Handbook 2:
Administering the Church

Activities
 

13.1 Purposes of Church Activities

Activities at the ward, stake, and multistake levels bring Church members together as “fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). In addition to providing fun and entertainment, activities should build testimonies, strengthen families, and foster unity and personal growth.

Activities strengthen members by giving them a sense of belonging and mutual support. Activities should help members feel connected to others their age, to their leaders, and to their families. Activities should also help members see how living the gospel brings “the joy of the saints” (Enos 1:3).

Church activities should be planned to fulfill gospel-centered purposes. In addition to the general purposes mentioned above, these include:

  1. 1.

    Participating in service projects that bless others and build community relationships.

  2. 2.

    Developing talents and appreciation for cultural arts.

  3. 3.

    Improving fitness and learning sportsmanship.

  4. 4.

    Gaining education and vocational training.

  5. 5.

    Celebrating special occasions and commemorating Church or local historical events.

  6. 6.

    Developing leadership skills.

  7. 7.

    Developing self-reliance.

  8. 8.

    Participating in missionary work, retention, activation, temple work, and family history work.