God calls Church leaders to help me follow Jesus Christ

Jacob 1: 1-19

Book of Mormon Stories Before Nephi died, he gave the plates he had written on to his younger brother Jacob. This meant that Jacob would also be the spiritual leader of the people. Jacob 1:1–2, 8

Nephi told Jacob to write the things that would help the people believe in Jesus Christ. Jacob 1:4–6

Nephi gave his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph the power to be priests and teachers in the Church and to teach the Nephites the word of God. Jacob 1:18

Go through the Fifth Article of Faith and explain that Nephi would have prayed to find out who God wanted called to certain responsibilities. He then would have “consecrated” Jacob and Joseph for those responsibilities by the laying on of hands because he had the priesthood authority from God to do so.

Jacob and Joseph labored diligently among their people, that they might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God Jacob 1:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Junior Primary

• Make simple puppets to represent Jacob and Joseph, Nephi’s younger brothers, who were leaders in the Church. Share some verses from Jacob 1 and 2 to explain what Church leaders are called to do. For example, leaders persuade us to “believe in Christ” (Jacob 1:8), invite us to repent (see Jacob 2:5–6, 9–10), and “declare [God’s] word” (Jacob 2:2, 11). Let the children use the puppets to pretend to do some of these things.
• Invite the children to name some Church leaders they know, like Primary leaders, bishopric members, and prophets and apostles. Help the children think of ways these leaders bless us.

Senior Primary

• Read with the children Jacob 1:6–8 and 2:1–6, 11, helping them look for phrases that describe how God’s servants lead the Church. Ask them to write these phrases on pieces of paper and then display the papers on the board. Why does God call Church leaders to guide us? Ask the children to share experiences with learning or receiving guidance from a Church leader or teacher and the blessings they received.
• Ask the children to draw a picture of a Church leader they know about, and let the rest of the class guess who they drew. What do these leaders do to help us follow Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write notes to Church leaders, thanking them for their service.
• Invite a local Church leader to tell the children what he or she does to fulfill his or her calling. Ask the children to name some things they can do to sustain their leaders.

Church leaders love me and pray for me.(Jr)

Philippians 1:3–4; Colossians 1:3, 9

Read Philippians 1:3–4 and Colossians 1:3, 9 aloud, and ask the children to fold their arms and bow their heads every time they hear the words pray, praying, and prayer. Explain that the Apostle Paul prayed for Church members, just as our Church leaders pray for us today. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and read some scripture verses that describe Him praying for someone (for example, Luke 22:32; 3 Nephi 19:21, 23). What did Jesus ask for when He prayed for others? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

The Red Crystal

Help the children name some of their Church leaders, such as the Primary president, the bishop, and the President of the Church. Explain that these leaders ask Heavenly Father to bless the children and help them live righteously. Consider telling the children what you say when you pray for them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

The Red Crystal Put the stepping stones on the ground and say the words as the students step on each one. Then move them farther apart so they have to hop to each stone while saying the same words

General Auxiliary Leaders

Friend September 2020 “Women who Help Lead the Church” Color these pictures and then look for these women during general conference. Which of them spoke or prayed during conference? What did you learn from them?

Friend June 2019 “Living My Standards” When Becky Craven (Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency) was young she moved a lot with her family. It was difficult because she was shy, but because of the gospel and her commitment living the gospel, she learned how to stand up for what was right and be a good example to others.

Friend November 2018 “Our Women Leaders” Learn a little bit about the 2018 leaders of Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s by matching their pictures with their info cards.

Priesthood Leaders

Church leaders follow the Savior. (Sr)

Hebrews 7:1–4

Those who are called to serve in the Lord’s Church are to be faithful and serve others as He did.

