting Meetings
Leaders plan and conduct meetings “as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:45; see also Moroni 6:9; Doctrine and Covenants 46:2). They seek ways to invite the influence of the Spirit in their meetings.
Leaders ensure that the number and length of meetings do not create burdens for members or their families. For example, meetings should not make it difficult for families to have time together on the Sabbath day.
Leaders also ensure that meetings focus on what is most important. For example, sacrament meetings should focus on the sacrament and building faith in Jesus Christ. Presidency meetings and council meetings focus on strengthening individuals and families.
The presiding officer may conduct the meeting. Or he or she may ask someone else, such as a counselor, to conduct under his or her direction.
Occasionally something happens during a meeting that the presiding officer feels a need to clarify. For example, someone might teach incorrect doctrine. If that happens, the presiding officer should make a clarification without embarrassing anyone.
29.2
Ward Meetings
29.2.1
Sacrament Meeting
29.2.1.1
Planning Sacrament Meeting
The bishopric plans and conducts sacrament meeting. They ensure that the focus of the meeting is on the sacrament and building faith in Jesus Christ.
Sacrament meeting lasts one hour. It can include the following:
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Prelude music (see 19.3.2 for guidelines). Reverent music before the meeting starts can invite a spirit of worship.
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Greeting and welcome.
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Acknowledgment of presiding authorities or other leaders who are visiting. Presiding authorities and visiting high councilors should be invited to sit on the stand. General Officers are also invited to sit on the stand unless they are attending their home ward.
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Announcements. These should be kept to a minimum. Most can be printed, shared electronically, or shared in other meetings.
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Ward and stake business, such as the following:
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Sustaining and releasing officers and teachers (see 30.3 and 30.6).
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Presenting names of brethren to be ordained to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood (see 18.10.3).
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Recognizing new ward members, including recent converts. After a few words of introduction, the person conducting asks the congregation to show by an uplifted hand that they welcome the member into the ward.
When children who are members of record are baptized and confirmed, they are recognized in sacrament meeting. However, they do not need to be presented for welcome into the ward.
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Naming and blessing children (see 18.6). This is usually done in fast and testimony meeting (see 29.2.2).
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Confirming new converts (see 18.8).
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Sacrament hymn and administration of the sacrament. The sacrament is the main focus of the meeting. Other parts of the meeting should not detract from it. This ordinance is an opportunity for members to direct their thoughts toward the Savior and His sacrifice for them. It should be a sacred time of spiritual renewal.
The sacrament table should be prepared before the meeting begins. The bishop ensures that the sacrament is blessed and passed in a reverent and orderly way. Those who administer the sacrament represent Jesus Christ.
For more about preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament, see 18.9.
For information about administering the sacrament in unusual situations, see 29.2.1.5 and 18.9.1.
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Gospel messages and congregational singing or other music. Messages and music should be consistent with the sacred nature of the sacrament. For information about selecting speakers, see 29.2.1.4. For information about musical selections in sacrament meeting, see 19.3.2.
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Closing hymn and prayer.
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Postlude music.
Visual aids and audiovisual materials should not be used in sacrament meetings (see 38.8.3).
29.2.1.2
Presiding at Sacrament Meeting
The bishop presides at sacrament meeting unless a member of the stake presidency, an Area Seventy in his area, or a General Authority attends. If the bishop and his counselors are not able to attend sacrament meeting, the stake president designates who presides. Normally he designates the elders quorum president. However, he could invite another Melchizedek Priesthood holder.
29.2.1.3
Time before the Meeting
Before the meeting starts, members of the congregation prepare spiritually for the sacrament. They can do this through quiet prayer and pondering. Leaders set an example of reverence.
A member of the bishopric invites Young Women class presidencies to organize youth to minister by welcoming visitors and members as they enter the chapel. Youth make an effort to greet members by name. They also promote reverence by answering questions and helping people find seats as needed.
29.2.1.4
Selecting Speakers
The bishopric selects speakers for sacrament meeting. Most often they invite ward members, including youth and children (see 38.8.18). The stake president may assign high councilors or members of stake organization presidencies to speak. The stake president determines the frequency of such assignments.
