Purpose and Organization of a Stake
Most geographic areas of the Church are divided into stakes. A stake normally is composed of five to twelve wards and branches. The term stake comes from the prophecies of Isaiah, who described latter-day Zion as a tent or tabernacle that would be held secure by stakes (see Isaiah 33:20; 54:2). The stakes of Zion are like the stakes of a large tent that hold it secure so it protects all who enter.
The purpose of a stake is to be "a defense, and ... a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out ... upon the whole earth" (D&C 115:6). Stakes are gathering places where Church members can serve and strengthen each other, become unified, and receive gospel ordinances and instruction.
Stake Presidency
The stake president holds the priesthood keys to preside over the stake and direct the work of the Church in the stake. He and his counselors minister to stake members in love, helping "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1-.39).
The stake president has four principal responsibilities in presiding over a stake:
The stake president should delegate many assignments to his counselors, high councilors, the stake executive secretary, the stake clerk, and assistant stake clerks. This allows him to concentrate on duties that he alone should ordinarily do.
If the stake president is absent, ill, or otherwise unable to perform his duties, a counselor may act in his place temporarily except as noted in this handbook. The counselor is to consult with the Area President if he has questions about acting for the stake president.
Presiding High Priest
The stake president has the following responsibilities as the presiding high priest in the stake. His counselors assist him.
Teach the Gospel
Members of the stake presidency are teachers. They teach the gospel in meetings, classes, and interviews. They also bear their testimonies often.
The stake president and his counselors base their teaching on the scriptures and the words of the latter-day prophets (see D&C 42:12; 52:9). They teach with power and by the Spirit, strengthening members' faith in the Savior and their commitment to obey His commandments (see D&C 42:14; 43:15).
Members of the stake presidency oversee others who teach the gospel in the stake. They ensure that teaching is effective and doctrinally correct. They also encourage members to study, teach, and live the gospel in the home.
For more information about teaching, see pages 300-306 in Book 2.
Instruct Leaders
Members of the stake presidency instruct leaders in doctrines, responsibilities, policies, and procedures. This instruction should inspire leaders to grow spiritually and seek the Lord's guidance in fulfilling their callings.
Resources for instructing leaders include the scriptures, teachings of the latter-day prophets, Church handbooks, and other Church-produced training materials.
Oversee Efforts to Accomplish the Mission of the Church
Missionary Work (Proclaiming the Gospel). Members of the stake presidency have the following responsibilities for missionary work:
They set an example by finding and preparing people for the missionaries to teach and by fellowshipping new members. They also encourage members to participate in these efforts.
They ensure that the doctrines, principles, and blessings relating to missionary work are taught regularly in stake and ward meetings.
They organize and oversee the stake mission (see pages 245-46 in Book 2).
The stake president interviews, recommends, and sets apart full-time missionaries. He also interviews and releases them at the completion of their missions. (See pages 79-89.)
The stake president meets regularly with the full-time mission president to coordinate the work of the stake mission and full-time missionaries. This includes determining the assistance that full-time missionaries will give in activation efforts. If necessary, stake presidents and mission presidents may assign their counselors to represent them in this meeting.
The stake president and full-time mission president determine whether and to what extent Church members should provide meals for missionaries and rent parts of their homes to missionaries. The stake president recommends the number and location of full-time missionaries to be assigned within the stake. At the mission president's request, the stake president may interview or counsel specific missionaries He also may conduct baptismal interviews of converts in special cases when requested by the mission president. For more information, see pages 26 and 85.
Spiritual and Temporal Welfare (Perfecting the Saints). Each member of the stake presidency should set an example in spiritual welfare by praying, serving, keeping covenants, and striving for virtue and holiness in his own life (see D&C 38:24; Moroni 10:32-33). The stake presidency sets the spiritual tone in the stake.
