General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This handbook has been prepared for use by general and local Church leaders to administer the affairs of the Church.

Genres: Religion, Church

468 pages, ebook

Published July 1, 2020

Reviews

[Didier Lusamba]

The General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more than just a collection of policies and procedures. As I read through it, I found it to be a thoughtful guide that reflects the Church's efforts to help members and leaders serve with greater compassion, wisdom, and consistency.

What stood out to me most was the emphasis on ministering to individuals rather than simply following rules. The handbook repeatedly points readers back to the teachings of Jesus Christ and encourages leaders to seek revelation while serving others. While some sections are administrative in nature, many parts offer valuable insights about discipleship, family life, service, and Church leadership.

It's not the kind of book most people would read cover to cover, but it's an excellent resource to return to when seeking guidance or a better understanding of how the Church functions. Whether you're a leader, a member, or simply curious about the Church's organization and beliefs, the General Handbook provides clear direction and meaningful principles that can strengthen faith and service.

[Chelsea]

So I was browsing Goodreads, and I saw this listed as a "to-read" for me, but actually I've already read it. I couldn't find a version that had is as "read" for me, or my review on it, so I'm a little bummed. Maybe they took it off because it was the old version that is obsolete now?

Anyway, I first read this around 2013 when I was young women's president. Then I read it again when they revamped it completely in 2020 (which seems to be this version on Goodreads). It was fun to see the changes between the two (which was on my old review... alas). And then I reread the parts that changed when they redid certain sections a few years after that. I tried to be up to date with the handbook changes, and know what they were as they came out.

So there's that. Sad my review from before went poof.

[Björn]

The instructions for building the living edifice of the Lord's Kingdom on earth, and for participating in the Master's work of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ (choosing faith, repenting, making covenants, living by the Spirit), caring for those in need and the many who suffer in this life, inviting all to Come unto Him, and uniting and sealing families, and the whole family of mankind for the eternities... I ask myself, was there something more important we were here to do? Then magnify our callings, and remember what a privilege it is that He would have a soul so recalcitrant and prone to backsliding as mine to be a part of His eternal Work. Again and again I learn as I try my best to apply these principles, and be faithful to the counsels given that "whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25)

[Megan]

I heard in a podcast the manual is updated every 12 weeks. I don’t know if it is actually that often, but it is frequently reviewed to keep up with our ever growing global church. I appreciated the doctrines pointed out and reminder than the church is centered on truth even if people don’t always get it right.

[Christi]

2023: about half listened, half read

[Josh]

I read this because God is a God of order. Thank heavens for that!

[Kenneth Lund]

Far more user friendly and accessible than it used to be. Much more readable format.