Ward Temple and Family History Plan

Ronald Nunnally

Is anyone aware of a sample ward temple and family history plan? I know each ward likely has a different plan based on the vision the ward council decides to pursue. I'm looking for any examples that might be available. Thanks

N Tychonievich

@Ronald Nunnally I imagine you'll get several responses in which others will share their plans. May I suggest that a prayerful discussion in ward council and amongst those on the temple and family history committee of your unit is the best way to discern what your ward temple and family history plan should be.

In addition, you can consult the General Church Handbook, Section 25.2.6 has guidelines. This page also has some informatoin about developing a plan that can be useful: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/my-calling-as-a-temple-and-family-history-leader/what-should-i-focus-on?lang=eng

RobertWessel

@Ronald Nunnally

Every ward's needs and abilities will be different. Our Temple & Family History Plan is in the form of an outline with specific, yet broad, guiding components (see below). The implementation details are being developed by the T&FH Council. We opted to not get too detailed so we don't lock ourselves into things that ultimately don't work well for the ward. Above all, as @N Tychonievich points out, prayerfully seek the guidance of the Spirit as you proceed.

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Temple and Family History Plan

Vision: “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead” - The Prophet Joseph Smith

Objectives: First, promote regular Temple attendance by new members to receive temple ordinances and make temple covenants. Second, encourage family history work among all ward members and the performance of temple ordinances for their kindred dead.

T&FH Plan Details 

The ward T&FH plan is divided into two parts as described below.

Temple Attendance and Personal Endowments

1. Conduct a Temple Preparation class using the church's resources and curriculum for the class. Relief Society and Elders Quorum Presidents will recommend and invite members to attend upon approval of the Bishopric.
2. Encourage regular temple attendance through the following:
   1. Maintain a permanent bulletin board display promoting temple attendance. The goal will be to update the bulletin board quarterly.
   2. Schedule Ward temple day twice a year, fall and spring.
   3. Schedule Youth temple trips at four times a year, encourage youth to find and bring their own ancestor names for baptisms and confirmation.
   4. Periodic sacrament service talks on the blessings of temple attendance by recently endowed members and others.
   5. Encourage ride sharing and babysitting on regularly scheduled ward temple days.
3. Set a goal to encourage and assist new members to take a deceased family member’s name to the temple for baptism and confirmation within a month of their own baptism.

Family History Work

1. All Members - Encourage all new and current members to create a FamilySearch account and complete the My Family booklet.
2. Primary – Encourage Primary children to create a FamilySearch account and complete the My Family booklet.
3. Youth –
   1. Engage the youth in teaching adults how to use the FamilySearch apps.
   2. Recruit at least two youth to be trained in Indexing, one or both may receive an assignment or a calling as a FamilySearch Indexer.
4. Adults - Offer a Family History methods class using the church curriculum. New members and recently endowed members should be encouraged to attend.
5. New Members – Encourage new members to create a FamilySearch account and complete the My Family booklet.