Tracking Temple Recommend, Youth, and Ministering Interviews
Interview tracking is dates and labels — never content. A bishop or counselor should know at a glance who is overdue for a temple recommend, which youth haven't been interviewed this quarter, and which ministering companionships still need their visit. The conversation itself stays private; only the cadence is shared.
By Bishopric Board editorial team · Published · Updated
Why dates and labels, not content
Interview content belongs in the bishop's private memory, not in a shared system. Anything written down about a worthiness conversation, a confession, or a member's struggles can be inadvertently exposed. The right granularity for a shared tool is the cadence: who, what category, when last, when next.
The categories that actually matter
A handful of interview cycles cover most of what a bishopric tracks. Naming them clearly avoids the temptation to invent new categories that nobody else understands:
- Temple recommend — typically every two years for adults.
- Youth interviews — periodically through the year for young men and young women.
- New member interviews — in the weeks following baptism or move-in.
- Returning missionary interview — within weeks of homecoming.
- Ministering interview — quarterly with each companionship.
Computed status, not manual status
The bishopric should not be updating a 'status' column by hand. Status is a function of the last interview date and the cadence — overdue, due soon, current. A computed status means the list is always right, and the bishopric is always working from a true picture instead of last month's snapshot.
Sharing the load across the bishopric
Many interviews can be conducted by a counselor — particularly youth interviews and ministering interviews. A shared interview list with computed status lets the counselors see what's coming due and take initiative without waiting for the bishop to assign.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a bishop interview the youth?
Stake direction varies, but a common pattern is at least twice a year per youth, with additional interviews around significant milestones (priesthood advancements, Young Women class progression, returning home from camps and youth conferences).
Can a counselor conduct a temple recommend interview?
First-time and member temple recommend interviews can be conducted by counselors in the bishopric or stake presidency depending on stake direction. Some interviews must be conducted by the bishop himself; consult the most recent Church Handbook guidance.
Should ministering interviews be tracked the same way as temple recommends?
Yes — same data shape, different cadence. A quarterly ministering interview cycle, with computed 'due soon' and 'overdue' status, lets the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies see at a glance who still needs a visit.
What about new member interviews?
New member interviews typically happen within a week or two of baptism and again periodically through the first year. Tracking the date keeps these from slipping through the cracks during busy seasons.
About this guide
Practical workflow advice from Bishopric Board, not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For Church policy, consult the current General Handbook and Leader and Clerk Resources.