My Calling as a Stake Temple and Family History Consultant

Getting Started

family looking at family history materials

Thank you for accepting a calling to serve as a stake temple and family history consultant! President Russell M. Nelson has declared: “The Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

When we engage in temple and family history activities, we discover more about ourselves and our ancestors. We then connect with our ancestors by getting to know them and by performing needed gospel ordinances. This discovery and connection is part of the gathering of Israel (see Ephesians 1:10).

Being a stake temple and family history consultant does not require you to be an expert genealogist. Instead, when you are called to serve at the stake level, you will focus on helping stake and ward leaders and those in temple and family history callings to create experiences during which individuals can learn something meaningful about their family’s story. These experiences can invite the Holy Ghost to testify of the divine nature of families and the importance of gospel ordinances. The inspiration of the Spirit also encourages a desire to invite others to receive the blessings of the holy temple for themselves and their ancestors.

You Are Not Alone

As a newly called stake temple and family history consultant, 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 helping others participate in temple and family history work throughout the stake, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you and for the people you serve. Seek and nurture your personal testimony of temple and family history work. There are individuals who can help you, such as other stake temple and family history consultants. Your stake presidency may also call upon area temple and family history advisers to instruct and assist you (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 25.3.7, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Where to Start

When You Are Called, Sustained, and Set Apart

• Counsel with the stake high councilor over temple and family history work about where to begin. Ask him how you can find additional help.

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

• Read chapter 25, “Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake,” in the General Handbook. Seek to understand your responsibilities as a stake temple and family history consultant (see General Handbook, 25.3.5).

• Review and understand the principles taught in chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and provides additional guidance.

• Watch or read the transcripts of Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction broadcasts (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The messages and discussions in these sessions will help in your calling. They can help you learn how to hear the Lord through temple and family history work, based on President Russell M. Nelson’s promise that “as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him” (“Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 90). From these sessions, you will learn how to assist stake council leaders and those in ward temple and family history callings. You will also learn how to minister to everyone through temple and family history work, especially to those learning the gospel, new and returning members, and children and youth preparing to receive a temple recommend.

As You Fulfill Your Calling

• With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority. Allow sufficient time to serve in your calling.

• Reach out to the stake high councilor and stake Relief Society and learn how you can support them as they work with wards. This applies especially to the ward temple and family history leaders and consultants. See General Handbook, 25.3.5.

• Continue to pray for guidance about your service. Seek guidance about how you can be a resource to others.

• If you are assigned to help coordinate stake indexing efforts, start learning about indexing using FamilySearch Indexing Tool. Seek direction from the stake presidency and other stake council leaders about what they wish to accomplish through a stake indexing effort (see General Handbook, 25.4.3).

• If you are assigned to oversee or serve in a FamilySearch center, start by learning about center administration and services using the online guide “FamilySearch Center Operations Guide 2023” (Mar. 15, 2023, FamilySearch.org). Seek direction from the stake presidency and other stake council leaders about what they wish to accomplish through family history centers (see General Handbook, 25.3.6).

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