Stake Relief Society Presidency and Secretary

From the Relief Society General Presidency

Dear stake Relief Society president,

This is an exciting time to serve in the Relief Society! President Russell M. Nelson has lifted our vision to a higher and holier way to serve, and he has called on every sister to be an active participant in the work. As you think about your new responsibilities, you will realize that your calling is not a list of things to do but a sacred opportunity to minister with love and help women prepare for the blessings of eternal life.

When you are set apart, you will be given authority through priesthood keys to lead and fulfill this calling. As you humbly seek Heavenly Father’s will, you will receive revelation to guide you. Your presidency, the stake council, and the stake president are also sources of support. Heavenly Father will magnify your efforts as you minister with love to His daughters, doing His work in His way. We pray that you will feel joy and peace as you serve the Lord to the best of your ability.

With love,
Jean B. Bingham
Sharon Eubank
Reyna I. Aburto
The Relief Society General Presidency


Note: All references below come from Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010).

Stake Relief Society Presidency

The stake Relief Society presidency consists of a president and two counselors. They are spiritual leaders in the effort to support, encourage, and instruct ward Relief Society leaders.

Members of the stake Relief Society presidency ensure that ward Relief Society presidents understand these principles:

  • Welfare (9.8.2, 6)
  • Ministering (9.5)
  • Coordinating with the elders quorum (9.5.2)
  • Missionary work and temple and family history work (9.2.2.2)
  • Handbook 2, (1–6, 9)

Stake Relief Society President

  • Serve on the stake council (15.4.1).
  • Meet regularly with the stake president (15.4.1, 9.8.1).
  • Submit names of members to serve in stake Relief Society callings (15.4.1).
  • Supervise stake Relief Society welfare efforts (9.8.2).
  • Coordinate stake Relief Society efforts during emergencies (9.8.2).

Stake Relief Society Presidency

  • Assist the stake presidency (15.4.1).
  • Counsel together regularly (15.4.1).
  • Identify the needs of local sisters and how to meet those needs (15.4.1).
  • Plan stake Relief Society activities to meet local needs (15.4.1, 9.8.2).
  • Instruct and support ward Relief Society presidencies (15.4.1):
    • Orient newly called ward Relief Society presidencies (15.4.1).
    • Provide ongoing encouragement, support, and instruction (15.4.1).
    • Meet regularly with ward Relief Society presidencies (15.4.1).
    • Visit ward meetings and classes periodically (15.4.1).
    • Ensure that ward Relief Society presidents understand welfare principles (9.8.2).
  • Instruct ward leaders in stake Relief Society leadership meetings (15.4.1).
  • Assist young single adult sisters in the stake (9.8.2, 16.3.2).

Stake Relief Society Secretary

  • Prepare agendas (15.4.2).
  • Attend meetings, take notes, and track assignments (15.4.2).
  • Keep records and prepare reports (15.4.2).
  • Help prepare annual budget and account for expenses (15.4.2).
  • Provide training for ward Relief Society secretaries (15.4.2).

Resources

Handbook 2: Administering the Church

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