Family History Consultant Help
I don't really know what I am suppose to do as my wards consultant. I have been told to help people in the ward with their family history. I've been told to teach them but no one has come to me for help what do I do. Can anyone give me tips for getting people to ask me for help?
Comments
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I have some ideas, but other people might have more or better ideas. One thing we did is approach families of 11-year-olds and ask if we could work with their children to help them find ancestors to take to the temple so that they would be ready in January to do that. We encouraged the family to go together. I also tried to work closely with the missionaries so they would trust me. They invited me to work with a couple of new members to get started and attend the temple with them the first time. I let the missionaries know that I wanted to be involved.
I also make a nuisance of myself. "I'm putting on my Family History Consultant hat now. Is there anything I can do to help you? Okay, well, I'll ask again some other time." People have come to me with questions because they know I want to help. Some people brush me off, but that's okay! Missionaries have doors slammed in their faces all the time.
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FYI
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
DO NOT panic ...
We were all NEW once ...
We have ALL been there ...
Question:
Have you, been approached by; or, have you 'seen' (met with), your Ward, "Temple & Family History, Leader"?
Your, Ward, "Temple & Family History, Leader" is your FIRST point of contact.
Your, Ward, "Temple and Family History, Leader", is responsible for; and, should provide you with, TRAINING; and, SUPPORT; plus, DIRECTION; and, some members of your Ward to work with.
[ IF, there is NO Ward, "Temple and Family History, Leader"; THEN, approach the "Elders Quorum President" of you Ward, he should put you onto who in the "Elders Quorum President" has that responsibility, 'in lieu' of a 'Called' (ie. Dedicated) Ward, "Temple and Family History, Leader" ]
Question(s):
Does your Ward have a "Temple and Family History" Plan? - they SHOULD.
Does your Ward have a "Temple and Family History" Committee - they SHOULD.
Are you the ONLY Ward, "Temple and Family History, Consultant" in you Ward?
Have you checked YOUR "Family History" ( Support ) Network?
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helper/planner/workwith
[NOT just within your Ward; but, WITHIN your Stake - eg. Stake,"Temple & Family History, Consultant"]
As an aside ...
For starters ...
Have you 'seen' and gone through the "Helper Resources":
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helper
Recent Articles for Latter-Day Saints
What's New at FamilySearch
FamilySearch Community
Easy Invitations
▬ Calling Information
• Temple and Family History Callings
• Temple and Family History Leadership Session
• Temple and Family History Network
• Personalised Family History Experiences
▬ Training
• How to Use FamilySearch.org
• Indexing
• Family History Basics
• Church Policies
▬ Quick Links
• Gospel Media
• Family History Activities
• Guided Research
• Search Genealogies
• Family History Centre Operations Guide
• Find Family History Centre
And ...
As to ... "Asking Ward Members"
'Yes' ...
'In their face'; but, not to the point of being annoying ...
Just ask ... EVERYONE ...
And, DO NOT be AFRAID to ask your "Priesthood" Leaders (ie. Bishopric) ...
Often, the member of some Bishoprics need a 'Lot' of Help, themselves ...
Instill upon your "Priesthood" Leaders that, "Temple and Family History" Work, in STILL, part of the Three Fold Mission of the Church:
▬ Proclaiming the Gospel
▬ Perfecting the Saints
▬ Redeeming the Dead
Get your "Priesthood" Leaders ON SIDE; and, you will be on you way ...
Be proactive ....
DO NOT sit back and WAIT to be asked ... it may never happen.
START with those Members of your Ward you know & feel comfortable with ... that way you learn, as you go.
Then, GRADUATE from there.
It certainly can be overwhelming to start with; especially, if you are the 'Only One'; and, there is NO Support "Network'.
Again, DO NOT panic ...
Small steps, one at a time ...
Good Luck
I hope this helps, somewhat.
Brett
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There is some excellent training, including how to get started, what to focus on, and who to work with, on the consultant training page: Temple and Family History Consultant (churchofjesuschrist.org)
Once you have gone through that (and watched the video clips), you can prayerfully consider how to start. A good idea is to start with a friendly audience who can't say no and will help you "practice," like a member of the Relief Society Presidency, or a Primary presidency member.
Just my thoughts. The Lord will help you, He knows you well.
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