2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction: A Comprehensive Plan
The 2024 instruction, released February 29th, centered on enhancing the temple experience for first-time attendees.
It offered guidance on strengthening families through covenants and ordinances,
and drawing closer to the Savior.
Elders Andersen and Gong led the discussion, supported by other General Authorities.
I. Overview of the Instruction
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction, a vital resource for leaders within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provided focused guidance on elevating the spiritual experience surrounding temple worship and family history work. Released on February 29, 2024, the instruction’s core message revolved around empowering local leaders to assist members in accessing the power of God through sacred temple ordinances and enduring covenants.
A significant emphasis was placed on preparing individuals for their initial temple visit, ensuring a positive and deeply spiritual experience. Counsel was offered on how to effectively support first-time attendees, fostering a sense of reverence and understanding. Beyond the individual experience, the instruction highlighted the crucial role of temple covenants in strengthening families and deepening connections to both ancestors and the Savior.
The instruction wasn’t merely theoretical; it offered practical guidance for leaders to implement these principles within their respective wards and stakes. Elders Neil L. Andersen and Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spearheaded the conversation, drawing upon their apostolic insights and experiences, alongside contributions from other General Authorities.
II. Key Dates and Access Information
The 2024 instruction was released February 29, 2024. The 2025 instruction will be available beginning March 6, 2025, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app.
III. 2025 Broadcast Details
The 2025 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction, scheduled for release online beginning March 6, 2025, will be a vital resource for leaders worldwide. This annual broadcast focuses on equipping local leaders with the tools and understanding necessary to bless members in their stewardship.
Specifically, the 2025 instruction will emphasize how leaders can help members access God’s power through sacred temple ordinances and covenants. This includes understanding the principles behind these ordinances and effectively communicating their significance to others. The broadcast will likely offer practical guidance on supporting individuals and families in their temple and family history endeavors.
Access will be readily available through the ChurchofJesusChrist.org website and the Gospel Library app, ensuring broad accessibility for leaders across the globe. It is anticipated that the instruction will provide insights and inspiration to strengthen the work of temple and family history within local units, fostering a deeper connection to the Savior and eternal families.
IV. 2024 Broadcast Recap
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction, released on February 29, 2024, provided focused counsel on creating positive and spiritual experiences for first-time temple attendees. The broadcast underscored the importance of preparing individuals for the temple, both spiritually and practically, to maximize the blessings they receive.
Elders Neil L. Andersen and Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles led the instruction, sharing insights and direction for leaders. A key theme revolved around strengthening families through temple covenants and ordinances, emphasizing the Savior’s central role in this process. Counsel was given on how to draw closer to families and to the Savior through these sacred experiences.
The instruction encouraged leaders to focus on fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for those entering the temple for the first time, ensuring they feel prepared and comfortable. Resources and strategies were shared to help leaders effectively support members in their temple and family history efforts, ultimately strengthening faith and eternal families.
V. Presenting Authorities
Elders Neil L. Andersen and Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spearheaded the 2024 instruction. They were supported by other General Authorities and leaders,
providing valuable insights.
VI. Elder Neil L. Andersen’s Role
Elder Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, played a pivotal role in the 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. He co-led the broadcast alongside Elder Gerrit W. Gong, contributing significantly to the discussion surrounding enhancing the temple experience for all members.
His participation focused on providing counsel to leaders on how to best prepare individuals for the temple, emphasizing the spiritual preparation necessary for a meaningful experience. Elder Andersen’s insights were particularly valuable in understanding the importance of drawing closer to families through temple covenants and ordinances.
He helped articulate the ways leaders can support first-time temple attendees, ensuring they feel welcomed and prepared. His teachings underscored the profound impact of temple worship on individual lives and family relationships, reinforcing the central role of the Savior in this sacred work. Elder Andersen’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the overall message of the instruction.
VII. Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s Role
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was a key leader in the 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. He partnered with Elder Neil L. Andersen to deliver the instruction, offering vital perspectives on strengthening families through temple covenants and ordinances.
