Handbook 1
Stake Presidents and Bishops
2010
Published by
‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, UtahIntroduction
‘The Lord admonished, “Let every man learn
his duty, and to act in the office in which he is
appoinied, in all diligence” (D&C 1079).
Church leaders seek personal revelation to
help them learn and fullill the cuties of their
callings
Studying the scriptures and the teachings of
latter-day prophets will help leaders understand
and fulfill their duties. The Lord has admonished
leaders to treasure up in their minds continually
the words of God so they will be receptive to the
influence of the Spirit (see D&C 8:85)
Leaders also lean their duties by studying
the instructions in Church handbooks. These
instructions can facilitate revelation if they are
used to provide an understanding of principles,
policies, and procedures to apply while seeking
the guidance of the Spirit,
Handbooks for Church Leaders
‘The Church provides two handbooks for lead~
ers:
‘Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops. The
first two chapters of this handbook outline the
general responsibilities of stake presidents and
bishops. The othe: chapters provide detailed in-
formation about policies and procedures. This
detailed information is arranged by topic to
provide easy access when stake presidents and
bishops have questions about their specific re-
sponsibilities
Hondbeok 2: Administering the Church. This
handbook is a guide for members of ward and
stake councils. The first two chapters present the
doctrinal foundation of the work of the Church:
the salvation of individuals and the sealing and
‘aaltation of families through the power of the
priesthood. The other chapters provide instruc-
tions for administering priesthood quorums
and auxiliaries. They also present principles and
guidelines that apply to multiple organizations
in the ward.
‘The headings and subheadings in these
handbooks are numbered to make topics easy to
locate or reference. Rather than refer toa page
cor group of pages, leaders may refer to a topic
by its number. For example, instructions about
temple marriage are provided in 3.5.1. The num-
ber 3 refers to the chapter, the number 5 refers
to a section of the chapter, and the number | re-
fers toa subsection.
Chapter Section Subsection
| hag lgal narsiage hen hate
Ge where the mariagets tobe pe
ie
351 Temple Marriage
The purpose ofa temple marriage]
in the scriptures as “the new and ever}
Updates and Supplements to
Instructions
Occasionally the information in these hand-
books will be updated or supplemented through
letters, notices, and other communication from
the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and
Presiding Bishopric. When this occurs, leaders
should note the changes in their copies of the
handbooks. Leaders should keep handbooks and
these supplementary materials together.
Questions about Instructions
Leaders who have questions about informa-
ton in the handbooks or about issues that are not
addressed should direct the questions to their
immediate presiding authority,
Application
and Missions
For administrative purposes, the terms bishop
and bishopric in the handbooks refer also to
branch presidents and branch presidencies. The
terms stake prescent and stake presidency refer also
to district presidents and district presidencies.
‘However, the offices of bishop and branch presi-
Gent are not equivelent in authority and respon-
sibility. Nor are the offices of stake presiclont and
istrict president. The bishop is an office in the
priesthood, and ordination is authorized only by
the First Presidency. Stake presidents are called
by General Authorities and Area Seventies,
References to wards and stakes usually apply
also to branches, districts, end missions.
Branches, Districts,Introduction
Contacting Church Headquarters or
the Assigned Administrative Office
Some chapters in this handbook include
instrucsions to contact Church headquarters or
the assigned administrative office. The instruc~
tion to contact Church headquarters applies
to priesthood leaders and clerks in the United
States and Canada, The instruction to contact the
assigned administrative office applies to priest.
hood leaders and clerks outside the United States
and Canada,
Distribution
Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops should
be distributed as follows:
* General Authorities, Area Seventies, members
of general auxiliary presidencies, Church de-
partment heads, directors of temporal affairs
(Loopy each)
+ Temple presidency (4 copies)
+ Mission presidency (3 copies)
+ Stake or district presidency (3 copies)
+ Stake or district clerk (1 file copy)
+ Bishopric (3 copies)
+ Branch president (1 copy)
+ Ward or branch clerk (1 file copy)
This handbook has been prepared solely for
‘use by general and local Church officers to ad
‘minister the affairs of the Church, It should not
be duplicated or given toany other persons. The
distribution list includes a file copy to be kept in
a secure place by each stake and ward clerk. He
‘may refer to it for information on finances and
records and for information on supporting the
stake president or bishop.
