Supporting Members in Need: A Practical Guide for Relief Society Leaders
One of the most sacred responsibilities of a Relief Society leader is providing care for members in times of need. Whether it’s a new baby, an illness, a financial hardship, or a personal crisis, your response can be a lifeline — both spiritually and emotionally.
The challenge? Needs can arise suddenly, involve multiple people, and require ongoing follow-up. Without a system in place, important details can slip through the cracks.
Here’s a practical guide to providing Christlike support while staying organized and confident in your calling.
1. Respond Quickly and with Compassion
When you first hear of a need, focus on listening before offering solutions.
Ask gentle questions to understand the situation.
Avoid making promises you’re not sure you can keep.
Reassure the member that they are loved and supported.
Even a short visit, phone call, or heartfelt text can make a big difference in the first hours of a crisis.
2. Organize Immediate Assistance
Once you understand the need, mobilize quickly:
Coordinate meal trains.
Arrange childcare, transportation, or cleaning help.
Communicate with the bishopric if financial or priesthood assistance is needed.
A digital coordination tool makes it easy to assign tasks, track who’s helping, and avoid overlap.
3. Use a Private, Organized Tracking System
When multiple sisters are helping, details can get lost — or sensitive information can be shared too widely.
Our platform allows you to:
Privately log each need and who’s helping.
Track service assignments over time.
Add private notes for presidency members only.
Set automated reminders for follow-up visits or check-ins.
This ensures nothing gets forgotten and members’ privacy is respected.
4. Maintain Consistent Follow-Up
Support shouldn’t end when the initial crisis passes.
Schedule follow-up visits in the weeks or months ahead.
Check in on emotional and spiritual needs, not just physical.
Adjust ministering assignments if more regular contact is needed.
Automated reminders make it easy to keep promises and maintain steady contact over time.
5. Involve the Whole Relief Society
Even though some needs require discretion, many members are eager to help if they know how.
Share appropriate service opportunities in Relief Society meetings or via secure group messaging.
Encourage ministering sisters to be proactive in offering help.
Recognize and thank those who contribute.
When service is shared, no one feels overwhelmed — and more sisters can feel the joy of helping.
Final Thoughts
Supporting members in need is one of the most meaningful aspects of Relief Society leadership — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By responding quickly, staying organized, protecting privacy, and involving others in appropriate ways, you can meet needs effectively and compassionately.