Elder Gong’s contributions centered on the importance of accessing God’s power through temple worship and family history work. He emphasized the connection between these two areas, highlighting how they work together to bless individuals and families eternally. His teachings provided practical guidance for leaders seeking to help members deepen their understanding of these principles.
He focused on the Savior’s role in family history, explaining how His Atonement makes possible the sealing of families for eternity. Elder Gong’s insights were particularly helpful in understanding how leaders can foster a spirit of reverence and joy in the temple, creating a positive experience for all who attend.
VI. Core Themes and Focus Areas
Key themes included accessing God’s power, temple ordinances, and covenants. A central focus was preparing individuals—especially first-time attendees—for a positive, spiritual temple experience.
IX. Accessing God’s Power
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction deeply emphasized the importance of helping members understand how to access God’s power in their lives. This isn’t merely about doing things, but about cultivating a relationship with the Divine that allows for increased spiritual strength and guidance.
Leaders were encouraged to focus on the temple as the primary conduit for this power. Temple ordinances and covenants aren’t simply rituals, but sacred opportunities to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. By actively participating in temple work, individuals can invite greater blessings into their lives and the lives of their families.
The instruction highlighted the need to teach members how to prepare spiritually before entering the temple, fostering a mindset of reverence and anticipation. This preparation extends to family history work, as connecting with ancestors opens hearts and strengthens faith. Ultimately, accessing God’s power is about aligning one’s life with His will and embracing the blessings of the restored gospel.
Leaders were also reminded to emphasize the role of the Holy Ghost in this process, encouraging members to seek His guidance and companionship;
X. Temple Ordinances and Covenants
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction placed significant emphasis on understanding the profound significance of temple ordinances and covenants. These sacred acts are not merely symbolic, but represent binding agreements with God, unlocking eternal blessings for individuals and families.
Leaders were instructed to help members recognize that temple ordinances—such as baptism for the dead and the endowment—are essential for salvation and exaltation. Covenants, in turn, demonstrate commitment and faith, inviting divine power into one’s life. The instruction underscored the interconnectedness of ordinances and covenants, highlighting how they work together to elevate and refine us.
A key focus was on teaching the why behind the ordinances, not just the how. Understanding the purpose and meaning of each ordinance deepens reverence and strengthens commitment. Leaders were encouraged to use scripture and prophetic teachings to illuminate these principles.
Furthermore, the instruction stressed the importance of preparing individuals to make and keep temple covenants, emphasizing personal worthiness and a sincere desire to draw closer to God.
XI. First-Time Temple Attendees
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction dedicated substantial attention to ensuring positive and spiritually enriching experiences for first-time temple attendees. Recognizing the significance of this milestone, leaders received counsel on how to prepare individuals and families for their initial visit.
The instruction emphasized the importance of personalized preparation. This includes explaining what to expect, answering questions, and alleviating any anxieties. Leaders were encouraged to share their own positive temple experiences, fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation. Practical guidance was provided on temple attire, recommend requirements, and temple etiquette.
A central theme was creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Leaders should connect with new temple patrons before and after their visit, offering encouragement and addressing any concerns. The goal is to help them feel comfortable and confident in the temple setting.
Ultimately, the instruction aimed to help leaders facilitate a deeply spiritual experience, allowing first-time attendees to feel the presence of the Lord and understand the blessings of the temple.
XII. Enhancing the Temple Experience
The 2024 instruction focused on improving the temple experience for all members. Leaders were encouraged to help individuals access God’s power through ordinances and covenants,
strengthening their faith.
XIII. Preparing Individuals for the Temple
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction placed significant emphasis on preparing individuals for a meaningful temple experience, particularly first-time attendees. Counsel was provided to leaders on how to foster a spiritually enriching environment. This preparation extends beyond simply ensuring temple recommends are current; it involves cultivating a deeper understanding of the temple’s purpose and the covenants made within its walls.