The bishopric extends invitations to speak well in advance of the meeting. Speakers bear testimony of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel using the scriptures (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:12; 52:9). Messages should build faith and be consistent with the sacred nature of the sacrament.
For information about newly called or recently returned missionaries speaking in sacrament meeting, see 24.5.2 and 24.8.3.
The bishopric schedules one sacrament meeting each year for a presentation by the Primary children. For information about this presentation, see 12.1.6.
29.2.1.5
Sacrament Services in Unusual Situations
Every member needs the spiritual blessings that come from partaking of the sacrament. However, some members are unable to attend sacrament meeting because they are confined to their home, a hospital, or a care facility. The bishop may assign priesthood holders to administer the sacrament to these members (see 18.9.1).
In some cases, the bishop may authorize streaming sacrament meeting for those who cannot attend. For information, see 29.7.
When members are traveling or temporarily living away from home, they should attend sacrament meeting in a nearby ward if possible. Sacrament services should not be held in conjunction with family reunions, vacations, or other activities that are not sponsored by the Church.
29.2.2
Fast and Testimony Meeting
In a fast and testimony meeting, there are no assigned speakers or special musical selections. Instead, the person conducting bears a brief testimony. He then invites members of the congregation to bear their testimonies. To bear testimony means to declare gospel truths as inspired by the Holy Ghost. Testimonies should be brief so that many people can participate.
Young children are welcome to bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. It may be best for them to learn to do so at home until they can bear testimony without help from others.
Under the bishop’s direction, children are usually named and blessed during fast and testimony meeting (see 29.2.1.1).
29.2.3
Ward Conference
Ward conference is planned to meet local needs. It includes a sacrament meeting planned by the stake president. The stake president usually presides at the meeting, and a member of the bishopric usually conducts.
During this meeting, a member of the stake presidency or high council presents the names of general, stake, and ward leaders for sustaining. He uses the Officers Sustained form, prepared by the ward clerk. The bishop and stake president usually speak in the meeting.
The ward holds regular priesthood and organization meetings as part of ward conference. Stake leaders may give instruction and assistance. They minister to ward leaders and members.
In connection with ward conference, the stake presidency meets with the bishopric. Together they review the progress of God’s work of salvation and exaltation in the ward. This meeting may be held on ward conference Sunday or at another time.
29.2.4
Bishopric Meeting
The bishop plans and conducts bishopric meetings. Matters for consideration could include:
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Coordinating God’s work of salvation and exaltation in the ward.
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Strengthening individuals and families in the ward—especially youth and children.
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Identifying members who could prepare to receive ordinances, including priesthood ordinations.
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Identifying members to call to ward positions.
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Identifying members who could be recommended to the stake president to serve as missionaries.
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Reviewing instructions from the scriptures, Church leaders, and this handbook.
Other items may include ward organizations and programs, the ward budget, reports on assignments, and plans for upcoming meetings and activities.
29.2.5
Ward Council Meeting
The bishop plans, presides over, and conducts ward council meetings. If he is absent, he may assign a counselor to preside and conduct. However, the council does not make major decisions without the bishop.
The ward council seeks to help all ward members build spiritual strength, receive saving ordinances, keep covenants, and become consecrated followers of Jesus Christ (see Moroni 6:4–5). During ward council meetings, council members plan and coordinate this work. They determine together how the strengths and abilities of ward members can bless those in need. They seek the guidance of the Spirit as they unite in love and concern for members of the ward.
Ward organization leaders attend ward council meetings in two capacities:
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As members of the ward council who help bless all ward members.
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As representatives of their organizations.
When they meet together, ward council members discuss matters that would benefit from unified efforts of the entire council. Each council member is encouraged to share his or her thoughts and inspiration on these matters.
Ward council meetings usually do not last longer than one hour. They begin with a prayer and brief reports on assignments from previous meetings. Listed below are items that could be discussed. There is not enough time to discuss all of them in every meeting. The bishop gives priority to matters that are most needed to bless individuals and families.
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Living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Helping all members build faith, receive saving ordinances, and keep their covenants.
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Caring for those in need. Sharing resources and skills to bless individuals, families, and the community. Helping ward members become self-reliant. (See chapter 22.)
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Inviting all to receive the gospel. Reviewing the progress of those who are learning about the gospel, as well as new and returning members. Discussing ways members can share the gospel with others. (See chapter 23.)
