Primary: From Administration to Connection | A How I Lead Interview with Michelle Colledge

Dec 14, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Michelle Colledge, a dedicated Latter-day Saint leader and gymnastics coach, shares her insights on transforming Primary leadership from administration to heartfelt ministry. She emphasizes the significance of building community through personal connections, such as personalized birthday visits. Michelle also introduces innovative programming with stake-wide devotions, empowering children to serve in leadership roles. Her perceptive approach to recognizing and addressing children's needs reflects a deep commitment to creating a nurturing environment that uplifts both children and leaders.

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ADVICE

Use Congregational Song To Set Reverence

Start primary presentations with congregational singing to transition reverently from sacrament.
Use a familiar hymn like "I Am a Child of God" to focus the congregation and calm children as they assemble.

ADVICE

Let Children Write And Speak Their Parts

Let children write their own parts for presentations using prompts rather than scripts.
Give kids the chance to speak briefly so their testimony and voice are heard by the ward.

INSIGHT

Primary Is Ministry, Not Just Admin

Reframe primary leadership from administration to ministering and connection.
Prioritize knowing each child's name and building relationships over merely completing tasks.

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Primary is so much more than schedules, rolls, and meetings—it’s a sacred opportunity to love, lift, and lead like the Savior. In this inspiring interview, we explore how Primary presidencies and leaders can transform everyday administration into meaningful ministry.

Michelle Colledge lives in Cedar Hills, Utah with her husband, Rick, and their five children. She owns and coaches at Canyon Gymnastics and loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She graduated from Utah Valley University, served a full-time mission in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission, and has served in various callings including stake Primary president, ward Primary president, and in several Primary and Young Women presidencies.

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Key Insights

Building Community: Michelle emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community within Primary by engaging with children and their families, such as through home visits for birthdays, which fosters personal connections.

Perceptive Leadership: Leaders should be observant and responsive to the needs of children, ensuring that every child feels valued and included. This includes recognizing when a child feels overlooked and taking steps to address it.

Innovative Programming: The introduction of a stake Primary devotional allowed children to actively participate in leadership roles, such as greeters and speakers, which empowered them and made the event more engaging.

Personalized Involvement: Michelle highlights the significance of knowing each child’s name and interests, which helps leaders connect on a deeper level and enhances the overall Primary experience.

Flexibility in Leadership: Leaders should be willing to adapt and create new opportunities for service and connection, as demonstrated by the transition from traditional birthday celebrations to personalized home visits during COVID-19.

Leadership Applications

Foster Personal Connections: Latter-day Saint leaders can implement home visits or personalized notes to recognize children’s milestones, enhancing their sense of belonging and importance within the community.

Encourage Participation: By inviting children to take on roles in Primary programs, leaders can help them develop confidence and a sense of responsibility, making church activities more meaningful.

Be Observant and Responsive: Leaders should regularly assess the dynamics within their Primary classes, looking for ways to support teachers and children, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued in the Primary experience.

Highlights

00:04:28 – Transitioning from Ward to Stake Primary Presidency
00:06:04 – Finding Footing as Stake Primary President
00:08:19 – Monthly Presidency Meetings and Activities
00:10:19 – Yearly Primary Activity Planning
00:11:59 – Training for New Primary Presidencies
00:12:52 – Best Practices for Primary Presentations
00:16:25 – Creating a Reverent Atmosphere in Presentations
00:18:56 – Encouraging Children to Write Their Own Parts
00:19:56 – Engaging with Children in Primary
00:20:45 – Personal Connections with Children
00:25:13 – Connecting with Primary Presidencies in the Stake
00:27:11 – Perceiving Needs Like the Savior
00:29:19 – Inviting Children to Serve in Primary
00:34:56 – Organizing a Stake Primary Devotional
00:40:21 – Conclusion and Q&A Session

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