Uniformity and Adaptation

Members of the Church live in a wide variety of political, social, and economic conditions. Wards and branches also vary in size and leadership resources. These conditions may require local leaders to adapt some Church programs. Such adaptations typically affect the auxiliaries, leadership meetings, and activity programs. The guidelines in this chapter are intended to help priesthood leaders determine which adaptations may be appropriate and which are not.

 

 

All wards and branches, regardless of their size or circumstances, can experience the same abundance of the Spirit of the Lord. The Savior taught, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). 17.1 Where Uniformity Is Required

 

 

To know which adaptations might be appropriate, leaders must first understand the doctrines, ordinances, and practices that are established by the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets and apostles. These are to be uniform throughout the Church.

 

 

Stake presidents, bishops, and other local leaders have a sacred obligation to maintain the uniformity and purity of the Church in all of the categories outlined below. This need for uniformity is based on the scriptural principle of "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5; see also Mosiah 18:21). 17.1.1 Scriptures

 

 

The standard works of the Church are the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. In many languages, the Church has approved one edition of the Bible to be used in Church meetings and classes. Likewise, the latest authorized edition of the other three books of Latter-day Saint scriptures should be used. No other works are to be promoted or used in the Church as scripture. 17.1.2 Commandments and Standards

 

 

The commandments of the Lord and the worthiness standards of the Church are given in the scriptures and in official communications from the First Presidency. Local leaders should not alter these commandments and standards. Nor should local leaders teach their own rules or interpretations regarding the commandments.

 

 

The worthiness standards for temple attendance are detailed in the interview questions found in the temple recommend book. Local leaders should not alter these. 17.1.3 Purity of Doctrine

 

 

The doctrines of the Church are found in the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets and apostles. The Lord instructed, "The elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel" (D&C 42:12; see also D&C 52:9, 36).

 

 

All leaders should ensure that true doctrine is taught in the Church. If a person teaches false or speculative doctrine, leaders should correct it promptly and sensitively. Errors can usually be corrected in private, but major or repeated errors may require public correction.

 

 

If local leaders are unsure what doctrines or teachings are correct on a given subject, they may seek guidance from their immediate presiding authority. 17.1.4 Sacrament Meetings and the Sunday Meeting Schedule

 

 

Holding sacrament meetings is a scriptural mandate (see D&C 59:9). Instructions for sacrament meetings are provided in 18.2.2. The Sunday meeting schedule is set forth on page 153. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have established this schedule. Local leaders should not alter it.

 

 

In extreme situations, local leaders may cancel Sunday meetings. However, doing so should be a rare occurrence. Examples of situations that may justify canceling meetings include emergency security concerns and severe weather. If possible, a bishop should confer with the stake president before canceling meetings.

 

 

Sometimes an unusual local situation may make it necessary to alter the Sunday schedule for a longer period. For example, a change may be necessary if a meetinghouse has been damaged by fire, flooding, or storm. In such a circumstance, the stake president seeks guidance from the Area Presidency or the Area Seventy who presides in his coordinating council.

 

 

Leaders of very small branches may adapt the Sunday schedule as directed by their leaders, using the Basic Unit Program Guidebook. 17.1.5 Conferences

 

 

Each stake holds two stake conferences during the year as scheduled by the President of the Quorum of the Twelve (see 18.3.1).

 

 

The stake presidency schedules, organizes, and presides at one ward or branch conference annually for each ward or branch in the stake (see 18.2.5). The district president does the same for each branch in a district. 17.1.6 Temple Work

 

 

The sacred work of temples is under the direct authority of the President of the Church. All matters pertaining to temple work should be handled according to the instructions in Handbook 1, chapter 3. Examples of such matters include temple recommends, sealings, sealing clearances, and cancellations of sealing. If a stake president encounters a question he cannot resolve, he directs it to the Office of the First Presidency.

