Basic Resources for Family History Consultants

Many newly called Family History Consultants have approached me over the past few years and wondered where they could go to get some basic training. The Mesa FamilySearch Library has provided a training class for Family History Consultants almost every week for many years and recently, those classes have gotten so large that they were moved to our biggest classroom. But The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church) has always had training materials even since the calling was first introduced. Today those training materials are extensive and readily available on the Web.

The first place to begin looking is on LDS.org under the resources tab that will take you to resources for all callings. Here is a screenshot of the page for Family History Callings:

There is a link to Register as a Family History Consultant. Please take the time to do this. You will then be sent news, notices and resources important to the Family History work in your Ward. If you click on the link for "Training for My Calling" you will find many more resources, including short videos that will help you understand your responsibilities. Here is a screenshot of the Family History Consultants' page:

Follow the links and take advantage of these extensive resources. I also suggest that, as soon as possible, that you visit your local FamilySearch Center and become acquainted with its resources. I would also suggest spending some time Indexing and also working with your own Family Tree on FamilySearch.org.

In short, there are many resources available. As it says in D&C 58:26-28:

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.