The Bishop’s Guide to Planning Sacrament Meeting Programs
Sacrament meeting is the spiritual centerpiece of Sunday worship — and planning it each week is one of a bishop’s most consistent responsibilities.
Done well, a program feels inspired, organized, and uplifting. Done in a rush, it can leave speakers scrambling, music leaders unprepared, and announcements forgotten.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your sacrament meeting planning organized all year long — and how digital tools can make the process almost effortless.
1. Start with a Yearly Framework
At the beginning of the year (or quarter), outline:
Fast Sundays
Stake conference weekends
Primary programs
Missionary farewells/homecomings
Youth or quorum-led meetings
This gives you a roadmap and prevents last-minute scheduling conflicts.
2. Assign Speakers Well in Advance
Speakers do their best when they have time to prepare.
Invite speakers 3–4 weeks ahead.
Provide a suggested topic (conference talk, scripture, or theme).
Confirm the length of time they’ll speak.
Pro Tip: With a bishop’s scheduling system, you can select the date, assign speakers, and automatically send them email or text reminders leading up to their talk — no follow-up calls required.
3. Coordinate with Music Leaders Early
Share themes with the music director and organist in advance.
Confirm opening/closing hymns and any special musical numbers.
Keep a shared document or calendar so everyone can see the plan.
Your system can send automated reminders to music leaders each week with the hymn numbers and any changes.
4. Keep a Digital Program Template
Having a standard format for your sacrament meeting program saves hours of time.
Include:
Date & presiding authority
Conducting leader
Opening hymn & prayer
Sacrament hymn
Speakers & topics
Musical numbers
Closing hymn & prayer
Announcements
By storing this in your CRM, you can simply duplicate and edit each week instead of starting from scratch.
5. Automate Weekly Reminders
Last-minute surprises can throw off the whole meeting. Use automated reminders to:
Confirm with speakers a week before and again 48 hours before.
Send hymn choices to the organist/pianist midweek.
Remind those giving prayers the night before.
This ensures everyone is prepared — without you needing to make dozens of phone calls.
6. Track Assignments & History
Over time, it’s easy to forget who’s spoken recently.
A digital tracking system can:
Store a history of all past speakers and topics.
Prevent assigning the same person twice in a short period.
Ensure youth, new members, and long-time members all have opportunities to participate.
Final Thoughts
Sacrament meeting planning doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting a yearly framework, assigning speakers early, and using automated scheduling and reminders, you can create consistent, uplifting meetings without the last-minute scramble.