Leaders were encouraged to help members understand the significance of ordinances and how they connect to their personal spiritual journey. Focusing on personal revelation and inviting the Spirit to guide preparation was highlighted. Creating opportunities for members to share positive temple experiences can also inspire and build confidence.
Furthermore, the instruction underscored the importance of addressing any anxieties or misconceptions individuals might have about the temple. Open communication and a welcoming approach are crucial in helping members feel comfortable and prepared to participate fully in the blessings of the temple. Ultimately, the goal is to help each individual approach the temple with reverence and anticipation.
XIV. Spiritual Preparation
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction strongly advocated for prioritizing spiritual preparation as foundational to a rewarding temple experience. This goes beyond worthiness and encompasses a deliberate effort to draw closer to the Savior and seek His guidance. Leaders were counseled to emphasize personal prayer, scripture study, and righteous living as essential components of this preparation.
A key focus was on helping individuals understand the temple as a house of the Lord, a sacred space where covenants are made and divine power is accessed. Encouraging members to reflect on their personal covenants and seek a deeper understanding of their meaning was highlighted.
The instruction also suggested leaders help members identify and overcome personal obstacles that might hinder their spiritual connection. This could involve addressing doubts, fears, or feelings of unworthiness through faith and repentance. Ultimately, spiritual preparation is about cultivating a heart open to receiving revelation and experiencing the blessings of the temple.
XV. Practical Guidance for Leaders
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction provided specific, practical guidance for leaders seeking to enhance the temple experience for ward members. A central theme was proactively supporting first-time temple attendees, ensuring they feel prepared and comfortable. Leaders were encouraged to personally connect with these individuals, offering a tour of the temple grounds (where possible) and answering any questions they may have.
Counsel was given to facilitate meaningful conversations about temple covenants and ordinances before the temple visit, helping members understand the significance of what they are about to experience. Leaders should also coordinate with temple workers to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment.
Furthermore, the instruction emphasized the importance of follow-up after a temple visit. Checking in with members, inviting them to share their experiences, and offering continued support can solidify the spiritual impact of the ordinance. Leaders were reminded to utilize FamilySearch resources to assist members in their family history efforts, connecting them to their ancestors and strengthening their testimonies.
XVI. Strengthening Families Through Temple Covenants
The 2024 instruction highlighted drawing closer to families and the Savior through temple covenants and ordinances. It emphasized the temple’s role in eternal family connections,
strengthening bonds and fostering unity.
XVII. Drawing Closer to Families
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction placed significant emphasis on the vital connection between temple ordinances and strengthening familial relationships. Counsel was provided to leaders on how to help members actively seek ways to draw nearer to their families, both those living and those who have passed on.
This instruction underscored that temple covenants aren’t simply individual commitments, but rather create an enduring link that transcends generations. Leaders were encouraged to facilitate experiences – both within the temple and through family history work – that foster a deeper understanding of family identity and heritage.
Specifically, the instruction suggested focusing on shared experiences, such as researching ancestors together, discussing family stories, and participating in temple ordinances as a family unit. The goal is to create a legacy of faith and connection, where each member feels a sense of belonging and purpose within the family circle. Ultimately, drawing closer to families is seen as a pathway to drawing closer to God.
XVIII. The Savior’s Role in Family History
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction highlighted the central role Jesus Christ plays in all family history work. It wasn’t presented as merely genealogical research, but as a sacred opportunity to connect with ancestors and offer them the blessings of the gospel – blessings made possible through the Savior’s Atonement.
Leaders were encouraged to emphasize that temple ordinances, such as baptism for the dead and sealings, are acts of love and service extended to those who did not have the chance to accept the gospel in mortality. This work is performed through the power of the priesthood, which is ultimately derived from Jesus Christ.
The instruction underscored that as we learn about our ancestors, we also learn more about the Savior’s love and mercy. Family history work becomes a powerful witness of His redeeming power and His desire to bless all of His children. It’s a process of healing, connection, and eternal progression, all centered on the Savior’s grace.