One of the stake presidency's most important responsibilities is helping members build spiritual strength. The stake presidency should pray continually to know how to do this. Suggestions include teaching and testifying of the gospel, teaching members to pray and study the scriptures, emphasizing the importance of the family, helping members prepare to receive all essential ordinances and keep the associated covenants, providing opportunities to serve, making meetings edifying, and showing love by ministering to members individually.
Members of the stake presidency set an example in temporal welfare by striving to become self-reliant and by caring for the poor and needy. They also encourage members in these efforts.
Members of the stake presidency teach stake, ward, and quorum leaders their welfare responsibilities. The stake president takes special care to instruct bishops in the principles and policies of administering welfare assistance. As part of his monthly interview with each bishop, the stake president inquires about the welfare of individual ward members and discusses the use of fast offerings and the welfare assistance given to members.
Members of the stake presidency ensure that the doctrines, principles, and blessings relating to welfare are taught regularly in stake and ward meetings. For information about welfare doctrines and principles, see pages 255-58 in Book 2. For information about the stake presidency's responsibilities to direct the Church welfare program and operations, see pages 7-9 in this book. This information is also available in Providing in the Lord's Way: A Leader's Guide to Welfare.
Temple and Family History Work (Redeeming the Dead). Members of the stake presidency oversee temple and family history work in the stake. They also set an example in doing this work, including regular temple attendance where circumstances allow.
They help members prepare to receive their own temple ordinances. They also encourage members to identify their kindred dead and provide temple ordinances for them.
They ensure that the doctrines, principles, and blessings relating to temple and family history work are taught regularly in stake and ward meetings.
They interview stake members for temple recommends. They also teach bishoprics how to conduct these interviews and issue recommends.
They determine whether a stake Family History Center (TM) is needed and whether the stake should participate in family record extraction. Where these are approved, members of the stake presidency ensure that they are properly staffed and supervised.
For more information, see pages 65-77 in this book and pages 261-70 in Book 2.
Preside over the Melchizedek Priesthood
Members of the stake presidency have the following responsibilities in presiding over the Melchizedek Priesthood in the stake:
Members of the stake presidency have the following, responsibilities in overseeing the Aaronic Priesthood and young women in the stake:
Direct the High Council
The stake president presides over the stake priesthood executive committee, stake council, stake welfare committee, and stake Melchizedek Priesthood committee.
The stake president usually assigns one of his counselors to preside over the stake Aaronic Priesthood committee, stake Aaronic Priesthood-Young Women committee, and stake committee for single members. The stake president or an assigned counselor is chairman of the stake public affairs council.
For information about these committees and councils, see pages 315-17 in Book 2.
Conduct Stake Business
The stake president conducts stake business with General Authorities and Area Authority Seventies and receives counsel and instructions from them. He also oversees the goals and plans for each part of stake activity. When needed, he recommends the creation, division, or changing of boundaries of stakes and wards (see pages 143-46).
Oversee Callings and Releases
The stake presidency oversees the stake auxiliary organizations:
The stake presidency ensures that the following Church programs are implemented in the stake and, if necessary, adapted to local circumstances, The stake president usually assigns primary responsibility for each program to one of his counselors. He also assigns a high councilor to help oversee each program (except Church magazines and military relations).
The stake presidency plans the stake meetings listed on pages 52-54 in this book and pages 315-17 in Book 2. The stake president presides at these meetings unless a General Authority or Area Authority Seventy attends. The stake president's counselors may conduct these meetings and may preside if the stake president is absent.
Oversee the Stake Patriarch
The stake president presides over the stake patriarch and should develop a close relationship with him. Guidelines for calling, ordaining, instructing and overseeing the stake patriarch are provided in the following paragraphs. For information about patriarchal blessings, see pages 34-35 and the booklet Information and Suggestions for Patriarchs.
Calling, Sustaining, and Ordaining a Stake Patriarch. The Quorum of the Twelve directs the calling of stake patriarchs (see D&C 107:39). To recommend a man to be called as a stake patriarch, the stake president completes a New Patriarch Recommendation form and submits it to the Quorum of the Twelve. In making this recommendation, he should fast and pray for the Spirit to direct him. The recommendation should be approved by his counselors.
