Ward Primary President
11.2.2 The ward Primary presidency consists of a president and two counselors. They work under the direction of the bishopric. They receive orientation and ongoing support from the stake Primary presidency.
The Primary president has the following responsibilities:
She serves as a member of the ward council. As a member of this council, she participates in efforts to build faith and strengthen individuals and families (see chapter 4).
She submits recommendations to the bishopric for ward members to be called to serve as leaders and teachers in the Primary. In making these recommendations, she follows the guidelines in 19.1.1 and 19.1.2.
She teaches other Primary leaders and teachers their duties, using this handbook as a resource.
She oversees the use of the Faith in God guidebooks as described in 11.5.1: The ward Primary president ensures that each child who reaches age 8 receives a copy of Faith in God for girls or Faith in God for boys. She helps parents understand that they can use these guidebooks as resources for activities with individual children and with the entire family.
She oversees the records, reports, budget, and finances of the ward Primary. The Primary secretary helps with this responsibility.
Ward Primary President and Her Counselors
11.2.2 Members of the ward Primary presidency work together to fulfill the following responsibilities. The Primary president may assign her counselors to oversee some of these responsibilities.
They learn the children’s names and become familiar with their talents, interests, and challenges. They look for ways to strengthen children individually and help them participate in Primary.
They orient newly called teachers and oversee efforts to improve gospel learning and teaching in Primary. In these efforts, they follow the principles in 5.5.3 and 5.5.4. They also support Primary teachers and nursery leaders by (1) visiting with them occasionally to address their questions and concerns and to discuss ways to serve the children; (2) helping them maintain reverence during sharing time, class time, and breaks; and (3) arranging to visit their classes.
They plan sharing time and oversee the programs, activities, and events listed in 11.5.
They hold Primary presidency meetings. They also meet regularly with the counselor in the bishopric who oversees Primary.
- “When Leaders Teach Teachers,” Teaching, No Greater Call
- “Reaching Out to the One,” Teaching, No Greater Call
- “Teaching Children in Mixed Age-Groups,” Teaching, No Greater Call
- Scouting Activities, Handbook 2, 11.5.3
- Ward Primary Presidency and Scouting, Scouting Handbook 6.5
Ward Primary Secretary
11.2.3 The ward Primary secretary has the following responsibilities:
She consults with the presidency to prepare agendas for presidency meetings. She attends these meetings, takes notes, and keeps track of assignments.
At least quarterly, she compiles attendance information, reviews it with the Primary president, and submits it to the ward clerk.
She ensures that the Primary president and ward executive secretary are aware of children who will soon be eligible for baptism and who will soon advance from Primary to the Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women.
She helps the Primary presidency prepare an annual budget and account for expenses.
She assists children, teachers, and parents as requested by the Primary presidency. For example, she may help monitor classes and maintain reverence during sharing time. She may also assign children to give talks in upcoming sharing times and inform the children’s parents of the assignments.
Return to the Roles and Responsibilities in Primary main page.