 

 

Local leaders make sure that temple phraseology and the sacred ordinances and covenants of the temple are not discussed in specific terms in Church meetings. 17.1.7 Disciplinary Councils

 

 

Instructions for disciplinary councils are provided in Handbook 1, chapter 6. Leaders should not deviate from these instructions, including the requirements for submitting reports. If a stake president encounters a question he cannot resolve, he directs it to the Office of the First Presidency. 17.1.8 Records and Reports

 

 

Keeping Church records is a scriptural mandate (see D&C 20:81–83). The required records and reports are outlined in Handbook 1, chapter 13. The First Presidency may amend these from time to time.

 

 

Church records and reports are prepared using Church computer systems or in written form, depending on the area. Leaders ensure that records and reports are accurate and submitted on time. 17.1.9 Ordinances

 

 

Instructions for performing priesthood ordinances are outlined in chapter 20. These instructions should not be altered. The minimum ages for receiving ordinances such as baptism and ordination to Aaronic Priesthood offices may not be altered for any reason. 17.1.10 Curriculum

 

 

Church-approved curriculum materials are to be used in classes that are held during the Sunday meeting schedule. These materials include Church-produced manuals, magazines, and supplementary teaching resources. New manuals and courses should not be developed at the local level.

 

 

Bishops and branch presidents may occasionally teach or authorize a special priesthood or auxiliary lesson when they feel there is a need.

 

 

17.2 Circumstances That May Permit Local Adaptation

 

 

Stake presidents, bishops, and branch presidents have discretion to make simple adaptations to certain Church programs. Where needed, such adaptations may be made as follows:

 

 

1. 1.

 

 

In the staffing and programs of the auxiliaries 2.

 

 

In the format and frequency of leadership meetings 3. In the format and frequency of activities

 

 

When considering what adaptations may be appropriate, the stake presidency, bishopric, or branch presidency counsel among themselves and also with the stake, ward, or branch council. They also counsel with their immediate presiding authority if circumstances may justify a major or unusual adaptation. Leaders should always seek the guidance of the Spirit in making adaptations.

 

 

Leaders may consider the following factors when determining what adaptations may be appropriate. 17.2.1 Family Circumstances

 

 

When extending callings, scheduling leadership meetings, and planning activities, leaders consider the family circumstances of members. Church service and participation always entail a measure of sacrifice. However, strong families are vital to the Church, and members should not be asked to make excessive family sacrifices to serve or to support programs or activities.

 

 

One family circumstance to consider is the Church calling(s) held by a member's husband or wife. Individual families should not be overburdened with Church responsibilities. Another circumstance to consider is the overall time demands that members face in supporting their families and taking care of other personal matters. In some areas of the world, members of necessity work two or three jobs. These are legitimate considerations for leaders to weigh in extending callings, scheduling leadership meetings, and planning activities. 17.2.2 Transportation and Communication

 

 

Some stakes or wards encompass large geographical areas, requiring members to travel long distances to meetings and activities. When evaluating the need for meetings and activities, leaders take into account the time and expense required for members to travel.

 

 

In many areas of the world, automobiles are not common, and transportation takes place by foot, bicycle, bus, and streetcar. When distances are great, these conditions may mean that leaders should adjust Church programs and leadership meetings to make it easier for members to participate.

 

 

Even where automobiles are widely available, leaders should be sensitive to the cost of driving long distances. In some instances, such as conducting high council business, leaders may use conference calls, e-mail, and the Internet to reduce costly transportation. When using these resources, leaders should take special care to ensure confidentiality.

 

 

Members in different stages of life often vary widely in their access to transportation. For example, young single adults are often more mobile than families with children, and sometimes they have the resources to travel greater distances. Where young single adults are able to gather at reasonable time and expense, they should have multistake activities of moderate frequency (see 13.3.1).

 

 

In some parts of the world, telephones are expensive, and many members do not own one. Likewise, e-mail and Internet access are rare in some areas. If these resources are expensive or not generally available, leaders should make necessary adaptations.