When Church officers who have a copy of
this handbook are released, they give the copy
promptly to their successors or to their presid-
ing authority.1. Duties of the Stake President
11. Presiding High Priest
1a
2
113
114
145
116
uz
148
Leadership
‘The Work of Salvation
Priesthood
Stake Patriarch .........20s0.22.5
‘Councils, Committees, and Meetings
Callings and Releases
Auniliaries and Frograms
Public Affairs
412 Common Judge
13 Weltare .
14 Records, Finances, and Properties1. Duties of the Stake President
44
The stakes of the Church are established “for
a defense, and for a refuge” for the Saints in the
latter days (D&C 115:6). The term stake comes
from the prophecies of Isaiah, who described lat-
ter-day Zion asa tent or ¢ tabernacle that would
be secured by stakes (see Isaiah 33:20; 54:2).
The stake president holds the priesthood keys
to direct the work of the Church within the stake.
He and his counselors form a stake presidency.
They minister to stake members with love and
concern, helping them become true followers of
Jesus Carist.
‘Thestake president has four principal respon-
sibilities in presiding over a stake:
|, Heis the presiding high priest.
2. He isa common judge.
3, He oversees welfare matters.
4, He oversees records, finances, and proper-
ties
Because the stake president holds priest-
hood keys, he has some responsibilities that are
his alone, To enable him to concentrate on these
duties, he delegates many other assignments to
his counselors, high councilors, the stake clerk,
the stake executive secretary, and assistant stake
clerks.
If the stake president is absent, ill, or other-
wise unable to perform his duties, a counselor
‘may actin his place temporarily except as noted
‘inthis handbook. The counselor is to consult with
a memter of the Presidency of the Seventy or the
‘Area President if he has questions about acting
for the stake president.
The stake clerk and stake executive scerstary
work closely with the stake presidency, but they
are not members of the presidency and do not
need to be released when the presidency is re-
organized. Responsibilities of the stake clerk and
executive secretary are outlined in 13.3.2 and
1334
Presiding High Priest
This section outlines the stake president's re-
sponsibilities as the presiding high priest in the
stake.
14
we
Leadership
Church members lookto theic stake president
as the primary spiritual leader in the stake. He
sets the spiritual tone forthe stake by doing the
Lord’s work “with holiress of heart” (Mosiah,
18112). He teaches and uplifts members after the
example of the Savior.
A stake president is a faithful disciple and
witness of Jesus Christ. He is true to his cov-
enants. He is loyal to his wife and considerate
of her, He sets an example of righteousness for
his children, the stake, and the community. His
counselors are men of the same character.
The stake president provides guidance and
counsel to bishops and other leaders in the stake.
‘He meets with new bishooricsas soon as reason-
able after their callings to instruct them. There-
after, he instructs and encourages bishops in
regular priesthood interviews, in meetings with
bishopric, and in other settings.
The stake president helps members increase
their spiritual strength. He teaches them to pray,
study the scriptures, and receive the saving or
dinances,
In addition to strengthening individuals, the
stake president strengthens families. He teaches
that the family is the most important organiza-
tion in time and eternity. He encourages families
to hold family home evening, pray and read the
scriptures together, and be considerate of one
another. He ensures that Church callings do not
‘unduly infringe on family responsibilities, He
also ensures that Church activities support par-
cents’ efforts to raise rightous children,
The stake president emphasizes the impor
tance of members having the scriptures and the
‘Church magazines in their homes,
‘The Work of Salvation
‘The stake president presides over the work of
salvation in the stake. This work includes member
missionary work, convert retention, activation,
temple and family history work, and teaching
the gospel. Responsibilities for this work are out-
lined in Handbook 2, chapter 5. Some of the stake
president's unique responsibilities for temple
and missionary work are also outlined in chap-
ters3 and 4 of this handbook1s
114
Priesthood
Melchizedek Priesthood
Members ofthe stake presidency preside over
the Melchizedek Presthood in the stake. They may
assign members ofthe stake priesthood executive
‘committee to assist them (se2 Handbook 2, 18.3.6)
‘The stake president is the stake high priests
‘quorum president. He and his counselors com-
prise the presidency of the stake high priests
‘quorum. The stake presidency also oversees el-
ders quorums. (See Handbook 2, 7.2.1.)
‘The stake president oversees the conforral of
the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordinations to
the offices of elder and high priest (see 16.7.1).
‘Aaronic Priesthood
‘Members of the stake presidency instruct bish-
oprics in their responsibilities for Aaronic Priest
hood holders and young women.
‘The stake president assigns one of his counsal-
ors to preside over the stake Aaronic Priesthood-
‘Young Women committee (see Handbook 2, 18.3.9),
‘This counseloralso oversees the stake Young Men
and Young Women organizations,
Stake Patriarch
‘The stake president presides over the stake
patriarch and should develop a close relation-
ship with him. Forinformation about calling and
supervising the stake patriarch, see chapter 15,
Councils, Committees, and Meetings
‘Councils and Committees
“The stake president presides over the stake
priesthood executive committee and the stake
‘council. He assigns his counselors to preside over
the stake Aaronic Priesthood-Young Women
committee, the stake young single adult commit
tee, and the stake single adult committee (where
organized).