A man whom the stake president recommends as stake patriarch should be a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He should be mature in the gospel and the Church, a worthy patriarch in his own home, and sensitive to guidance from the Spirit. He should have received his own patriarchal blessing, and normally he should be age 55 or older.
If the Quorum of the Twelve approves the recommendation, the stake president may be authorized to interview and call the patriarch, present his name for a sustaining vote at the next stake conference or stake general priesthood meeting, and ordain him. Because the calling of patriarch is an office of the Melchizedek Priesthood, a patriarch is ordained, not set apart. A stake president may not assign a counselor to ordain a patriarch.
Calling a Second Stake Patriarch. The Quorum of the Twelve normally does not approve calling a second patriarch for a stake unless the present patriarch is unable to give the number of blessings requested or has been given nonfunctioning status. Nor does the Quorum of the Twelve normally approve an additional patriarch simply because a stake is geographically large or includes members who do not speak the majority language. If a stake includes members who speak different languages, bishops and stake presidencies may authorize them to go to a patriarch in a nearby stake who can give the blessing in the member's own language.
Instructing a Newly Called Stake Patriarch. The stake president instructs a newly called patriarch in the sacred, revelatory nature of the office before the patriarch begins giving blessings. The stake president carefully reviews with him the instructions in Information and Suggestions for Patriarchs.
Supervising the Work of the Stake Patriarch. The stake president supervises the work of the stake patriarch as outlined in Information and Suggestions for Patriarchs. He interviews the patriarch at least twice each year. He reviews blessings the patriarch has given. He also discusses the patriarch's feelings about the work, the welfare of his family, and any other matters on which the patriarch seeks or needs counsel.
The stake president ensures that copies of transcribed blessings are given promptly to recipients. He also ensures that the originals of all blessings are sent to the Church Historical Department at least every two years.
Nonfunctioning Status for a Patriarch. The call of a patriarch is for a lifetime, so he is not released. However, he may be given nonfunctioning status, excusing him from giving blessings.
If a patriarch is incapacitated by age or illness, as determined by the stake president or the patriarch, the stake president writes a recommendation to the Quorum of the Twelve that the patriarch be given nonfunctioning status. If the Twelve approve the recommendation, the stake president does not have the patriarch's name presented for a sustaining vote at the next stake conference when Church officers are sustained. The stake president notifies bishops and branch presidents not to send members to that patriarch. He also ensures that all the blessings the patriarch has given are sent to the recipients and to the Church Historical Department.
A patriarch is also given nonfunctioning status if he leaves to serve a mission, is absent from his home for other reasons, moves to a different stake, or is approved to be called to a position of Church administration (see "Patriarchs Who Are Called to Another Church Position" on page 7). In such circumstances, the stake president sends written notification to the Quorum of the Twelve and follows the instructions in the previous paragraph.
A patriarch who has been given nonfunctioning status may continue to give patriarchal blessings to his lineal descendants if he is able to do so. These blessings should be processed as if he were still a functioning patriarch.
Returning a Patriarch to Functioning Status. To return a patriarch to functioning status, the stake president interviews him carefully and sends a written recommendation to the Quorum of the Twelve. If the Twelve approve the recommendation, the stake president has the patriarch presented for a sustaining vote at a stake conference or stake general priesthood meeting.
Patriarchs Who Move to a Different Stake. When a patriarch moves to a different stake, he should contact his new stake president. If the stake president wants him to serve as a patriarch in the new stake, he contacts the patriarch's former stake president to confirm the patriarch's worthiness and past service. The new stake president then follows the procedure in the preceding paragraph.
If the stake president decides not to recommend having the patriarch serve in the new stake, the patriarch is given nonfunctioning status as explained on page 6.
Patriarchs Who Are Called to Another Church Position. A patriarch may not be called to serve in a position of Church administration, such as bishop, high councilor, or stake president, unless the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve approve the call. Such a request is rarely approved. If it is approved, the patriarch is given nonfunctioning status as explained on page 6.
