The Lord has said, “It is my purpose to provide for my saints . . . but it must needs be done in mine own way” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15, 16). This is a promise that Heavenly Father will help take care of His children as they follow Him. Self-reliance does not mean that we can accomplish or obtain anything we want. If we are self-reliant we believe that through the power of Christ, and through our own effort, we can work for the spiritual and practical needs of life. Many people can become more self-reliant. With Self Reliance Groups much of the work takes place in small groups that combine spiritual principles with practical skills.
The next Self-Reliance Groups will begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The Finding Strength in the Lord – Emotional Resilience course will help study group participants learn spiritual and practical skills to help them better care for their bodies, minds, emotions, and relationships. This group is for educational purposes only. It is not group therapy or professional treatment for mental health issues. The group meetings will be a safe place for honest sharing as participants follow the principle of confidentiality and use language and behavior that invites the Spirit. Personal experiences may be shared that focus on solutions rather than problems. Lesson topics deal with healthy thinking patterns; our bodies and emotions; managing stress and anxiety; understanding sadness and depression; overcoming anger, managing addictive behaviors; building healthy relationships; and providing strength to others. Participants can learn things that can bless their lives and the lives of those they love.
Participating in the Personal Finances group will help you learn about, create, and use a budget. You will begin to build an emergency fund, create a debt-elimination plan, learn to save for future expenses, and plan for retirement. Most importantly, you will learn more about your relationship with Heavenly Father and be invited to manage your money in ways that are pleasing to Him. Historically, more people have participated in this group than any other. Practicing the principles covered in this course can bless the lives of every participant, regardless of their financial situation.
The Starting and Growing My Business group will learn how to start or grow a business. It will help you learn things such as: solving unmet customer needs; ensuring that your business is profitable; finding and keeping customers; keeping your personal and company assets separate; managing cash flow; and growing, financing, and continually improving your business.
Twelve Principles of Self-Reliance
- Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ (D&C 104:15)
- Use Time Wisely (Alma 34:32)
- Be Obedient (D&C 130:20–21)
- Manage Money (D&C 104:78)
- Work: Take Responsibility (D&C 42:42; 2 Nephi 2:16, 26)
- Solve Problems (Ether 2:18–19, 23; 3:1, 4)
- Become One, Work Together (Moses 7:18; D&C 104:15–17)
- Communicate: Petition and Listen (D&C 8:2)
- Persevere (Hebrews 12:1; D&C 58:4)
- Show Integrity (Mosiah 4:28; Job 27:5; Articles of Faith 1:13)
- Seek Learning and Education (D&C 88:118–119)
- Stay On Task, Receive Ordinances (D&C 84:20; D&C 136:4; 1 Nephi 18:2–3
Self-Reliance 