Weekly Family History Activities

A Come, Follow Me Companion

2025: Doctrine & Covenants

Week 31, July 28–August 2

Come, Follow Me is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used in the home to support personal and family scripture study to build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Come, Follow Me is self-contained and adequate, when used properly. Products and materials designed to supplement this resource, though they may be helpful in some instances, are not necessary for a successful home study program.

Doctrine and Covenants 84: "The Power of Godliness"

From Come, Follow Me :

Ever since the priesthood was restored in 1829, Latter-day Saints had been blessed by that sacred power. They were baptized, confirmed, and called to serve by priesthood authority, much like we are today. But having access to priesthood power is not the same thing as completely understanding it, and God had more He wanted His Saints to understand—particularly with the coming restoration of temple ordinances. The 1832 revelation on the priesthood, now Doctrine and Covenants 84, expanded the Saints' vision of what the priesthood really is. And it can do the same for us today. After all, there is a lot to learn about the divine power that holds "the key of the knowledge of God," that makes manifest "the power of godliness," and that prepares us to "see the face of God, even the Father, and live" (verses 19–22).

"All of the Church's family history endeavors are directed to the need to form a 'welding link … between the fathers and the children' (D&C 128:18). This welding link is formed by the power of the priesthood, through sacred temple ordinances we receive in behalf of our ancestors….Many of Heavenly Father's children have died without having the opportunity to receive the fulness of the gospel. In His mercy and infinite love, the Lord has prepared a way for them to gain a testimony of the gospel and receive the saving ordinances of the priesthood…. In holy temples, we have the privilege of receiving ordinances in their behalf. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the endowment, the marriage sealing, and the sealing of children to parents...you perform a saving work for others that they cannot do for themselves." (Family History Work and Genealogy, True to the Faith)

Ordinances Ready

As a family, find ancestors you can go do baptisms or other ordinances for in the temple. If you haven't used Ordinances Ready yet, learn how here and read Ordinances Ready—Inspiring Members Around the World.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith (2007) 475

If you haven't used Ordinances Ready yet, you can try this FamilySearch tool that simplifies finding names for the temple, allowing you more time to serve your family and enjoy the blessings of the temple. Read how to verify names and relationships here. Watch this video to see how to use the app:

Saving Ordinances

Saving ordinances are performed in the temple for those who have died without having the opportunity to receive these ordinances. The dead are taught the gospel in the spirit world and have the choice to accept these ordinances performed on their behalf.

As a family, list all the ordinances you can name. Which of these ordinances are considered saving ordinances? (baptism and confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood for men, endowment, and sealing) Write the saving ordinances down on a sheet of paper.

Discuss which ordinances are performed in the temple. Include in your discussion the ordinances listed on the family name ordinance card and the Ordinances Ready app. (Baptism, confirmation, initiatory, endowment, sealing) Compare these ordinances with those written on your sheet of paper. Discuss why all saving ordinances are performed in the temple? Learn more about Temple Baptism and Confirmation for the Dead, Temple Endowment, and Temple Sealing (Temple Marriage).

(For a more visual activity, get a picture of a temple. Write down the ordinances on separate strips of paper. Place these below the temple picture to symbolize steps leading to the temple and eventual exaltation by accepting these ordinances.)

Check out Ordinances Ready or Request Temple Ordinances for Family Names to learn how to print your own family names for the temple. If you are able to attend the temple, print and take them.

From Come, Follow Me :

Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44 Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44 As you study Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44, ponder what it might mean to “obtain” and “receive” the priesthood. How is this different from being ordained to a priesthood office? What else does the Lord invite you to receive in these verses? How are you doing that?

What do you find that inspires you to be more faithful in receiving the Savior, His Father, His servants, and His priesthood power?

“The Lord granted unto Abraham’s seed the great blessings of truth, priesthood, and the ordinances of exaltation, but he expected the recipients of these blessings to covenant to do something in return. ‘For of him unto whom much is given much is required’ (D&C 82:3), the Lord explained to the Prophet Joseph Smith…In our day, when we are granted the fulness of the gospel and when we actively participate in both missionary and temple work, we are fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant to its fullest.” The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant

Discuss how temple and family history work contribute to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. How is the Abrahamic covenant available to all people? How do those who are not literal descendants of Abraham become members of the family of Israel? In The Abrahamic Covenant: A Blessing for All People, Kent P. Jackson lists four major aspects of the Abrahamic covenant:

A Promised Land
A Great Posterity
Priesthood and Gospel Blessings
A Mission of Salvation to Others

Promised Blessings

This activity starts out without mentioning how the blessings are received - that will be the conclusion.

See Elder Renlund's promised blessings for doing temple and family history work in Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing. Copy each of the blessings listed below on a separate small piece of paper and put them into a basket. In a group or as a family, take turns drawing them out one-by-one and stating why you would want that blessing in your life.

Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice
Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives
Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding
Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going
Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts
Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord
Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be
Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone
Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord's help, serve others
Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary
Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole

After the discussion activity, ask, "What particular thing can we do to have these incredible blessings in our lives and in the lives of those we love?" Elder Renlund: “If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered." Dale G. Renlund, "Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

Make plans to continue doing, or begin to do more temple and family history work and receive the promised blessings!

Read more here. You may want to keep a personal and a Family Journal of how the above promises have been and are being fulfilled in your life and the lives of those you love.

Read The Testimony of a Youth Family History Consultant to see how one young woman's testimony grew through her calling in family history.

Study the following chart and decide what your next step will be to be more involved in doing temple and family history work, and begin or continue your journey!

(Click to enlarge)

Fulfillment of Promises in Your Life

Suggestion for journaling this week: Find the promises in Doctrine and Covenants 84. Write or audio-record about their influence in your life, and share with your family.