Priesthood Leader Responsibilities

“Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. … ‘Let us work for what we need. Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle.’”

Thomas S. Monson (quoting Marion G. Romney), “Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 3

Stake Presidency (or District Presidency)

1. Learn and teach the doctrines and principles of self-reliance (see back cover). Instruct bishops and members of the stake self-reliance committee in their self-reliance responsibilities.

2. Define self-reliance objectives for the stake.

3. Organize a stake self-reliance committee that can develop, implement, and monitor a self-reliance action plan for the stake.

4. Prioritize inviting returning missionaries and new converts (as needed) to participate in self-reliance activities.

5. Include self-reliance on the stake council agenda.

6. Call a stake self-reliance specialist.

7. Call Church-service missionaries as needed.

8. Review and act on stake self-reliance progress reports and PEF loan reports.

9. Provide guidance for using the family history center for self-reliance purposes as needed.

Stake Self-Reliance Committee

“There is no problem in the family, ward, or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord’s way by counseling—really counseling—with one another.”

M. Russell Ballard, Counseling with Our Councils, rev. ed. (2012), 4

The stake self-reliance committee includes the following individuals: a member of the stake presidency (chair), the high councilor assigned to self-reliance, a member of the stake Relief Society presidency, the chairman of the bishops’ welfare council, and the stake self-reliance specialist. Optional participants may include members of the stake Young Men and Young Women presidencies, additional stake specialists, full-time senior missionaries, and Church-service missionaries.

1. Watch the video “Laboring unto Self-Reliance” (available at srs.lds.org/videos).

2. Develop, implement, and monitor a self-reliance action plan for the stake.

3. Offer regular My Path to Self-Reliance devotionals (see page 4).

4. Organize and staff a stake self-reliance resource center. Designate a Church-service missionary couple or a self-reliance specialist to direct the operations of the center and to organize self-reliance groups (see page 2).

5. Teach ward councils their self-reliance duties.

6. Utilize resources and services developed by Self-Reliance Services employees.

7. Invite returning missionaries and new converts (as needed) to participate in My Path devotionals and join self-reliance groups.

Stake Self-Reliance Specialist

The specialist serves as the link to all of the functions of Self-Reliance Services (stake self-reliance committee, stake self-reliance resource center, and Self-Reliance Services manager).

1. Prepare the stake self-reliance committee agenda.

2. Train Church-service missionaries and volunteers to operate a self-reliance resource center.

3. Train and oversee other self-reliance specialists in the stake.

4. Order self-reliance materials as needed.

5. Train and assist bishops and ward councils as requested.

6. Help register members at srs.lds.org/register.

7. Organize, monitor, support, and facilitate self-reliance groups. (Other members may be asked to facilitate groups as needed.)

8. Study and follow principles found online at srs.lds.org/facilitator.

Bishopric (or Branch Presidency)

“There is no new organization necessary to take care of the needs of this people. All that is necessary is to put the priesthood of God to work.”

Harold B. Lee, “Admonitions for the Priesthood of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1973, 104

1. Teach ward members the doctrines and principles of self-reliance (see back cover).

2. Direct self-reliance efforts through the ward council:

   • Identify, number, and invite all needy members to become self-reliant. The Adult Member Self-Reliance Tool at leader.lds.org/self-reliance may be helpful with this process.

   • Through quorum and auxiliary leaders, provide support, mentors, and assistance to those in need.

3. Invite those in need to complete the My Path to Self-Reliance booklet and join a self-reliance group.

4. Call ward self-reliance specialists to facilitate groups as needed.

5. Conduct PEF loan endorsement interviews (see srs.lds.org/loans).

6. Review and act on ward self-reliance progress reports and PEF loan reports. Bishops should not be involved in PEF loan collections.

7. Seek additional assistance from the stake self-reliance committee as necessary.