 

 

Where travel is difficult or costly and communication resources are inadequate, home teaching and visiting teaching are more challenging. In such cases, leaders may make adjustments as outlined in 7.4.3 and 9.5.3. 17.2.3 Small Quorum or Class Size Elders and High Priests

 

 

If very few elders or high priests in a ward are able to attend priesthood meeting on Sunday, they may meet together. However, in no case should a single Melchizedek Priesthood quorum be established. As long as there are ordained elders and high priests in a ward, both an elders quorum and a high priests group should be organized.

 

 

Because districts do not have high priests quorums, branches in districts do not have high priests groups. High priests who attend these branches meet with the elders quorum. Young Men and Young Women

 

 

In a ward or branch with few young men, Aaronic Priesthood quorums may meet together for instruction and activities (see 8.11 and 8.13.1). However, individual quorums should still be organized, with leaders called and sustained for each quorum.

 

 

In a ward or branch with few young women, they may meet together for instruction and activities (see 10.6.2 and 10.8.1). A class presidency may be called for each age-group, or one presidency may be called for the combined age-groups until they are able to be organized into their respective classes.

 

 

If adult leadership is limited, the Young Men presidency may teach the Sunday lessons and administer the activity program without assistant advisers. The Young Women presidency may do the same for young women. In a very small unit, the Young Men and Young Women presidents may be the only adult leaders in their organizations. If this is the case, they teach the Sunday lessons and oversee activities for all young men or young women. When possible, counselors and a secretary should be called for each organization.

 

 

Because youth often benefit from socializing in larger groups, the young men and young women in two or more small wards or branches may meet occasionally for combined activities. If neighboring wards and branches have few young men or young women, the bishops and branch presidents may authorize the youth to meet together for weekly activities. When considering these options, leaders take into account factors such as distance and travel cost.

 

 

Periodic stake or multistake activities are especially important where wards or branches have small numbers of youth (see 13.3 and 13.4).

 

 

In a small stake or a district, the Young Men president may be the only stake or district Young Men leader. The same may be true for the stake or district Young Women president. When possible, counselors and a secretary should be called for each organization. Primary

 

 

In a ward or branch with few children, the Primary presidency may want to organize fewer classes, combining age-groups.

 

 

In a small ward or branch, the Primary presidency may be the only Primary leaders and teachers. In a very small unit, the Primary president may be the only Primary leader. In this case, she conducts sharing time and teaches a class for all the children. When possible, more leaders and teachers should be called as outlined in 11.7.

 

 

In a small stake or district, the Primary president may be the only stake or district Primary leader. When possible, other leaders should be called as outlined in 11.7. 17.2.4 Leadership Resources

 

 

When there are not enough qualified members to fill all leadership positions, the presiding officers may fill only those that are most essential. In addition to calling active, experienced members to leadership positions, presiding officers should seek inspiration to find other potential leaders among new members, inexperienced members, and less-active members who could return to activity. Church members do not need to be experienced or highly qualified to receive a calling. Having a calling is an important way for them to serve and to grow spiritually.

 

 

If there are not enough members to serve in leadership positions, presiding officers may organize their stake, ward, or branch on a smaller scale. Examples might include staffing some organizations with only a president and one counselor, having a counselor serve also as a secretary, and simplifying some programs.

 

 

In a very small branch that does not have a Young Women or Primary president, the Relief Society president may help parents organize instruction for the young women and children until Young Women and Primary presidents are called.

 

 

Leaders of very small branches follow the guidelines in the Basic Unit Program Guidebook. 17.2.5 Security

 

 

In some areas of the world, crime rates are very high or political unrest prevails. If leaders in these areas believe that it is unwise for members to travel at night, they may cancel evening activities. This may mean reducing the number of Church activities, as well as scheduling some activities on weekends.

 

 

When security risks or travel costs are serious issues, leaders can schedule some youth activities on Sunday. Such activities should be separate from the Sunday meeting schedule and in keeping with the spirit of the Sabbath.