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Uniting families for eternity. Reviewing the progress of members who are preparing to receive temple ordinances. Planning ways to help more members qualify for a temple recommend. Discussing ways members can participate in temple and family history work. (See chapter 25.)
As ward council members discuss these matters, they consider the needs and strengths of the members they serve. They can learn about these needs and strengths in presidency meetings, in discussions with members of their organization (including ministering interviews), and through their own ministering efforts. In addition, Leader and Clerk Resources has tools and reports that can help leaders be aware of the progress of members. Council members must keep confidential any private or sensitive information (see 4.4.6).
The ward council should know the children and youth in the ward and their home circumstances. They pay particular attention to those who do not have gospel support at home.
After a discussion, the bishop may either decide on a course of action or postpone a decision while seeking additional information and guidance. Or he could refer the matter to a different council, such as the bishopric. See 4.4.3.
Sometimes the ward council may determine that a ward activity could help meet the needs of members. The ward council may oversee the planning of ward activities. However, most of the planning is done before and after council meetings. For more information about activities, see chapter 20.
After full-time missionaries return home, they may be invited to report on their missions to the ward council (see 24.8.3).
To understand principles that guide council meetings in the Church, all council members should study 4.3 and 4.4.
29.2.6
Ward Youth Council Meeting
The bishop may conduct ward youth council meetings. Or he may assign someone else to do so, such as one of his priests quorum assistants or the president of the oldest Young Women class. Ward youth council meetings provide opportunities for youth to lead. The bishopric or other leaders can help them prepare for these meetings during quorum or class presidency meetings.
Before each meeting, the bishop and the person conducting review the items to be discussed. These items could include the following:
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God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
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Needs of youth in the ward and ways to address them.
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Efforts to reach out to youth who are less active or new members.
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Activities, including opportunities to serve those in need. Most of the planning is done in quorum or class presidency meetings (see chapter 20).
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Ministering (see chapter 21).
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Orienting newly called quorum and class presidencies.
To understand principles that guide council meetings in the Church, all council members should study 4.3 and 4.4.
29.2.7
Other Ward Meetings and Classes
Meetings for priesthood quorums and their presidencies are described in chapters 8 and 10.
Meetings for Relief Society sisters and their leaders are described in chapter 9.
Meetings for young women and their leaders are described in chapter 11.
Meetings for Primary children and their leaders are described in chapter 12.
Sunday School classes are described in 13.3.
Teacher council meetings are described in 17.4.
Coordination meetings for the work of sharing the gospel and strengthening new and returning members are described in 23.4.
Coordination meetings for temple and family history work are described in 25.2.7.
29.2.8
Schedules for Sunday Meetings
Wards use one of the following two-hour schedules for Sunday meetings.
Plan 1
|
60 minutes |
Sacrament meeting |
|---|---|
|
10 minutes |
Transition to classes and meetings |
|
50 minutes |
All Sundays: Primary, including nursery (see 12.2.1.2) First and third Sundays of the month: Sunday School (see 13.3) Second and fourth Sundays: priesthood quorum meetings (see 8.2.1.2 and 10.2.1.2), Relief Society meetings (see 9.2.1.2), and Young Women meetings (see 11.2.1.2) Fifth Sundays: meetings for youth and adults. The bishopric determines the topic and assigns teachers (usually members of the ward or stake). They also determine whether youth and adults, male and female, meet separately or together. |
Plan 2
|
50 minutes |
All Sundays: Primary, including nursery (see 12.2.1.2) First and third Sundays of the month: Sunday School (see 13.3) Second and fourth Sundays: priesthood quorum meetings (see 8.2.1.2 and 10.2.1.2), Relief Society meetings (see 9.2.1.2), and Young Women meetings (see 11.2.1.2) Fifth Sundays: meetings for youth and adults. The bishopric determines the topic and assigns teachers (usually members of the ward or stake). They also determine whether youth and adults, male and female, meet separately or together. |
|---|---|
|
10 minutes |
Transition to sacrament meeting |
|
60 minutes |
Sacrament meeting |
When two wards meet in the same building and one or both have very few children or youth, it may be desirable for the children or youth to attend Sunday classes together. The wards’ Sunday meeting schedules could overlap as shown below.
