Most of the time, ministering interviews happen by text, a quick phone call, or a few minutes in the hallway at church. And that’s great! Those methods work, and they’re easy for busy women. But every once in a while, it’s so fun to shake things up and do something creative.
When I served as a ward Relief Society President, I loved trying new interview styles. We rarely did the same thing twice in a row. That’s just me, though. I love change! What I learned is that most sisters want something simple and not intimidating. They don’t want a formal sit-down with a clipboard. They want to feel loved, have a treat, and chat with a friend for a few minutes.
So here’s a big list of ideas to inspire you. Some are ones my presidency actually did, and the rest are ideas I’d love to see someone try. Pick what fits your ward, your budget, and your energy level.
Quick reminder: the Handbook says ministering interviews “do not need to be long to be effective.” Five to ten minutes is plenty! (General Handbook 21.3)
13 Creative Relief Society Ministering Interview Ideas
1. The Drive-Up Soda Shop
This one was a big hit in my ward. We set up a drive-up system in the church parking lot. Sisters pulled in, and before the interview started, my secretary came by their window with a soda shop menu. (Yes, we created our own soda shop!) Each sister marked what she wanted in her customized drink, and the secretary went off to make it.
Meanwhile, my counselors or I would hop into the sister’s passenger seat for a quick interview. By the time we were done, her drink was ready and delivered right to her window. Each car took about 5 to 10 minutes. Sisters never have to get out of the car, kids can stay buckled in, and everyone drives away with a treat. It’s low-pressure and SO fun.
NOTE: In the fall or winter, you could switch it up for flavored hot chocolate!
2. Bread, Dips & Jams Night
My current RS Presidency just did this. It was simple and sweet! They invited all the ministering sisters to the church for homemade bread, dips, and jams. Everyone mingled and ate together while the RS counselors quietly pulled sisters out, one at a time, to another room for a quick interview. Then they came right back to the party or were welcome to take off.
3. Kitchen Counter Cookie Visits
This was one of my favorite methods we tried because of how intimate it was. Just myself, the sister being interviewed, and a plate of warm cookies to munch on. Each member of the presidency took their own “ministering district.” (We split all the ward ministers into three groups: one for the president and one for each counselor.) Then each presidency member invited the sisters in her district to her home, one at a time. As mentioned, we’d chat at the kitchen counter over homemade cookies. It feels like visiting a friend, because it is! We have been taught by our church leaders that ministering interviews are an opportunity to set an example of ministering.
NOTE: It doesn’t need to be cookies! You could have banana bread, cinnamon rolls, you name it. 🙂 Be aware of any gluten free needs.
Favorite Treat Ideas: Make You Famous Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with Buttercream Frosting, Grammy’s Banana Bread
4. Ministering and Muffins
Stop by each of the sisters’ homes in your district in the morning for a short visit on their front porch (or inside, if they’re up for that) with a yummy breakfast muffin. Make sure this is arranged ahead of time, of course.
Favorite Muffin Recipes: Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins, Raspberry White Chocolate Muffins
5. Charcuterie and Chat
Charcuterie boards are all the rage lately. Invite the sisters into the Relief Society room on a weeknight or a presidency member’s home for a delicious charcuterie feast! You could even have someone offering tips for putting the boards together. As the sisters are visiting and eating, a presidency member can pull one aside for a quick ministering interview.
6. Kickin’ It Old School – Relief Society Craft Night
Oh, where have the days gone of creating door wreaths, monogramming casserole dishes, and stringing Christmas garland for a Relief Society activity? I think it would be super fun to bring back the good ole days by having a fun craft to make while the sisters visit, complete with casseroles, no-bake cookies, green jell-o, and vintage church music (think Michael McLean, Kenneth Cope, and Janice Kapp Perry.) Of course, sisters are pulled away one at a time for a quick interview.
