Understanding Temple Recommends and Worthiness Interviews
A temple recommend is a small card that grants members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints access to sacred temple ordinances, obtained through a series of worthiness interviews.
- A temple recommend is a physical card allowing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints access to their temples.
- It is obtained through two confidential interviews: one with a local bishop/branch president and another with a stake/mission president.
- The interviews assess a member's commitment to core Church teachings, moral standards, and covenants.
- A temple recommend is typically valid for two years, allowing participation in sacred temple ordinances.
A temple recommend is a small, physical card issued to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, signifying their worthiness to enter and participate in sacred ordinances within a temple. Unlike regular church buildings, temples are reserved for specific, higher forms of worship and covenants, and the recommend acts as a spiritual passport, ensuring that those who enter are prepared and committed to the principles taught there.
The Two-Step Interview Process
Obtaining a temple recommend involves two personal and confidential interviews. The first interview is conducted by the member's local ecclesiastical leader, typically a bishop or branch president. This leader knows the member personally and can counsel them individually. If the bishop determines the member is worthy, he signs the recommend, allowing them to proceed to the second interview.
The second interview is with a member of the stake presidency or mission presidency, who oversees several local congregations. This leader provides a second witness to the member's worthiness and understanding. Once both leaders have signed the recommend, it becomes valid.
Assessing Worthiness: What the Interviews Cover
During these interviews, leaders ask a series of questions designed to confirm a member's commitment to the teachings and standards of the Church. These questions are consistent worldwide and focus on several key areas, including:
- **Faith and Testimony:** A belief in God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, and a testimony of the restored gospel.
- **Repentance and Honesty:** A commitment to confess and forsake sins, and to be honest in all dealings.
- **Sustaining Leaders:** An agreement to sustain the General Authorities of the Church and local leaders.
- **Keeping Commandments:** Adherence to specific commandments, such as the Word of Wisdom (a health code), the Law of Chastity (sexual purity), and the Law of Tithing (donating 10% of one's income).
- **Temple Covenants:** A willingness to keep the sacred covenants made in the temple and to live a virtuous life.
The interviews are not about perfection, but about sincere effort, repentance, and a desire to follow God's will. Leaders offer counsel and support, helping members prepare spiritually for temple worship.
Why Temple Recommends Matter
Temple recommends are essential for members seeking to deepen their spiritual commitment and participate in the most sacred ordinances of their faith. These ordinances include endowments, which involve making covenants with God and receiving spiritual instruction, and sealings, which bind families together for eternity. For Latter-day Saints, the temple is a place of peace, revelation, and profound spiritual learning, offering a unique connection to God and a preparation for eternal life.
- A temple recommend is a privilege, not a right. It reflects a member's current spiritual standing and commitment.
- While interviews are private, the questions themselves are publicly available in Church resources to help members prepare.
Sources
- General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
