“0. Introductory Overview,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2020).

“0. Introductory Overview,” General Handbook.

0.0 Introduction The Lord taught, “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99). As a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you should seek personal revelation to help you learn and fulfill the duties of your calling. Studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets will help you understand and fulfill your duties. As you study the words of God, you will be more receptive to the influence of the Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:85). You also learn your duties by studying the instructions in this handbook. These instructions can invite revelation if they are used to provide an understanding of principles, policies, and procedures to apply while seeking the guidance of the Spirit.

0.1 This Handbook General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides guidance for general and local Church leaders. It is divided into four sections: Doctrinal Foundation: These chapters present doctrine and principles fundamental to serving in the Church. They explain: God’s plan of happiness, the work of salvation and exaltation, and the purpose of the Church. The role of the family in God’s plan, the work of salvation and exaltation in the home, and the relationship between the home and the Church. Priesthood principles. Principles for leading in the Savior’s Church.

Church Organization: These chapters provide instructions for stake presidencies and bishoprics, priesthood quorum leaders, stake and ward organization leaders, and others who serve in the Church.

The Work of Salvation and Exaltation: These chapters instruct on the core work of the Church: Living the gospel of Jesus Christ Caring for those in need Inviting all to receive the gospel Uniting families for eternity

Church Administration: These chapters present additional guidelines for administering the Church. Subjects include meetings, callings, records, finances, and policies. The headings and subheadings in this handbook are numbered to make topics easy to find and reference. For example, instructions about temple marriage are provided in 27.2.1. The number 27 refers to the chapter, the number 2 refers to a section in that chapter, and the number 1 refers to a subsection.

0.2 Adaptation and Optional Resources Not all stakes and wards have the same needs. This handbook contains guidelines for adaptation as well as optional resources: Guidelines for adaptation (

Optional resources ( Leaders seek inspiration about which guidelines and optional resources to use to meet members’ needs.

0.3 Updates This handbook will be updated periodically. A list of recent changes is available in the “Summary of Recent Updates.”

0.4 Questions about Instructions When questions arise that are not addressed in the scriptures, the words of the living prophets, or this handbook, Church members should rely on their covenants with God, the counsel of their local leaders, and the inspiration of the Spirit for guidance. If leaders have questions about information in this handbook or about issues it does not address, they counsel with their immediate presiding authority.

0.5 Terminology Except where indicated otherwise: The terms bishop and bishopric in this handbook refer also to branch presidents and branch presidencies. The terms stake president and stake presidency refer also to district presidents and district presidencies.

References to wards and stakes also apply to branches, districts, and missions.

References to Sunday apply to whichever day the Sabbath is observed locally. References to parents generally also apply to legal guardians. The callings of bishop and branch president are not equivalent in authority and responsibility, nor are the callings of stake president and district 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.