Temple and Family History
What Should I Focus On?

“What Should I Focus On?” My Calling as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant (2020)

“What Should I Focus On?” My Calling as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant

My Calling as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant

What Should I Focus On?

As a ward temple and family history consultant, you help individuals and families come unto Christ as they participate in family history and temple work.

In President Russell M. Nelson’s first address as President of the Church, he counseled: “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere. … The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families, faithful to covenants made in a temple that qualify us for the greatest gift of God—that of eternal life” (“As We Go Forward Together,” Ensign, Apr. 2018, 7).

Lead in the Savior’s Way

You are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship includes loving, teaching, leading, and serving others. President Henry B. Eyring taught: “You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands” (“Rise to Your Call,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 76).

The following principles will help you as you fulfill your calling:

  • Pray to be led by the Holy Ghost.

  • Prepare ahead of time to help each individual or family you work with have a personalized experience with their temple and family history work.

  • Minister to the one.

  • Invite those you help to act.

Learn more about these principles by reading “A New Approach to Temple and Family History Consulting,” FamilySearch Blog, Jan. 4, 2019, FamilySearch.org/blog.

group of people using FamilySearch

Help Others

Temple and family history consultants support the ward temple and family history plan (see General Handbook, 25.2.6), which typically includes providing means for helping ward members with family history. Opportunities to serve come through the ward temple and family history coordination meeting and your own personal contacts.

You magnify your calling and help others when you do the following:

  • Remember that everything you do should point members to the temple.

  • Follow the Spirit in your preparation and teaching.

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  • Strive to minister to the one by meeting each person’s individual needs.