The need for an additional counselor in Elders Quorum

Hello,

My ward and another recently merged, creating an Elders quorum that is huge; far too many brothers than can reasonably expected or managed by the typical 3 member elders quorum presidency. After consulting with the handbook, and with the new Bishop in the merged ward, we want to call an additional Elders quorum Counselor. There is a provision in GH 8.3.5 that states, "If these or other callings are needed, the elders quorum presidency recommends brethren to serve." This is focused on ward level callings only - whereas additional counselors are stake level. The Stake President is on board but pointed out that the technology blocks any more than 2 elders quorum counselors.

I really would like to see this changed, so that an additional counselor is possible. We've seen it at other levels of church leadership, and now it is needed in the elders quorum.

=> If I want to request a technical change as well as a policy change to that, is it possible> How do I proceed?

I understand this is a long shot, but it's what I believe is necessary for now.

Thank you for your understanding and help.

At this time, third counselors are not supported. You can call one, but it would be a custom calling with absolutely no access to LCR or enhanced access to any other tools.

What is supported is creating a second EQ. See 8.1.3.

Adapting to Local Needs
Some wards have a very large number of active Melchizedek Priesthood holders. For these wards, the stake presidency may organize an additional elders quorum (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:89). Each quorum has its own presidency. If possible, each quorum should have members with a variety of ages and experience.

However, if I was advising the stake, I'd have a second look at the numbers. The usual limitation preventing a ward split is the number of active brethren. Perhaps some boundary lines need to be redrawn to give neighboring wards some of the bounty.

KeithCunningham wrote: Sun Jun 07, 2026 2:48 pm There is a provision in GH 8.3.5 that states, "If these or other callings are needed, the elders quorum presidency recommends brethren to serve."

That provision is for additional callings needed as listed in the previous five bullets not the within the EQ presidency. The reference to what russellhltn made to GH, 8.1.3, is the more appropriate solution.

KeithCunningham wrote: Sun Jun 07, 2026 2:48 pm I really would like to see this changed, so that an additional counselor is possible. We've seen it at other levels of church leadership, and now it is needed in the elders quorum.

Have you seen section 8.1.3?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... _number119

Perhaps you recommend that a second quorum be formed?

This same issue also comes up regarding very large Primary organizations, for example. Another option for this scenario, is to delegate as much as possible from the existing EQ Presidency, to other called/assigned members in the EQ Quorum. This is similar to how much of what a Bishop/Bishopric previously did in a Ward, now is delegated to the EQ/RS organizations. The Bishop is responsible for those aspects and counsels regularly with those assigned leaders, but the ongoing workload is primarily managed by the delegated leaders.

A big gotcha is LCR access for delegated tasks. There's going to be things that can be fully delegated without LCR access, and some things will require an EQ Presidency member with LCR access to provide/record info to a delegated member. Many things cannot be offloaded, either because it can't be delegated, or would be too much extra effort to manage a specific delegated effort.

BrianEdwards wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:48 am This same issue also comes up regarding very large Primary organizations, for example. Another option for this scenario, is to delegate as much as possible from the existing EQ Presidency, to other called/assigned members in the EQ Quorum. This is similar to how much of what a Bishop/Bishopric previously did in a Ward, now is delegated to the EQ/RS organizations. The Bishop is responsible for those aspects and counsels regularly with those assigned leaders, but the ongoing workload is primarily managed by the delegated leaders.

A big gotcha is LCR access for delegated tasks. There's going to be things that can be fully delegated without LCR access, and some things will require an EQ Presidency member with LCR access to provide/record info to a delegated member. Many things cannot be offloaded, either because it can't be delegated, or would be too much extra effort to manage a specific delegated effort.

There is the option of adding an assistant secretary and also ministering secretaries that are standard positions and do get some access into LCR. Depending on what other things are taking the presidency's time some of those may not need LCR access. For our elders quorum we have created a service committee to help manage that aspect to move that work from the presidency.

Along similar lines as some of the above suggestions, the ward could also call a separate ward mission leader and/or ward temple and family history leader to take on some of those responsibilities, relieving the burden of the presidency. Those callings actually do provide access to online tools (though not as much access as the elders quorum presidency members).