Title of Family History Consultants Changed

In an unexpected development during RootsTech 2017, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the titles of the former Family History Consultants are being changed to "Temple and Family History Consultants" at all levels; ward, stake, and area.

Here is a quote from the news story on LDS.org;

The change was announced both in a February 9, 2017, official notice and by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during a leadership training session Thursday evening held in the Conference Center Theater. Elder Cook explained that the name change will help members to remember to “always work with the end in mind” and encouraged leaders to remind teach members about the blessings promised to them as they do family history. 

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, used chopsticks to illustrate that both missionaries and members need to work together to accomplish the work. “Two chopsticks working together can simply accomplish what one chopstick cannot,” Elder Renlund said.

The emphasis of the new title is further explained in a letter sent to General Authorities; Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents:

Primary responsibility: The primary responsibility of all temple and family history consultants is to give personalized help to leaders and families, enabling them to find the names of deceased ancestors, take the names to the temple and provide necessary ordinances for them, and teach their family members and others to do the same. 

For more information see Temple and Family History Callings.