Direct Public Affairs Efforts
The stake presidency directs public affairs efforts in the stake. Members of the stake presidency also have primary responsibility for the Church's good standing in the community and for relationships with civic and community leaders. The stake president serves as the primary Church spokesman to the news media on matters that pertain to the stake.
The stake president or an assigned counselor organizes and oversees the stake public affairs council. The stake president may also be designated by the Area Presidency to be chairman of a multistake or national public affairs council.
For more information, see pages 295-98 in Book 2.
Perform Civil Marriages
The stake president may perform civil marriages where legally authorized by local government authority (see pages 71-72). He may not assign this to a counselor.
Respond to Accidents and Other Serious Situations
The stake president should be notified promptly of any injuries, illnesses, accidents, and property damage that occur on Church property or are the result of something that happened during a Church-sponsored activity in the stake. In these situations he should follow the instructions on pages 276-77 in Book 2.
Refer Legal Matters
As a common judge, the stake president conducts worthiness interviews (see page 19), counsels stake members (see pages 21-22), and administers Church discipline (see pages 91-107). He also may be asked to certify the worthiness of Church employees (see page 148).
Direct the Church Welfare Program and Operations
Oversee Welfare Assistance in Special Circumstances
Welfare assistance is usually administered by bishops. However, the stake president oversees assistance in the following circumstances.
Fast-Offering Expenditures That Exceed Contributions. When fast-offering expenditures will exceed contributions in a ward, the bishop and stake president counsel together to make sure that the bishop and ward members correctly understand and apply principles of self-reliance and providing for the poor and needy. Procedures for obtaining additional fast offerings from the Church are outlined in instructions sent to stake and ward financial clerks.
Surplus Fast Offerings. Procedures for remitting surplus fast offerings to the Church are outlined in instructions sent to stake and ward financial clerks.
Medical Expenses That Exceed $1,000. If a needy member's medical expenses that will be paid by the Church are expected to exceed $1,000, the stake president's approval is required before the bishop may commit to pay health care providers. If a needy member's medical expenses to be paid by the Church are expected to exceed $5,000, the stake president contacts the Area Presidency for instructions.
Welfare Assistance for Bishops and Stake Presidents. When a bishop or members of his immediate family need welfare assistance, he reviews the needs and proposed assistance with the stake president. The bishop and stake president both sign the bishop's order forms used to obtain the assistance. If fast offering funds are used, the stake president reviews the bills that the fast offerings will pay. A similar procedure is followed when obtaining help for the bishop or his immediate family through LDS Social Services where it exists. A bishop should not expend fast-offering funds or sign a bishop's order for Church welfare assistance for himself or immediate
family members without the approval and signature of the stake president.
When a stake president or members of his immediate family need welfare assistance, he contacts the bishop of the ward in which he resides. The bishop follows the principles and guidelines governing welfare assistance as he would for any other Church member.
Preside over the Stake Welfare Committee
The Area Presidency assigns an agent stake president to each storehouse, cannery, employment center, production project, and Deseret Industries. This stake president oversees meetings where full-time employees report on the operation. This assignment usually changes every three to five years.
All stakes in the welfare region, not just the agent stake, may be called on to provide volunteer labor to these welfare operations. These efforts are coordinated in regional welfare committee meetings (see pages 51-52).
Organize an Agent Stake Operating Committee
When a stake president is assigned to oversee a Church welfare operation, he organizes an agent stake operating committee composed of himself, the stake bishops' welfare council chairman, the stake Relief Society president, the manager of the operation, and other specialists as needed. This committee meets regularly to provide priesthood guidance and support to the operation manager, ensure that the operation serves needy members appropriately, and coordinate volunteer labor.
Prepare for and Respond to Emergencies
The stake president directs the stake welfare committee in preparing a stake emergency response plan. This plan should be coordinated with similar plans in the welfare region and community. Area Presidencies provide guidelines for preparing the plan.
