Help! I am a new Stake Primary president and am as lost as last year's Easter egg. In my 30+ years in the church, I've never served in a Primary presidency at any level. And I haven't even been in Primary for over 15 years! The last time I served, I had children in Primary--now I have grandchildren in the program! How do I provide leadership when I have no idea what is expected of me or what to do? Who trains me? The previous president spent an hour or so with me, then moved out of state! I know this is a calling where I can grow and learn, but right now, I'm almost ready to give up. Thanks.
New President
Wed, 01/06/2010 - 5:57pm
New President
Mon, 03/01/2010 - 12:32am
#2
Ask your stake primary president for help. I was called to be a stake primary president about 1 1/2 years ago and all 6 wards in my stake have had new ward primary presidents in this time. I go to each ward and do an orientation with them as soon as I find out they have been called. I also do a shorter version of the orientation when only part of the presidency changes. I feel that they all need this and so far they have all thanked me for this. I also try to visit the ward presidency meetings occasionally, their cub scout committee meeting and also any of their blue and gold and pinewood derby activities. I have also been invited to attend baptism firesides and quarterly activities. I believe the more they see my face the more they will be comfortable asking for my help. I LOVE my calling.
Check out lds.org - serving in the church - primary. It is a wonderful site.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Mon, 03/01/2010 - 12:34am
#3
Sorry I thought you said you were the ward primary president. As for the stake primary president, I really research the church sites and read, read and then read again the church handbook. I am willing to share anything with you that might be of help. If you want to contact me, I will be more than willing to help any way that I can.
Sue
Fri, 10/22/2010 - 1:26pm
#4
Read: 2005 March Pimrary President's Message
"A Marvelous Work and Wonder"
Coleen K. Menlove
Primary General President
There is a section on training for
Stake Primary Presients.
Good luck, you'll do great!
I was in a similar situation when I was called. I only taught a little while in Primary when my children were that age and now I am a ward president with my grandchildren. Children are still children, even after 30 years. It took my about a year to understand the program. I just started with one thing and read and studied it until I thought I understood then moved on to another part of the program. I had great counselors and so they held me up while I was trying to learn. One had been a teacher so she was really familiar with how things should work. I would always ask her what to do because I didn't have a clue about the program.
As you pray, the Lord will direct you as to what your wards need from you. You may want to visit them not only to get acquainted, but also to have experiences with how things are done now. I have no doubt that you were called for specific talents and capabilites that you can offer to those you lead. May the Lord bless you as you find your way!