Help the children list things they know about the two great leaders Abraham and Melchizedek. They can find help in Hebrews 7:1–4; Abraham 1:1–2; and Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40 (in the Bible appendix). What Christlike qualities did these men have that helped them honor the priesthood? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13“)

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek” Story of Melchizedek

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Abraham and Sarah”

Ask the children to read Hebrews 7:1–2 and look for the titles used to describe Melchizedek. How do these titles remind us of Jesus Christ? Help them think of ways in which Jesus was a “King of peace.” Invite them to talk about other priesthood holders who are also an example of following the Savior. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13” )

New Era July 2015 “Jesus Christ—Our Prince of Peace” Russel M. Nelson explains how Jesus is the prince of peace

Friend October 2023 “Cover”

Joseph Smith Translation, Hebrews 7:3, 21: Those who are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood “are made like unto the Son of God” and are “[priests] forever.”

Share an experience in which your faith in the Savior was strengthened because of the service of a righteous priesthood holder. Help the children think of ways the priesthood has blessed them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13” )

• Friend August 2021 “The Power of a Priesthood Blessing” Heavenly Father’s priesthood power blesses our lives in many ways. The cards below show some of the blessings we can all have because of the priesthood. Cut them out and put them face down. Then take turns choosing one and telling how it has helped you or will help you someday!

Bishops

The First Bishops

Doctrine and Covenants 41

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 17: Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop,” Click on link to find additional teaching ideas

In early 1831, almost a year after the Church was organized, many people were joining the Church and gathering in Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. As the Church grew, Joseph Smith needed additional leaders to help with the work of the Church. The Church was facing many financial (money-related) challenges. Many of the Saints who gathered to Kirtland were poor. They had no land or money and little food, clothing, or other things that were necessary for them to live. The Church also needed money to build a temple and to publish written materials such as revelations and missionary pamphlets. The Prophet himself did not have a home or a way to provide for his family, and other Church leaders who were serving in the Church full-time also needed help in supporting their families.

The Prophet asked the Lord what should be done to provide for all of these needs. In February 1831 the Prophet received a revelation calling Edward Partridge, who had only been a member of the Church for two months, to serve as the first bishop of the Church. The bishop’s first responsibility was to help the Prophet provide for the physical and financial needs of the members of the Church. Joseph Smith received other revelations in the next few months that helped Bishop Partridge know what else he was to do as bishop.

Bishop Partridge was asked to help provide the needy members of the Church with food, clothing, and shelter (see D&C 42:30–31, 34). Members who had extra food or other supplies were asked to share with those who did not have enough. Bishop Partridge received and distributed these donations, keeping them in a storehouse where members in need could come.

Another duty given to Bishop Partridge was to purchase and distribute land for individual homes and Church buildings (see D&C 42:35).

Friend May 2017 “The First Bishop”

Ensign April 2021 “How can we be like Edward Partridge?” Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. With his firm testimony, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had and endure hardship after hardship, for he knew the Church to be true.

Bishops lead the ward as servants of God. (Jr)

1 Timothy 3:1–2; Titus 1:7–9

Draw a simple picture of your bishop on the board. Ask the children to name some things they know about the bishop. What is he like? What does he do? How does he bless the ward? (You can find some characteristics of a bishop in 1 Timothy 3:1–2 and Titus 1:7–9.) As the children share their ideas, write them on strips of paper and let the children place them on the board by the drawing.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Write the duties of a bishop on slips of paper—such as helping children and youth in the ward, accepting tithing and fast offerings, extending callings, interviewing members, and helping those in need. Place these slips in a bowl, and invite each child to pick one. Then help the child to role-play these duties with you. Share your testimony that your bishop is called of God. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

• “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
  Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

Invite the children to draw a picture of the bishop serving ward members. Suggest that they give their drawings to him to thank him. What can we do to help him? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

The Lord has Called a Bishop to Help Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 72:2, 10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

Little children may not know a lot about what their bishop does to serve them and other ward members. You can help them appreciate their bishop’s service.

• Bring items to class that represent the responsibilities of a bishop, such as a tithing slip, the scriptures, or a picture of a bishop giving counsel (see the picture at the end of this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:2, and explain that the Lord has called a bishop to help us. Use the items you brought to help the children understand some of the things a bishop does to serve the ward.

