My Calling as a Counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency

Getting Started

Welcome to your new calling! You have been called to the work of the Lord in helping the elders quorum president as he presides over the elders quorum. As a presidency, you “sit in council” with quorum members and “teach them according to the covenants” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:89).

You will work closely with the stake presidency, the bishopric, and the other members of the quorum presidency in fulfilling your responsibilities. (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [ChurchofJesusChrist.org], 8.3.3.2.)

You Are Not Alone

You have been called to minister to the members of the elders quorum in your ward. As a newly called counselor in the elders quorum presidency, you will likely feel a range of emotions about your responsibilities. Remember that you are not alone. This calling is a partnership with the Lord. As you seek the Lord’s guidance in serving the members in your quorum, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you, for the quorum members, and for their families.

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

• Counsel with the member of the stake presidency or high councilor who called you about where to begin.

• Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.

• Read “Elders Quorum,” chapter 8 in the General Handbook, especially the purposes of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums (see 8.1.1). Also review chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.

• Seek to understand your responsibilities as a counselor in the elders quorum presidency and the responsibilities of your presidency (see General Handbook, 8.3.3.1–8.3.3.2).

After You Are Sustained and Set Apart

• With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority.

• Continue to pray for guidance about your service.

• Counsel with the elders quorum president about your responsibilities and how he would like you to support him. Give the president your best counsel on elders quorum matters and then support the decisions he makes.

• Participate in presidency meetings. (See “Participate in Presidency Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• Participate in ward council meetings as invited by the elders quorum president. (See “Participate in Ward Council Meetings as Invited” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• Access reports and lists on Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or in the Member Tools mobile app to help your presidency get to know members of the quorum and be aware of the quorum’s strengths and needs.

• Participate in leadership training from the stake presidency, in stake priesthood leadership meetings, and in other training as available.

• To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew this training every three years.

• Study the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way (2016).