During an emergency, the stake presidency receives reports from the bishops on the condition of Church members and Church property. The stake presidency then reports to the Area Presidency,
During an emergency, Church leaders should make the services of the Church available to civil authorities. Church leaders also should take independent action in behalf of Church members as needed.
Assign a Bishop to Assist Transients
Where there are two or more wards in the vicinity, the stake president may appoint one bishop to handle all requests from transients. This helps avoid duplication and confusion.
Provide Support to Members in Prisons, Hospitals, and Other Institutions
Stake presidents are encouraged to provide support to members in prisons, hospitals, and other institutions within their boundaries. They should do so within priesthood channels and according to the guidelines established by the Church and the institutions.
The stake president determines the support that is to be provided at each institution. He also supervises the support, assisted by other local priesthood leaders. If the stake needs help providing service to institutions within its boundaries, the Area Presidency may assign a nearby stake or stakes to assist.
The stake president or an assigned bishop may call a priesthood holder to oversee the support that is given to members at these institutions. In prisons, men should be called to work with male inmates, and at least two men, two women, or a husband and wife should be called to work with female inmates.
Worship services for members in prisons, hospitals, and other institutions may be simplified as necessary to meet the needs of those involved. Services usually follow the same format as sacrament meeting except that the sacrament is not administered to inmates in prisons. As an exception to Church policy, when services are held in prisons, inmates may participate by offering prayers or giving talks regardless of their religious affiliation or standing in the Church.
Other support that may be given to members in these institutions includes counseling, home teaching, visiting teaching, Sunday School classes, family
home evening, seminary or institute classes, and other special programs.
For more information, stake presidents may contact the Priesthood Department at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240-2134 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2134).
Keep Needs and Assistance Confidential
The stake president should keep
confidential the needs of Members and
the help that is provided.
Oversee Finances, Records, Reports, and Properties
The stake presidency calls twelve high priests to form the stake high council (see D&C 102:1). Elders may be considered to serve on the high council but must first be ordained high priests. (District councils may be composed of elders and high priests.) The stake presidency may call military chaplains who live in the stake to serve as high councilors.
Under the direction of the stake presidency, high councilors help oversee the work of the Church in the stake. They have advisory and administrative responsibilities as described below:
The high council does not meet unless a member of the stake presidency is present.
Stake Executive Secretary
The stake president or an assigned counselor calls and sets apart a stake executive secretary. He should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be worthy to have a temple recommend.
The executive secretary is an assistant to the stake presidency. He meets with the stake presidency and prepares meeting agendas as instructed. He also attends meetings of the stake priesthood executive committee, stake council, and stake welfare committee.
He coordinates stake business between the stake presidency and high council. He also schedules appointments for the stake presidency. He distributes copies of the Bulletin and other Church publications and correspondence promptly.
He reviews the status of home teaching in the stake with the stake presidency.
He coordinates the Church magazine subscription efforts in the stake (see page 284 in Book 2).
He advises the stake presidency of members who are entering or already in military service. Under the direction of the stake presidency, he coordinates preservice Church orientation in the stake.
He instructs ward executive secretaries as requested by the stake president or by bishops.
Stake Clerk
The stake president or an assigned counselor calls and sets apart a stake clerk. The stake clerk should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be worthy to have a temple recommend. He should be an honest and careful record keeper and a capable teacher and administrator. He also should be qualified to handle financial matters.
The tenure of stake clerks should be sufficient for them to learn their duties and magnify their callings. Stake clerks do not need to be released when a stake presidency is reorganized.
The stake clerk's responsibilities are outlined on pages 123-24 and 133.
Assistant Stake Clerks
The stake president or an assigned counselor may call and set apart one or more assistant stake clerks. These clerks should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be worthy to have a temple recommend. The stake presidency may assign them to each part of stake record keeping, such as financial records, member progress reporting, and historical records. Assistant stake clerks who are assigned to financial records should be qualified to handle financial matters.
The responsibilities of assistant stake clerks are outlined on pages 124-25 and 133.