I was recently called into the Primary Presidency in our new ward, and coming from the Relief Society Presidency, let’s just say I had a hard time adjusting at first.
Along the way, I’ve received some wonderful advice on how to make this my best calling yet! This post will dive more into some of the best tips and advice I’ve heard for anyone that’s recently been called to the Primary Presidency.
1. Request a Meeting with the Stake Primary Presidency
Meeting with the Stake Primary Presidency as a new ward Primary presidency is such a great opportunity to get the support and encouragement you need as you step into your calling. These sisters (or brothers) have been in your shoes, and they bring a wealth of experience, a big-picture perspective of the Primary in your stake, and a desire to help you succeed. Spending time with them can really help you feel more confident and connected as you begin serving the children and families in your ward.
One of the biggest benefits of meeting with the Stake Primary Presidency is the chance to receive training that’s designed just for you. They can walk you through everything from organizing the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation to planning effective Primary activities. Plus, if you’ve got questions about the curriculum or how to tackle tricky situations—like filling callings or supporting a struggling teacher—they’ve got advice that’s practical and rooted in experience. It’s such a relief to know you’re not figuring it all out on your own!
Another perk is hearing ideas and best practices from around the stake. The Stake Primary Presidency knows what’s working well in other wards and can share ideas that might work for you too. It’s also a great time to talk about any challenges you’re facing and brainstorm solutions together. These meetings remind you that you’re part of a team and that there’s so much collective wisdom to draw on.
Most importantly, meeting with the Stake Primary Presidency is an uplifting experience. They’re there to cheer you on, remind you of the eternal importance of your calling, and offer spiritual strength. Their love and support can help you feel inspired and ready to serve with faith and confidence. It’s such a blessing to have their guidance as you take on this beautiful work of teaching and loving the children in your ward.
2. Read the Handbook
Whether you decide to read the handbook together as a Primary Presidency or individually is entirely up to you, but it’s important you take the time to understand the Church’s expectations and regulations for someone in your new calling.
3. Meet with the Last Primary Presidency
Set a meeting, either with the last Primary Presidency as a whole or just the President, and pick her brain. Some great questions to ask during this meeting would be:
- What were the priorities or goals you focused on for the Primary?
- How did you typically schedule presidency meetings and other responsibilities?
- How did you divide responsibilities among the presidency and secretary?
- What was your approach to planning Sharing Time or Singing Time?
- What challenges did you face with implementing the curriculum or activities?
- What strategies worked well to engage the children during lessons or activities?
- Were there any teacher callings that were particularly difficult to fill?
- Which teachers or leaders needed extra support or encouragement?
- How did you handle teacher training and motivation?
- Were there any children with special needs or family situations that required extra attention?
- How did you usually communicate with parents and guardians?
- Were there any families that needed additional outreach or support?
- What activities or events had you planned for the upcoming months (e.g., Primary program, Activity Days, etc.)?
- What events or activities were particularly successful, and what could have been improved?
- Were there any traditions or practices the ward valued in the Primary?
- How did you organize and maintain Primary records and rolls?
- What was your approach to managing the budget and allocating funds?
- Were there any regular supplies or materials that needed to be restocked or ordered?
- What methods did you find most effective for communicating with leaders, teachers, and parents?
- Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started this calling?
- What advice would you offer for working effectively with the bishopric and other auxiliaries?
Another good idea is to get her old organization binder. This way you don’t have to start from nothing.
4. Get Organized
If you want a Primary Presidency that runs smoothly, you need to start of strong and get organized!
Have a meeting with your entire Primary Presidency and
- Discuss ways to seek spiritual guidance in fulfilling responsibilities.
- Clearly define each member’s duties within the presidency.
- Review relevant sections of the Church Handbook to understand specific responsibilities.
- Set a regular schedule for presidency meetings.
- Plan agendas that include discussing the needs of children and teachers, reviewing upcoming events, and addressing any concerns.
- Identify current teachers and any vacancies.
- Review attendance records to identify children who may need additional support.
- Discuss strategies to help children who have recently entered Primary or whose families are less active.
- Plan for events such as the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation and Activity Days.
- Review the Primary budget and discuss expenditures.
- Identify needed materials and plan for their acquisition.
- Identify upcoming baptisms
- Establish methods for effective communication within the presidency and with teachers, parents, and the bishopric.
- Discuss Your Goals for your Ward Primary
- Discuss Ideas or things you’d like to implement or change
If you’re looking for a fool-proof way to organize your Primary Presidency, I strongly suggest get this Primary Presidency Digital Binder, as it has many of the templates you’ll need to easily and quickly refer to throughout your time serving. Check it out below!
Primary Presidency Digital Binder
Are you looking for an evergreen Primary Presidency Digital Binder that allows you to seamlessly access anywhere and doesnʻt waste printed paper anytime a change needs to be made? This is the Binder for you!
This binder is accessible through Google Docs and can be shared and edited by anyone you give permissions to!
This binder comes with pages for your Primary Presidency and their info, …
5. Join Primary Presidency Facebook Groups
Joining Facebook groups for Primary presidency members can be a game-changer for anyone newly called to this exciting and important role. These groups are full of individuals who know exactly what you’re going through—they’ve been there! Whether it’s figuring out how to organize a successful Primary program, coming up with creative activity ideas, or just navigating the day-to-day responsibilities, these groups offer a space to connect with others who are walking the same path. It’s like having a support group that’s always available when you need it.
One of the best things about these groups is the treasure trove of resources you’ll find. Members generously share things like lesson ideas, fun activities, planning templates, and even tips for managing your time and budget. Instead of starting from scratch, you can build on ideas that have already worked for others. Plus, these shared resources can spark inspiration for how to make your Primary even more meaningful and fun for the children.
These groups are also a great way to stay in the loop with updates and changes to Primary programs. Sometimes navigating new guidelines can feel overwhelming, but in these communities, seasoned leaders often share helpful insights and practical tips for applying them. Beyond that, you’ll find plenty of encouragement, answers to your questions, and even some much-needed humor to lighten the load. Joining a Primary presidency Facebook group isn’t just practical—it’s a way to feel connected, supported, and inspired as you serve.
Some of my favorite Facebook groups include:
Be sure to stay connected with us here at Other Than A Mom as well as we are constantly shooting out free lesson helps and digital templates for Primary Presidencies!
Click here to never miss a free Primary Tool or Lesson Help!
At the end of the day, trust that you’ve been blessed with the calling for a reason. Heavenly Father will provide you with all the help and inspiration you’ll need and you’ll see your talents multiply tremendously while you give your best to this calling! It’ll only be “for a small moment”, so enjoy it and everything that comes with it!
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