What’s New in the Children and Youth Initiative?

“It is time for a home-centered Church,” proclaimed President Russell M. Nelson. “The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families” (“Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 7).

While parents have the primary responsibility for rearing and teaching their children (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 145), Church leaders assist in providing gospel-centered activities and learning experiences to support and strengthen each individual and the home. For example:

• Primary activities for boys and girls, along with class and quorum activities for young women and young men will continue.

Parents can use stories and examples from Come, Follow Me to help children and youth follow the Savior, identify areas of change and growth, and have meaningful gospel discussions to help teach life skills and principles.

• Sunday instruction focuses on Come, Follow Me to support individual and family study at home and at church.

Instead of prescribing a list of requirements, the new initiative encourages personalized opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually through gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development. (See An Introductory Guide for Parents and Leaders.)

Parents may still use the powerful principles and values in the current programs (Faith in God, Duty to God, and Personal Progress) as resources. However, young women who wish to receive the Young Womanhood Recognition, young men who wish to complete the Duty to God program, and children who wish to complete the Faith in God program should complete the necessary requirements before January 1, 2020. As an exception, if children or youth need additional time, the awards will be available to order until March 1, 2020