Getting Started

From the Young Men General Presidency

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Young Men General Presidency

Dear Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Adviser,

Welcome to your new calling! Thank you for accepting the call to serve the young men in your ward. We know that Heavenly Father loves His sons dearly, and He loves you! He will bless you as you draw nearer to Him and help the young men do the same.

The primary purposes of priesthood quorums are to serve others, build unity and brotherhood, and instruct members in doctrines, principles, and duties. President Russell M. Nelson has lifted our vision to a higher and holier way to serve, and he has called on our youth to be active participants in the work. Their time in Aaronic Priesthood quorums is a time for young men to gain confidence in their ability to:

Seek personal revelation and respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Act on the doctrine they are learning and the covenant they made at baptism to follow God’s plan.
Minister to one another with Christlike love.
Stand as witnesses of God “at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as they actively engage in gathering Israel and building the kingdom of God.

Your most important responsibility as an Aaronic Priesthood quorum adviser is to help young men become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live by its teachings. This includes helping them prepare to fulfill their divine roles as priesthood holders, husbands, and fathers. The following three principles will help you achieve this purpose:

Be with them.
Connect them with heaven.
Let them lead.

We know that this is the Lord’s work and that He will assist you. Heavenly Father will help you to see His sons as He sees them. He will direct you and magnify your efforts as you devote your time and love to the work. We pray that you will feel the joy of working with the young men and the peace of serving the Lord to the best of your ability.

The Young Men General Presidency

You Are Not Alone

You have been called to minister to the young men in your ward. As a newly called Aaronic Priesthood quorum adviser, you will likely feel a range of emotions about your responsibilities. Remember that you are not alone. This calling is a partnership with the Lord. As you seek the Lord’s guidance in serving the young men in your ward, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you, for the young men, and for their families.

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blessing the sacrament

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

Counsel with the bishopric about where to begin. The bishop and his counselors are the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward. Advisers serve under their direction in mentoring and supporting Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies.
Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.
Read “Aaronic Priesthood Quorums,” chapter 10 in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), especially the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood (see 10.1.1) and the Aaronic Priesthood theme (see 10.1.2). Also review chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.
Seek to understand your responsibilities as an Aaronic Priesthood quorum adviser (see General Handbook, 10.5).

After You Are Sustained and Set Apart

With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority.
Continue to pray for guidance about your service.
Obtain a list of young men in your quorum from the quorum secretary, a bishopric member, or the ward clerk. Counsel with the bishopric and the quorum president to learn about the strengths and needs of each young man in your quorum.
Attend regular quorum presidency meetings. Work with the quorum president to schedule meetings and create agendas. (See “Attend Quorum Presidency Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)
Help the quorum president fulfill his responsibilities as a member of the ward youth council (see General Handbook, 29.2.6).
Assist the bishopric as directed in training new quorum presidencies (see “Quorum and Class Presidency Resources”).
Support bishoprics and Aaronic Priesthood quorum leaders as they lead the quorum and plan activities that build unity, provide service, and prepare young men for future roles.
To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew this training every three years.
Study the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way (2016).