Temple Recommends: Who Qualifies and a Stake President's Role

Understanding the process and qualifications for receiving a temple recommend in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 6, 2026

Branched from The Calling and Authority of a Stake President

Quick take

A temple recommend is a card granting access to temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It signifies a member's commitment to specific gospel standards and personal worthiness.
Obtaining one requires two confidential interviews: first with a bishop or branch president, then with a stake president or mission president.
The stake president confirms worthiness and issues the recommend, which is typically valid for two years.

A temple recommend is a physical card, issued by local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that certifies a member is spiritually prepared and worthy to enter and participate in sacred ordinances within a temple. It acts as a personal declaration of commitment to living the principles of the gospel.

What a Temple Recommend Signifies

More than just a pass, a temple recommend is a symbol of a member's spiritual readiness and their commitment to live according to specific gospel principles. These principles include having faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sins, being honest, paying tithing, and striving to keep sacred covenants made with God. It represents a personal desire to draw closer to God and participate in the highest ordinances of the Church.

The Interview Process

Members seeking a temple recommend undergo two confidential interviews. The first interview is with their bishop or branch president—their local congregational leader. During this discussion, the leader asks a series of questions designed to help the member assess their personal worthiness, their adherence to Church standards, and the strength of their testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.

If the member is found worthy by their bishop, they then proceed to a second interview with their stake president or mission president—their regional leader. This interview serves as a confirmation of the bishop's assessment and provides another opportunity for the member to affirm their commitment to the temple covenants and their understanding of the sacred nature of temple worship.

The Stake President's Specific Role

The stake president holds specific keys of authority within the Church to issue temple recommends. After a thorough and confidential interview, they prayerfully determine if the member meets the established spiritual qualifications. This includes confirming the member's testimony of God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ, their sustaining of Church leaders, their commitment to living the law of chastity, their payment of tithing, and their honesty in all dealings. The stake president's signature, along with the bishop's, makes the recommend valid for temple entrance.

A temple recommend matters deeply to members because it grants access to sacred temple ordinances, such as endowments, eternal marriages (sealings), and baptisms for the dead. These ordinances are central to their faith, offering profound spiritual insights and promises regarding eternal life and family relationships. Holding a recommend signifies a commitment to a higher standard of living and a desire to strengthen one's relationship with God, benefiting individuals and families. It is a necessary prerequisite for anyone wishing to enter the temple beyond the public visitor's center or the baptistry for youth.

How long is a temple recommend valid?

A standard temple recommend is valid for two years from the date of issue. After this period, members go through the interview process again to renew it.

Can anyone get a temple recommend?

Only baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are at least 11 years old (for limited-use recommends) or 12 years old (for full-use recommends, though typically obtained later in life) and who meet the worthiness standards can receive a recommend.

What kind of questions are asked in a temple recommend interview?

Questions generally cover belief in God and Jesus Christ, sustaining Church leaders, living the law of chastity, paying tithing, honesty, and refraining from harmful substances or practices contrary to Church teachings. The specific questions are publicly available and focus on personal worthiness and commitment.

What if I don't feel worthy for a recommend?

The interview process is also an opportunity for members to discuss any concerns with their leaders, receive counsel, and work towards meeting the standards. It's understood as a process of repentance and growth, not a pass/fail test, and leaders are there to help.

Sources

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chapter 26: Temple Recommends