This plan may also be considered if the two wards use different languages but the children and youth speak the same language.
Using this plan requires the stake president’s approval. If he approves, the bishop of each ward meets with organization leaders to seek their counsel about implementing it.
The two bishoprics meet together to determine which members from each ward should be called to serve in quorums and organizations. Each bishop remains the president of his priests quorum, but the two bishops may take turns presiding in Sunday quorum meetings. The bishops from both wards attend combined ward youth council meetings. After implementing the plan, leaders continue to meet regularly to coordinate their efforts.
29.2.9
Easter and Christmas
On Easter Sunday, sacrament meeting is the only meeting held. The same is true when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. When Christmas falls on another day of the week, sacrament meeting is the only meeting held on a Sunday near Christmas—usually the Sunday before—as determined by the stake presidency.
In some areas, a major non-Christian holiday is culturally significant. When such a holiday falls on a Sunday, the Area Presidency may authorize bishops to hold sacrament meeting only on that day.
Stake presidencies may consult with bishops to determine whether to adjust start times for sacrament meetings on these Sundays.
29.3
Stake Meetings
29.3.1
Stake Conference
Stake conferences are scheduled by the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Usually the stake president presides at one conference each year and an assigned Area Seventy or General Authority presides at the other.
The presiding officer directs all planning for the conference. He approves participants and musical selections in advance. For information about music in stake conference, see 19.3.4.
When an Area Seventy or General Authority presides, he may invite the stake president to suggest topics for instruction at the conference. When the stake president presides, he and his counselors select topics. The stake presidency may discuss possible topics with the stake council. In making these selections, the stake presidency considers topics that the First Presidency has emphasized recently.
As the stake president makes arrangements for stake conference, he may ask priesthood quorums and other organizations, individuals, and families to help. For example, they could be assigned to set up chairs, provide ushers, and clean the building.
Each stake conference normally includes the following meetings:
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A meeting of the Area Seventy or General Authority (if assigned) and the stake presidency. The stake clerk and executive secretary also attend.
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A stake priesthood leadership meeting (see 29.3.3). The presiding authority determines whether this meeting is held on Saturday or Sunday. A member of the stake presidency conducts.
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A Saturday evening session for all stake members 18 and older. Depending on local circumstances, this meeting may be held on Sunday if approved by the presiding authority. A member of the stake presidency conducts.
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A general session, held on Sunday, for all members and others who would like to attend. The stake president conducts and speaks in this meeting. More than one Sunday general session may be held if there is not room for everyone in one session. Children attend with their families, not in a separate meeting.
If necessary, conference sessions may be streamed to meetinghouses or other locations in the stake. Some members may need the conference to be streamed to their homes. For more about streaming meetings, see 29.7.
Speakers in the general session should not use visual aids or audiovisual materials (see 38.8.3).
If General Officers, the temple president and matron, the mission president and companion, or the stake patriarch attend, they should sit on the stand. The same is true for counselors in temple and mission presidencies (and their spouses) if they attend in the place of the temple or mission president.
In one stake conference each year, a member of the stake presidency presents general, area, and stake officers for sustaining. He uses the Officers Sustained form, prepared by the stake clerk. This is usually done in the first stake conference of the year.
If stake officers are called or released between stake conferences, they are presented for sustaining or an expression of thanks in the next stake conference. Or this can be done in each ward’s sacrament meeting. See 30.3 and 30.6.
Brethren who have been recommended to be ordained elders or high priests are presented for sustaining in a stake conference. If a brother needs to be ordained before the next stake conference, he may be sustained in his ward’s sacrament meeting. His name would then be presented for ratifying in a stake conference (see 18.10.3).
29.3.2
Stake General Priesthood Meeting
The stake presidency plans and conducts stake general priesthood meetings. They prayerfully select subjects and speakers.
29.3.3
Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting
The stake presidency plans and conducts stake priesthood leadership meetings. The structure of these meetings is flexible. All participants may meet together for the entire meeting. Or, after some general instruction, they may separate into smaller groups for specific instruction based on their callings and assignments.
The stake presidency and other stake leaders generally provide instruction. Ward leaders, including women leaders, can also be invited to give instruction on occasion.