Each stake presidentis a member of a coordi-
nating council, Members of this council meet to
(1) coordinate the work of stakes and missions
and (2) coordinate multistaxe matters. Coun-
cil meetings are held under the direction of the
Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency.
Normally they designate an Area Seventy to
serve as chairman of the council. Subjects for dis-
cussion in council meetings could include mis-
sionary work, welfare, Church education, family
history, temple work, public affairs, activities, the
Perpetual Education Fund (where approved),
and other matters as needed.
116
1. Duties of te Sake Prstent
Meetings
‘The stake presidency plans the stake meet-
ings listed in Handbook 2, chapter 18. The stake
president presides at stake meetings unless an
‘Area Seventy or General Authority attends. The
stake president's counselors may conduct these
meetings and may preside if the stake president
isabsent.
Callings and Releases
‘The stake president's respossibilities for call-
ings and releasesare outlined in Flandbook 2, chap-
ter 19. He may assign his counselors and high
councilors to extend callings and releases as out-
lined in the Chart of Callings ir that chapter. The
stake president, or a person with higher author-
ity, personally extends the following callings
1. Counselors in the stake presidency. The stake
president recommends brethren to be called
or released as his counselors. Instructions are
on the Recommendation for New Counselor
to Stake President form. The stake president
‘may interview, call, and set aparta counselor,
or release a counselor, ater receiving written
approval from the First Presidency.
2, Stake patriarch. The Quorum of the Twelve
directs the calling of stake patriarchs (see D&C
107.39), The stake president may recommend
whom to call. Instructions are on the New
Patriarch Recommendation form. The stake
president may interview, call, and ordain a
patriarch after receiving written approval
from the Quorum of the Twelve (see chapter
1).
3. Bishops. The stake presidency recommends
brethren to be called or released as bishops.
Instructions are on the Recommendation for
New Bishop form. The stake president may
call, ordain, and set apart abishop, or release
a bishop, after receiving written approval
from the First Presidency.
4, Elders quorum presidents. The stake president
calls and sets apart elders quorum presidents
because he is the person who is authorized to
bestow the priesthood keys associated with
their callings.
Stake clerk. Because of the importance of the
stake clerk's responsibilities and the need for
hhim to be a man of unquestionable integrity,
the stake president personally calls him and
sets him apart.
In units that use Church record-keeping
software, forms for recommending counselors1. Duties ofthe Stake President
487
12
in the stake presidency, patriarchs, and bishops
are available electronically. In other areas, these
forms are available from the assigned adminis-
trative office.
Auxiliaries and Programs
‘The stake president oversees the stake Re-
lief Sodety. He assigns his counselors to oversee
other siake auxiliary organizations and programs.
(Gee Handbook 2, 15.1.2.)
Public Attairs
The stake presidency directs public affairs
efforts in the stake. Members of the stake prosi
dency also have primary responsibility for the
CChureh’s good standing in the community and
for relationships with civicand community lead-
ers. The stake president serves as the primary
Church spokesman to the news media on mat-
ters that pertain ta the stake
‘The stake president or an assigned counselor
‘may organize and oversee a stake public affairs
council. The stake president may also be des-
ignated by a member of the Presidency of the
Seventy or the Area Presidency to be chairman
of a multistake or national public affairs coun:
cil. Some stakes will participate in a multistake
council rather than have a separate stake public
affairs council.
The stake presidency may call and set apart
a stake public affairs director, assistant directors,
and specialists as needed (see Handbook 2, 15.5)
Common Judge
The stake president has the following respon
sibilities as the common judge in the stake:
1, Conduct worthiness interviews as outlined
in 7.13. He may also authorize his counsel-
orsto conduct interviews as outlined in 7:14
For guidelines on worthiness interviews, sec
7A
2, Counsel stake members who seok spiritual
guidance, who have weighty personal prob-
lems, or who have committed serious trans-
gressions, as needed or requested by the
bishop. For guidelines on counseling, see 72.
18
3, Administer Church discipline when Church,
members have committed serious transgres-
sions, For principles and instructions relating
to Church discipline, see chapter 6.
Welfare
The stake president has the following respon-
sibilities for welfare in the stake:
1. Provide welfare leadership by teaching the
doctrines and principles relating to welfare,
Instructing bishops and other leaders in their
‘welfare responsibilities, directing the welfare
work of the stake council, and serving as the
agent stake president for Church welfare op-
erations when assigned,
2, Oversee welfare assistance (a) when a bishop
‘or members of his immediate family need as-
sistance and () in special circumstances that
go beyond what the bishop is authorized to
provide (see 5.1.2).
