Below you will find Prince’s research excerpts titled, “LDS General Handbooks: Bishop’s Guide, 1975.” You can view other topics here.
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BISHOP’S GUIDE–1975
Conducting a worthiness interview.
“The questions in the temple recommend book must be asked of every person who obtains or renews a temple recommend. The questions on the forms for Melchizedek Priesthood ordination must be asked of every person considered for ordination in the priesthood. Many of the same questions shoiuld be asked in other interviews in which worthiness must be determined, including interviews for–
Recommends for performing ordinances.
Recommends for baptism.
Recommends for patriarchal blessings.
Recommends for missionary service.
Ordinations in the Aaronic Priesthood.
Callings in the Church.
A careful interview is essential to determine worthiness. The bishop shoiuld make sure the member understands the questions by–
Asking questions that are specific enough for the member to show his worthiness.
Explaining terms, if necessary.
Adjusting the questions to the understanding of the member. (For example, when asking young people if they are morally clean, the bishop should not go into unnecessary detail; he may arouse curiosity and invite experimentation.)
The bishop should be especially thorough in interviewing prospective missionaries, those receive their own endowments, couples being married in the temple, and any others he feels prompted to interview searchingly. He should ask specific questions and define terms whenever necessary.
The bishop should determine whether the member has been involved in any of the following that have not been confessed to the proper priesthood authority and resolved:
Pre- or extra-marital sexual intercourse.
Homosexual practices and other sexual deviations (such as incest, sodomy, bestiality).
Petting (the fondling of another’s body).
Masturbation.
Bishops need to seek the spirit of discernment in determining worthiness. Answers such as ‘I think so’ or ‘I believe so’ may suggest that the question was not completely understood. Hesitation or uneasiness may suggest that a question needs to be pursued further. Even though the member may give no outward indication that a problem exists, the Spirit may reveal that further discussion is necessary.
To give the member a full opportunity to declare his worthiness, the bishop could ask: ‘Do you know of any reason why I should not sigh this recommend for you?’ ‘Is there anything else you would like to discuss?’ ‘Do you have any questions?'” (Bishop’s Guide, 1975, p. 20)