First Presidency Letter: Watching Over and Strengthening Members

First Presidency Letter: Watching Over and Strengthening Members


December 10, 2001

To: General Authorities; Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents

Dear Brethren:

Watching Over and Strengthening Members

Bishops, assisted by quorum leaders and home teachers, have the responsibility to help members of the ward strengthen their faith, prepare to receive temple ordinances, and live worthy of the blessings of the gospel.

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches that every member and family should be visited and taught in their homes (see D&C 20:47, 51, 53). The development and perfecting of home teaching takes time and effort to fulfill this scriptural admonition. There are some locations in the Church where, for a time, home teaching to every home each month may not be possible because of insufficient numbers of active priesthood brethren and various other local challenges. When such circumstances prevail, leaders should do their best to use the resources they have available to watch over and strengthen each member.

Enclosed are some suggestions to assist as leaders strengthen the priesthood in the ward. We encourage all priesthood and auxiliary leaders to work together to bring all ward members into full fellowship in the Church. The priesthood executive committee and ward council meetings are ideal settings to coordinate all available resources. We express appreciation for the efforts you are making to watch over and strengthen the members and families in your ward. We pray the Lord will bless you in using every resource that you have to accomplish this important responsibility.

Faithfully your brethren,

Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust

The First Presidency


Suggestions for Watching Over and Strengthening Members December 10, 2001


* Review the needs of ward members. Select new converts, less-active families who may be the most receptive, and other families who may have the greatest need to receive home teachers. Then visit others as resources permit.

* Make better use of Aaronic Priesthood teachers and priests as home teaching companions to Melchizedek Priesthood holders.

* Consider using full-time missionaries on a limited basis to work with Melchizedek Priesthood holders to home teach part-member families and less-active members. Sister missionaries may be assigned to visit teach with Relief Society sisters as needed.

* Encourage quorum and auxiliary leaders to watch over and strengthen those members and families for whom they are responsible. Their visits and contacts with members can help to fulfill the responsibility to watch over and strengthen each member. When these leaders and teachers learn of family or individual concerns, they should inform the bishop.

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