Summary—How Ward Councils Facilitate Ministering to Those with Temporal Needs

Instruction from the Presiding Bishopric and Relief Society General Presidency

Image

A ward council meeting with the bishopric and ward leaders

In His mortal ministry, the Savior demonstrated concern not only for the spiritual nourishment of His followers but also for their temporal well-being.
Ward councils and ministering sisters and brothers should carry out much of the work of caring for those with temporal needs. This can help bishops focus more of their attention on the rising generation.
Ward councils (1) plan ways to help those who have immediate and longer-term care needs, (2) teach members how to apply principles of self-reliance, including temporal preparedness and the law of the fast, and (3) identify members whose skills might be helpful in responding to temporal needs.
The recently approved nutrition initiative for member children under five, for which the Relief Society will take a leading role, is an ideal opportunity for ward councils and ministering sisters and brothers to apply these practices.