XIX. Utilizing FamilySearch Resources
The 2024 instruction encouraged leaders to integrate FamilySearch into their efforts.
Resources were presented to help members discover ancestors and prepare names for temple ordinances,
strengthening family connections.
XX. FamilySearch Integration with Leadership Efforts
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction strongly emphasized the vital role of integrating FamilySearch into the ongoing work of local leaders. This isn’t simply about directing members to FamilySearch, but actively weaving its capabilities into ward and stake activities. Leaders were encouraged to become familiar with the platform themselves, understanding its features and potential to unlock genealogical discoveries.
Specifically, the instruction highlighted the importance of utilizing FamilySearch to identify potential temple names, facilitating increased temple attendance and ordinance work. Leaders were counseled to support members in overcoming obstacles to accessing FamilySearch, such as technological challenges or a lack of familiarity with the site.
Furthermore, the instruction suggested incorporating FamilySearch into family history classes and activities, making it a central component of ward and stake family history efforts. This proactive approach aims to empower members to actively participate in the sacred work of connecting families across generations, ultimately drawing closer to the Savior through temple covenants.
XXI. Community Resources and Support
The 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction underscored the availability of robust community resources designed to support leaders in their calling. The FamilySearch Community website was specifically highlighted as a valuable hub for accessing training materials, success stories, and peer-to-peer support. This online forum allows leaders to connect with others facing similar challenges and share best practices.
Beyond the digital realm, the instruction emphasized the importance of leveraging the expertise of local FamilySearch consultants and specialists. These individuals are equipped to provide personalized guidance and assistance to ward and stake leaders, helping them effectively implement family history initiatives.
Additionally, leaders were reminded of the resources available through the Church’s own Temple and Family History Department, including online courses, webinars, and downloadable guides. By actively utilizing these readily available resources, leaders can enhance their own understanding and empower members to participate fully in the blessings of temple and family history work.
XXII. Impact on Local Units
The 2024 instruction aims to empower wards and stakes to better prepare members for positive temple experiences.
Leaders are encouraged to focus on spiritual preparation and family connections,
strengthening faith and participation.
XXIII. Implementing Instruction in Wards and Stakes
Effective implementation of the 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction requires a deliberate and multifaceted approach within local units. Ward and stake leaders should prioritize sharing the key messages with temple and family history consultants, ensuring they are well-versed in the principles discussed.
Consider incorporating segments of the instruction into existing leadership meetings, focusing on practical application. Discussions should center on how to better prepare individuals for their initial temple experience, emphasizing spiritual readiness and understanding of temple covenants. Leaders can also facilitate training for members who assist first-time temple attendees, equipping them to provide support and guidance.
Furthermore, integrating the instruction’s themes into ward and stake family history activities is crucial; This includes planning events that strengthen family connections and encourage participation in FamilySearch. Regular follow-up and ongoing learning opportunities will reinforce the principles and ensure sustained progress in fostering a temple-centered culture within the unit. Utilizing resources from the ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app will be beneficial.
XXIV. Follow-Up and Continued Learning
Sustained impact from the 2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction necessitates consistent follow-up and a commitment to continued learning. Leaders should schedule regular check-ins with temple and family history consultants to discuss implementation progress and address any challenges encountered.
Encourage ongoing study of the instruction materials, utilizing resources available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and within the Gospel Library app. Sharing personal experiences and insights gained from the instruction can foster a deeper understanding and inspire further action. Consider creating study groups or discussion forums to facilitate collaborative learning.
Furthermore, staying informed about new FamilySearch resources and updates is vital. Leaders should actively participate in webinars and training sessions offered by FamilySearch to enhance their skills and knowledge. Consistent reinforcement of the instruction’s core themes – accessing God’s power, temple covenants, and family connections – will ensure lasting benefits for members and strengthen the Church’s temple and family history efforts.