29.3.4
Stake Leadership Meetings
Stake organization presidencies plan and conduct stake leadership meetings. The structure of these meetings is flexible. All leaders may meet together for the entire meeting. Or, after some general instruction, they may separate into smaller groups for specific instruction based on their callings and assignments.
Organization leaders, stake presidency members, or other stake leaders generally provide instruction. Ward organization leaders can also be invited to give instruction on occasion.
The stake Young Men presidency does not hold a stake leadership meeting. Instruction for those serving with Aaronic Priesthood quorums is given in stake priesthood leadership meetings (see 29.3.3).
29.3.5
Stake Presidency Meeting
The stake president plans and conducts stake presidency meetings. Matters for consideration could include:
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God’s work of salvation and exaltation in the stake.
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Strengthening individuals and families in the stake.
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The needs and strengths of wards, elders quorums, and other organizations in the stake.
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Bishops’ recommendations of men to be ordained elders.
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Members to call to stake positions and some ward positions as outlined in 30.8.
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Bishops’ recommendations of members to serve missions.
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Instructions from the scriptures, Church leaders, and this handbook.
Other items may include stake activities and programs, the stake budget, reports on assignments, and plans for upcoming meetings.
29.3.6
High Council Meeting
The stake presidency plans and conducts high council meetings. These meetings may include:
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Receiving instruction from the stake presidency on doctrine and assignments.
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Counseling together about strengthening individuals and families in the stake. Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) has tools and reports that can help leaders be aware of the progress of members.
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Discussing how to help accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation in the stake.
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Reporting on assignments.
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Counseling with the stake presidency and sustaining their decisions to ordain brethren as elders and high priests.
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Counseling with the stake presidency and sustaining their decisions to issue callings.
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Helping plan stake priesthood leadership meetings (see 29.3.3).
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Hearing reports from returning missionaries (see 24.8.3).
Sometimes a brief high council meeting could be immediately followed by a stake council meeting (see 29.3.7). This can help reduce the number of meetings for leaders to attend.
To understand principles that guide council meetings in the Church, all council members should study 4.3 and 4.4.
For information about participants joining the meeting remotely, see 29.7.
29.3.7
Stake Council Meeting
The stake president plans and conducts stake council meetings. In these meetings, council members may:
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Receive instruction from the stake presidency on doctrine and on their assignments.
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Counsel together about strengthening individuals and families in the stake. LCR has tools and reports that can help leaders be aware of the progress of members.
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Discuss overall vision for God’s work of salvation and exaltation in the stake.
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Discuss temporal needs of stake members and how to help them be self-reliant. Identify resources available in the community and stake. Examples may include local schools and BYU–Pathway Worldwide. (See 22.12 and 22.13.)
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Develop and maintain a simple plan for the stake to respond to emergencies (see 22.9.1.3).
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Plan ways for stake members to give service in the community (see 22.9.1). Where it is available, JustServe.org suggests opportunities for community service.
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Report on stake organizations, activities, and programs.
Sometimes a stake council meeting could immediately follow a brief high council meeting (see 29.3.6). This can help reduce the number of meetings for leaders to attend.
To understand principles that guide council meetings in the Church, all council members should study 4.3 and 4.4.
For information about participants joining the meeting remotely, see 29.7.
29.3.8
Stake Adult Leadership Committee Meeting
The stake adult leadership committee supports elders quorum and ward Relief Society presidencies in their work. Committee members give special emphasis to ward efforts in ministering, sharing the gospel, strengthening new and returning members, and participating in temple and family history work.
In addition, this committee coordinates stake efforts related to welfare and self-reliance, including JustServe.org (where it is available) and BYU–Pathway Worldwide (see 22.13).
The stake presidency plans and conducts meetings of the stake adult leadership committee. These meetings could be extensions of stake council meetings. For example, at the end of some stake council meetings, the adult leadership committee could meet to continue a discussion about specific matters.
