Dear Brethren,
After further study of the attached Ministering FAQ, received earlier this week from the Brethren, we feel to make a correction to what we communicated to you earlier.
For question #8 on how does “ministering apply to members of the high priest quorum,” we feel the Brethren are more insistent, than we first thought, that members of the bishopric and the stake presidency are NOT to receive ministering assignments. While this is not our preference, we can see the wisdom in it, especially for bishops and their counselors who have the specific responsibility “to care for the youth” in addition to their many other assignments.
We also feel the Brethren are trying to be sensitive to the time some leaders—especially bishops—spend in their callings with so many meetings and interviews expected of them.
We recognize this removes 21 men from the ranks of ministering companions across the stake (6 bishoprics x 3 + 3 in stake presidency; branch presidencies are not members of the high priest quorum). So we are hopeful this can be addressed without burdening other ministering companionships. It may mean designating even more active individuals and families, than originally anticipated, to receive occasional or casual contact.
In the meantime, high councilors and the patriarch may be assigned “based on local circumstances.” In other words, we ask that you: (1) determine for sure that their service is needed before assigning them; (2) visit with them personally to review their current responsibilities and time demands; (3) consider assigning them to serve with their wife as a ministering couple; and (4) consider limiting the number of individuals and families assigned to them.
Thank you for your understanding and for giving this your immediate attention as we know you are in the midst of making ministering assignments.
Gratefully,
The Stake Presidency
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