The Ultimate Checklist for New Bishops: 90 Days to a Smooth Transition
Being called as a bishop is both humbling and overwhelming. Overnight, you go from your previous calling to being responsible for the spiritual and temporal welfare of an entire ward.
Those first 90 days are crucial. With a clear plan — and the right tools — you can set a strong foundation for your service while avoiding burnout. Here’s your step-by-step guide.
First 30 Days: Build Relationships and Understand the Ward
Your first priority isn’t to change everything — it’s to listen, observe, and connect.
Checklist:
Meet individually with your counselors and executive secretary.
Sit down with your Relief Society president, elders quorum president, and ward clerk to learn current priorities.
Visit with your stake president to clarify expectations.
Review the ward’s organization chart and callings list.
Attend as many auxiliary meetings as possible.
Pro Tip: Use a digital contact system to store member info, notes from visits, and upcoming appointments — so you’re not juggling sticky notes or trying to remember it all.
Days 31–60: Organize and Communicate Clearly
Once you have a lay of the land, start putting systems in place.
Checklist:
Hold ward council and presidency meetings regularly.
Schedule ministering interviews with quorum and Relief Society presidencies.
Review ward finances with the clerk and finance clerk.
Establish a routine for sacrament meeting planning (speakers, music, announcements).
Set goals with each auxiliary based on the ward’s needs.
Pro Tip: Automate meeting reminders and scheduling to save time and avoid miscommunication. Tools that send text reminders or calendar invites can keep everyone on track.
Days 61–90: Strengthen Ministering and Member Support
Now that the basics are running smoothly, focus on deepening engagement and support.
Checklist:
Review ministering assignments and ensure all members are covered.
Schedule follow-ups for those who are less active or in need.
Hold youth interviews to build relationships with the rising generation.
Plan ward activities and service projects for the next 6–12 months.
Review progress on goals set in earlier weeks.
Pro Tip: Use a member engagement tracker to monitor ministering visits, follow-up needs, and special occasions (baptisms, blessings, birthdays). It helps prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks.
Common Pitfalls for New Bishops
Trying to do everything yourself instead of delegating to counselors.
Neglecting self-care and family time.
Overcomplicating communication instead of using clear, simple channels.
Focusing only on administration instead of spending time with members.
Final Thoughts
The first 90 days as a bishop set the tone for your entire service. By building relationships early, organizing your systems, and using digital tools for scheduling, reminders, and record keeping, you’ll serve more effectively — and with less stress.
If you’d like to see how our bishop’s digital toolkit can automate many of these responsibilities, click here to learn more.