29.3.9
Stake Youth Leadership Committee Meeting
The stake youth leadership committee supports bishoprics, Young Women presidencies and advisers, and Aaronic Priesthood quorum advisers in their work with youth. Adult leaders on the committee give special emphasis to engaging youth in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
The stake youth leadership committee has the following additional responsibilities:
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Plan service and activities. These could include youth conferences, dances, devotionals, service projects, and multistake events. (For service ideas, see JustServe.org where it is available.) Youth should lead out in planning and carrying out these activities. Stake activities should not be so frequent that they place a burden on wards. These activities should supplement ward activities, not compete with them. Ward leaders should be notified of stake activities well in advance.
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Plan ways to support For the Strength of Youth conferences.
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Coordinate stake efforts related to the Children and Youth program.
A member of the stake presidency oversees meetings of the stake youth leadership committee. He may conduct, or he may assign someone else to do so, including youth. These meetings could be extensions of stake council meetings. For example, at the end of some stake council meetings, the youth leadership committee could meet to continue a discussion about specific matters.
29.3.10
Stake Bishops’ Council Meeting
Matters for discussion could include:
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Helping youth progress spiritually.
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Using fast offerings to care for those in need. Helping members build self-reliance (see chapter 22, especially 22.11). Sharing information about resources available in the community.
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Helping members repent and experience a change of heart (see chapter 32).
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Managing Church finances (see chapter 34).
The stake president leads this meeting. He helps bishops learn and fulfill their principal responsibilities (see 7.1). He also invites bishops to counsel about instruction from Church leaders.
This meeting does not take the place of the stake president’s regular interviews with each bishop (see 6.2.1.2).
To understand principles that guide council meetings in the Church, all council members should study 4.3 and 4.4.
29.3.11
Other Stake Meetings
Meetings of the stake single adult committee and stake young single adult committee are described in 14.1.1.2.
29.4
Coordinating Council Meetings
The Area Seventy leads the meetings and facilitates the discussion. All who attend counsel together as equal participants (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:122).
In these meetings, participants:
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Seek revelation about how best to implement the teachings and direction of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Area Presidency.
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Coordinate God’s work of salvation and exaltation within their council.
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Counsel together about the temporal and spiritual welfare of members and how to help them become true followers of Jesus Christ.
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Instruct and edify one another.
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Coordinate multistake matters.
29.5
Funerals and Other Services for the Deceased
When a Church member dies, the bishop may offer to hold services to help comfort the living and pay respectful tribute to the deceased. Services for people who die vary according to religion, culture, tradition, and local laws. The following instructions can help bishops plan gospel-centered services for the deceased while respecting these variations.
29.5.1
General Principles
Death is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation (see Alma 12:24–27). Because of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected. An important purpose of Church services for the deceased is to testify of the plan of salvation, particularly the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection. These services should be dignified, spiritual experiences.
Church members should show respect for the practices of other religions at times of death. However, they should not join rituals or traditions that are contrary to the commandments or Church standards. Church leaders should not include rituals of other religions or groups in Church services for the deceased.
Members are counseled against practices or traditions that become a burden for the living. Such practices may include excessive travel, elaborate public announcements, payments to the family, prolonged feasts, and excessive anniversary celebrations.
Church members who take part in services for the deceased should not accept payment.
Church leaders and members obey local laws about what to do when someone dies.
29.5.2
Offering Assistance to the Family
As disciples of Jesus Christ, Church leaders and members “mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). When a member dies, the bishop visits the family to give comfort. He may ask his counselors to accompany him. He also notifies the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents.
The bishop offers assistance from ward members, including the elders quorum and Relief Society. For example, ward members could:
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Notify friends and relatives.
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Help prepare an obituary.
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Help plan the funeral or other service.
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Help make mortuary and cemetery arrangements, as applicable.
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Dress the body for burial (see 38.5.10).
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Prepare meals.
29.5.3
Viewings (Where Customary)
Sometimes a viewing of the body of the deceased is held at a Church meetinghouse before the funeral service. Leaders should open the meetinghouse for funeral directors at least one hour before the viewing is scheduled to begin.
After the viewing, a family prayer may be offered if the family desires. The casket should be closed before the funeral service.
29.5.4
Funeral Services (Where Customary)
If a funeral for a member is held in a Church building, the bishop conducts it. If it is held in a home, at a mortuary, or at the graveside, the family may ask the bishop to conduct it. A bishop’s counselor may conduct if the bishop cannot. For information about services held in a Church building for a person who is not a member of the Church, see 29.5.6.
