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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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