“10. Aaronic Priesthood Quorums,” Selections from the General Handbook (2023).
“10. Aaronic Priesthood Quorums,” Selections from the General Handbook
10.
Aaronic Priesthood Quorums
10.1
Purpose and Organization
10.1.1
Purpose
The purpose of a quorum is to help priesthood holders work together to participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
10.1.2
Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme
“I am a beloved son of God, and He has a work for me to do.
“With all my heart, might, mind, and strength, I will love God, keep my covenants, and use His priesthood to serve others, beginning in my own home.
“As I strive to serve, exercise faith, repent, and improve each day, I will qualify to receive temple blessings and the enduring joy of the gospel.
“I will prepare to become a diligent missionary, loyal husband, and loving father by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
“I will help prepare the world for the Savior’s return by inviting all to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement.”
10.1.3
Quorums
10.1.3.1
Deacons Quorum
Young men join the deacons quorum beginning in January of the year they turn 12. At this time they are also eligible to be ordained deacons if they are prepared and worthy.
The duties of a deacon are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:57–59; 84:111. Other duties include passing the sacrament and assisting the bishop in “administering all temporal things” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:68).
10.1.3.2
Teachers Quorum
Young men join the teachers quorum beginning in January of the year they turn 14. At this time they are also eligible to be ordained teachers if they are prepared and worthy.
Teachers have the same duties as deacons. They also prepare the sacrament and serve as ministering brothers. Additional duties are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:53–59; 84:111.
10.1.3.3
Priests Quorum
Young men join the priests quorum beginning in January of the year they turn 16. At this time they are also eligible to be ordained priests if they are prepared and worthy.
Priests have the same duties as deacons and teachers. Additional duties are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–52, 73–79.
10.1.4
Priesthood Keys
For more information about these keys, see 3.4.1.
10.1.5
Adapting Quorums to Local Needs
In a ward or branch with few young men, Aaronic Priesthood quorums may meet together for instruction and activities.
10.2
Participating in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation
10.2.1
Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ
10.2.1.2
Gospel Learning
Quorum meetings are held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. They last 50 minutes. A member of the quorum presidency (or one of the bishop’s assistants in the priests quorum) conducts. He leads the quorum in reciting the theme and counseling together about assignments, duties, and other matters.
A quorum member or adult leader then leads gospel instruction.
10.2.1.3
Service and Activities
Service and activities should build testimonies, strengthen families, foster quorum unity, and provide opportunities to bless others.
Some service and activities should include both young men and young women, especially for older youth.
Annual Activities. In addition to regular youth activities, young men may also participate in the following each year:
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An Aaronic Priesthood quorum camp (see Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Camp Guide).
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A ward or stake youth conference or a For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conference.
10.2.1.4
Personal Development
In their efforts to become more like the Savior, youth are invited to set goals to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually (see Luke 2:52).
For more information, see ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
10.2.2
Caring for Those in Need
Aaronic Priesthood holders assist the bishop in “administering all temporal things” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:68). They should have regular opportunities to serve others in and with their families, during youth activities, and on their own.
10.2.2.1
Ministering
Aaronic Priesthood holders receive ministering assignments beginning in January of the year they turn 14. For more information, see chapter 21.
10.2.3
Inviting All to Receive the Gospel
Aaronic Priesthood holders have a duty to “invite all to come unto Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:59).
Parents and leaders encourage young men to prepare to serve full-time missions and to share the gospel throughout their lives.
10.2.4
Uniting Families for Eternity
Aaronic Priesthood holders can help unite families for eternity in many ways.
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Honor their parents and set an example of Christlike living in their home.
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Prepare to receive temple ordinances, including eternal marriage.
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Identify ancestors who need temple ordinances (see FamilySearch.org).
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Participate in baptisms and confirmations for the dead as often as circumstances allow.
10.3
Bishopric
The bishop’s foremost responsibility is to care for the rising generation in his ward. He learns their names and understands their home circumstances. He attends their activities and Sunday meetings regularly.
The bishop is the president of the priests quorum.
The first counselor in the bishopric has responsibility for the teachers quorum. The second counselor has responsibility for the deacons quorum.
The bishopric has the following additional responsibilities for Aaronic Priesthood quorums:
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Meet with each young man at least twice a year (see 31.3.1).
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Help young men prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.
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Oversee the records, reports, and finances of Aaronic Priesthood quorums.
Quorum advisers and specialists help with these responsibilities as requested.
10.4
Youth Quorum Leaders
10.4.1
Calling, Sustaining, and Setting Apart
The bishop calls one or two priests to be his assistants in leading the priests quorum.
A member of the bishopric calls the deacons and teachers quorum presidents. When there are enough Aaronic Priesthood holders to serve, these young men prayerfully consider quorum members to recommend as counselors and a secretary.
After extending these callings, a member of the bishopric presents the youth quorum leaders for sustaining in their quorum meeting. The bishop sets apart his assistants and the deacons and teachers quorum presidents. He confers priesthood keys on the quorum presidents. He may assign his counselors to set apart other presidency members and secretaries.
10.4.2
Responsibilities
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Lead the quorum’s efforts to participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation (see chapter 1).
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Get to know and serve each quorum member, including those who do not attend quorum meetings.
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Serve on the ward youth council (see 10.4.4).
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Teach quorum members their priesthood duties (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:85–88).
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Plan and conduct quorum meetings (see 10.2.1.2).
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Plan and carry out quorum service and activities (see 10.2.1.3).
10.4.3
Quorum Presidency Meeting
Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies meet regularly. The quorum president conducts these meetings. At least two adults attend—a member of the bishopric, an adviser, or a specialist.
10.4.4
Ward Youth Council
See 29.2.6 for more information about the ward youth council.
10.8
Additional Guidelines and Policies
10.8.1
Safeguarding Youth
When adults are interacting with youth in Church settings, at least two responsible adults should be present.
All adults who work with youth must complete the children and youth protection training within one month of being sustained (ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).