A funeral conducted by the bishop, whether in a Church building or elsewhere, is a Church meeting and a religious service. It should be a spiritual occasion. The bishop urges participants to maintain a spirit of reverence and dignity.
When a bishop conducts a funeral, he or one of his counselors oversees the planning of the service. He considers the wishes of the family, ensuring that the funeral is simple and dignified, with music and brief addresses centered on the gospel. The comfort offered by Jesus Christ because of His Atonement and Resurrection should be emphasized. Family members are not required to speak or otherwise participate in the service.
Funerals are an opportunity to pay tribute to the deceased. However, such tributes should not dominate the service. A special family gathering, separate from the funeral service, is usually a better setting if the family wants more time to share tributes or memories.
Video presentations should not be part of a funeral service held in a chapel.
Funerals should start on time. Generally, they should not last more than 1.5 hours, as a courtesy to those who attend.
If a member of the stake presidency, an Area Seventy in his area, or a General Authority attends the funeral, he presides. The person conducting consults him in advance and recognizes him during the service. The presiding officer should be invited to offer closing remarks if he desires.
Funeral services are not normally held on Sunday.
In some cases, the bishop can arrange with morticians to provide modest, respectable funeral and burial services at cost if expenses are paid from fast-offering funds.
For information about missionaries returning home to attend a funeral, see 24.6.2.7. For guidelines about streaming and recording funerals, see 29.7.
29.5.5
Burial or Cremation
Where possible, deceased members who were endowed should be buried or cremated in temple clothing. For information about temple burial clothing and dressing the dead, see 38.5.10.
If possible, a member of the bishopric accompanies the cortege to the cemetery. If the grave will be dedicated, he consults with the family and asks a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to perform the dedication. Instructions are provided in 18.16. If the family prefers, a graveside prayer can be offered instead.
For information about dedicating the place where a cremated member’s ashes are kept, see 18.16.2. For other guidelines about cremation, see 38.7.2.
29.5.6
Services for Those Who Are Not Members of the Church
The bishop may offer the use of a Church meetinghouse for the funeral service of a person who is not a member of the Church. If the deceased person belonged to another church, the service may usually be held in the manner prescribed by that church. If the family desires, the service may be conducted by clergy from that church, provided it is dignified and appropriate. However, rituals of other churches or organizations may not be performed in a Church meetinghouse.
29.6
Prayers in Church Meetings
Prayers in Church meetings should be brief, simple, and directed by the Spirit. Any baptized Church member may offer an opening or closing prayer. Children who are not baptized may pray in Primary. Leaders should avoid always asking a husband and wife to pray in the same meeting.
Members should pray using words that express love and respect for Heavenly Father. In English, this includes using the pronouns Thee, Thy, Thine, and Thou when addressing Him.
29.7
Streaming Meetings and Holding Virtual Meetings
Church members should strive to attend meetings in person. There is a benefit in gathering that enhances worship and helps unify members (see 29.0).
When this is not possible due to health or other reasons, streaming and holding virtual meetings make it possible to include those who are not able to attend. For the benefit of these members and others, the bishop may authorize livestreaming of sacrament meetings (see 29.2.1.5), baptismal services, funerals, and other ward meetings. The stake president may authorize livestreaming of stake conference (see 29.3.1) and other stake meetings. For guidance about streaming the sacrament and other ordinances, see 38.2.3.
Similarly, when members cannot attend Sunday classes or leadership meetings in person, the bishop or stake president may authorize these members to participate virtually.
Ward and stake technology specialists can help leaders set up streams and virtual meetings (see 33.10). These individuals can also help members access these meetings.
Stream recordings of ward and stake meetings should be deleted within one day after the meeting.
29.8
Photographs and Video Recordings of Meetings
To preserve the sacredness of Church meetings, no one should take photographs or make video recordings of sacrament meetings or stake conferences.
For information about stream recordings of meetings, see 29.7.
29.9
Interpreting for Meetings
The Lord wants everyone to understand the gospel in his or her own language (see Doctrine and Covenants 90:11). In stakes where members speak more than one native language, a member of the stake presidency may call a stake interpretation coordinator. A bishop may call ward interpreters.
For more information, see Church Interpretation Training and Best Practices at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.