• “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
  Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

• Take the children on a walk to the bishop’s office (you may want to coordinate with other teachers). Describe for them some situations when they might meet with the bishop in his office (such as a baptismal interview or tithing settlement). Tell the children how you have been blessed by the bishop’s service.
• Help the children make cards to give to the bishop, thanking him for what he does to help with the Lord’s work.

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Secret Service for Bishop

• Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
• Jesus taught that His Church should have bishops to lead and help the members (see Doctrine and Covenants 72:2).
• Say thanks to your bishop or branch president by doing something kind. You could write him nice notes or bring him a treat. You could even do your plan without letting him know who did it!

The Lord Calls Bishops to Help Him Do His Work.

Doctrine and Covenants 72:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

A bishop can have a strong positive influence in the life of a young person. What can you do to help the children see the bishop as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ?

• Explain that in 1831 the Lord called the bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge, to move from Kirtland, Ohio, to be the bishop in Independence, Missouri. Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:8 with the children, and ask them to listen for who the Lord called to serve as the new bishop in Kirtland. Why does the Lord call bishops? Share with the children an experience when you were blessed by the service of a bishop.
• Invite the children to make a list of some of the things they have seen the bishop do to help people in the ward. Ask the children to draw pictures of the bishop doing something they mentioned. Bear your testimony that your bishop was called by the Lord to be His servant. Why are we grateful that the Lord has called a bishop in our ward?

• “Bishop, Help!” (April 2004 Friend)
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us about the special calling of a bishop.

Following our Leaders

Friend May 2020 “The Little Red Bread Wagon” The Bishop asked ward members to help others. Sammy’s father prayed to know what to do, and the idea came to make bread to share. Sammy helped his father decide who to take bread to, and he helped him deliver the bread with his wagon. 

I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.

Exodus 18:13–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20”Moses learned that trying to lead the children of Israel all by himself was “not good” (Exodus 18:17). Loving and serving one another can help ease the burdens of our leaders.

• Invite the children to draw many circles on the board to represent members of the ward. Draw a circle labeled bishop. Why would it be a problem if the bishop were the only one helping everyone else? Read together Exodus 18:13–26 to find out what advice Jethro gave when Moses was trying to do everything himself. Ask the children to label other circles to represent other ward leaders and members who help the bishop serve others. How do these other leaders and members make the bishop’s burden lighter? How can we do the same for our ward leaders? for our parents at home?

Friend December 2019 “Notes for Sister Puckett” Tyler was excited to become a deacon so he could serve and minister like his parents do. (His father takes notes in sacrament for Sister Puckett who is sick, and his mom made taco soup for her.)

• Help the children make a list of leaders in your ward. As a class, select one and discuss what this person does to accomplish the Lord’s work and what the children can do to help. (Suggestions: Primary leaders, Primary teachers, chorister, librarians)

Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

• I can put away a hymnbook.
• I can pick up trash I see.
• I can help hold up a picture.
• I can sit so reverently!

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

Friend June 2018 “A Baptism Song” Elizabeth and her sister sang at a baptism which helped those attending to feel the Spirit.

• “Prayer Power” (March 2019 Liahona and Friend)
  Lucy and her family pray for their church leaders.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bear One Another’s Burdens“

Story: It was hard for Moses to lead his people by himself. His wife’s father, Jethro, told Moses to let other people help “bear the burden” (Exodus 18:21–22).

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Have one person stand and hold their arms out. Put a book in each of their hands. Add more books until they are too heavy to hold up. Then have two people hold the person’s arms up. Is it easier to carry a burden when you have help? How can you help others? How can you ask for help?

Friend May 2020 “I Will Be Valiant” Song and Sing-along Video.

The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do His work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve His people in a loving way.

I will be His servant

And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

I’ll stand for truth. I’ll stand for right.

The Lord can depend on me.