3. Direct the stake's efforts to prepare for and
respond to emengencees (see 5.1.3).
For information about welfare responsibili-
ties and principles, see 51 in this handbook and
chapter 6 in Handbook 2.
Records, Finances, and Properties
‘The stake president oversees records, reports,
finances, and properties in the stake. He may as~
sign much of the work with records, reports, and
finances to his counselors and clerks. He assigns
‘a high councilor to be thestake physical facilities
representative and to help oversee properties.
For information about records and reports,
see chapter 13. For information about finances,
see chapter 14. For infomation about physical
facilities, soe chapter 8,2. Duties of the Bishop
21 Presiding High Priest.
244 Leadership ....
242 The Work of Salvation
213 Priesthood. ....
244 Ordinances and Blessings
248 Cound Committees, and Meetings «
246 Callings and Releases - .
247 Auxiliaries and Program:
22 President of the Aaronic Priesthood ,....+..++ 7
23 Common Judge
24 Weltare .
25 Records, Finances, and the Meetinghouse
9
J2. Duties of the Bishop
24
2a4
Wards are the basic congregations of the
Church. In wards, Church members worship to-
gether, partake of the sacrament, learn the gos-
pel, and serve and strengthen each other.
‘The bishop holds the priesthood keys to di-
rect the work of the Church within the ward.
He and his counselors form a bishopric, which
‘works under the direction of the stake presidency.
‘They minister to ward members with love and
concern, helping them become true followers of
Jesus Christ.
‘Thebishop has five principal responsibilities
in presiding over a ward
1. He is the presicling high priest
2, He is president of the Aaronic Priesthood.
3, He isa common judge.
4. He oversees welfare matters.
5.
He oversees records, finances, and the use
and security of the meetinghouse
Because the bishop holds priesthood keys,
he has some responsibilities that are his alone.
To enable him to concentrate on these duties, he
delegates many other assignments to his counsel
ors, the ward clerk, the ward executive secretary,
assistant ward clerks, and quorum and auxiliary
leaders.
If the bishop is absent, ill, or otherwise un-
able to perform his duties, a counselor may act
in his place temporarily except as noted in this
handbook. The counselor is to consult with the
stake president if he has any questions about
acting for the bishop.
‘The ward clerk and ward executive secretary
work closely with the bishopric, but they are not
members of the bishopric and do not need to
be released when the bishopric is reorganized.
Responsibilitias of the ward clerk and executive
secretary are outlined in 13.4.2.and 13.4.4.
Presiding High Priest
This section outlines the bishop's responsibil-
ities as the presiding high priest in the ward.
Leadership
Ward members look to their bishop as the
primary spiritual leader in the ward. He sets the
212
213
spiritual tone for the ward by doing the Lord’s
work “with holiness of hourt” (Mosiah 18:12). He
teaches and uplifts members after the example
of the Savior
A bishop fs a faithful disciple and witness of
Jesus Christ: He is true t» his covenants. He is
loyal to his wife and considerate of her. He sets
an example of righteousness for his children, the
ward, and the community. His counselors are
men of the same character
‘The bishop provides guidance and counsel
to other leaders in the ward, He instructs them
in their duties and encourages them,
‘The bishop helps members increase their spir-
itual strength. He teaches them to pray, study the
scriptures, and receive the saving ordinances.
In addition to strengthening individuals, the
bishop strengthens families. He teaches that the
family is the most important organization in time
and eternity. He encourages families to hold fam-
ily home evening, pray and read the scriptures
together, and be considerate of one another. He
ensures that Church callings do not unduly in-
fringe on family responsibilities. He also ensures
that Church activities support parents’ efforts to
raise righteous children,
‘The bishop emphasizes the importance of
‘members having the scriptures and the Church
‘magazines in their homes
‘The Work of Salvation
‘The bishop directs the work of salvation in
the ward. This work includes member mission-
ary work, convert retenton, activation, temple
and family history work, and teaching the gos-
pel. Responsibilities for this work are outlined
in Handbook 2, chapter 5. Some of the bishop's
unique responsibilities for temple anel mission
ary work are also outlined in chapters 3 and 4 of
this handbook,
Priesthood
‘The bishop and his counselors direct the work
of the elders quorum president and high priests
‘group leader in watching over quorum and group
members and:-their families, building strength in
the quorum and group, and ensuring that the
‘work of the priesthood is accomplished. The