7. Holiday Pie Recipe Exchange (and Ministering Interviews)
Do you have Thanksgiving or Christmas coming up?? This is the perfect time to do a pie recipe exchange! Have everyone in the presidency make and bring their most favorite holiday pie to share, along with recipe cards printed and set by the pies. Invite all of the sisters to bring their favorite pie, but don’t put the pressure on them. Try and have enough pies between you and your presidency, so that it’s totally optional for the sisters. Ministering interviews can already feel a little stressful (though, they shouldn’t!) It’s best to make the whole experience as easy as possible. If you definitely need more pies, besides what the presidency can bring, reach out to your activity committee or service committee to help with this.
8. Rocking Chair Chats
One of my favorite things to do is sit and visit with my husband on the front porch. It would also be the perfect spot for a ministering visit! Have the sisters scheduled throughout your week to come meet you on your front porch for a visit. Be prepared with a yummy drink and treat for them as you sit outside and chat.
Favorite Drink Recipes: 18 Non-Alcoholic Fall Drinks, 10 Non-alcoholic Drink Recipes That Use Sprite, 7Up, or Ginger Ale
9. Serving Our Ministers Night
Put together a fun evening, where the sisters can create a gift and note for the sisters they minister to. Look on Pinterest for simple, affordable gift ideas and encourage the minister to write a thoughtful note to each of the sisters they visit.
10. Caramel Apple Dipping Night
Just the mention of a caramel apple dipped in candy would have me at the church in no time! Have a long table set up where the sisters can get their apple, dip it, then choose the candies to roll it in. Be sure to have a plate for them to set it on and maybe a plastic to-go bag. And, of course… ministering interviews mixed in.
11. Build a Friendship Bouquet Night
This would be a fun activity for late spring or summer. Invite the sisters to the church to learn about the characteristics of a true friend. (True friend = Minister!) Have a table set up with loose flower stems, ready to be gathered into a bouquet. Give each flower a “true friend characteristic” and each lady can go down the row, gathering one stem from each type of flower. At the end of the line, she will have a bouquet to either remind her about the importance of ministering or a bouquet to give to the sister she ministers to. It would also be fun to include a notecard that lists all the characteristics that were talked about (loyalty, honesty, quality time, thoughtfulness, empathy, etc.)
12. Breakfast Bar – Sunrise Social
Put together a breakfast bar and invite the sisters to stop by the church Saturday morning! You could do yogurt parfaits and all the ingredients, muffins, breakfast casseroles and fruit, anything that’s worth throwing on some sweatpants for. Pull the ladies aside for a ministering chat during the event.
Favorite Breakfast Recipes: Southwestern Breakfast Bake, Breakfast Fajitas, Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins
13. Shake Run
Pick up a sister to interview (scheduled ahead of time) and drive to grab a shake, soda, or ice cream cone together. The interview happens on the drive. It’s quick, easy, and feels like hanging out with a friend. You don’t even have to go inside! Just hit the drive through.
Tips for Making Any Interview Style Work
- Keep it short. Five to ten minutes is plenty. Sisters are more likely to come if they know it won’t take long.
- Offer a few time slots. A sign-up sheet or online scheduler helps busy moms pick what works.
- Let your secretary help with logistics. She can schedule, send reminders, and run the treats (like our soda shop!).
- Include both companions when you can. The Handbook prefers interviews in person with both members of the companionship. Group nights and drive-ups make that easier.
- Have a backup plan. Some sisters won’t make it to the event. Follow up with a call, text, or porch visit.
- Watch for dietary needs. Keep a gluten-free or sugar-free option on hand.
- Take notes AFTER the interview (in private.) Having a clipboard or jotting down notes during the interview can feel intimidating to the sisters.
- Don’t forget to pray. Pray for each sister before you meet. And when you ask if there’s anything you can pray about for her, be sure to follow through!
If you liked this post on Relief Society ministering interview ideas, check out:
- The Best Relief Society Compassionate Service Committee ~ So Effective!!
- Mother’s Day Relief Society Lesson Idea
- Comfort for Those With Wayward Children
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