When it was announced that ward young men presidencies were being eliminated and emphasized that bishoprics held the scriptural mandate of being the presidency of the Aaronic priesthood in their wards, I can only imagine the skipped heartbeats of bishops who wondered how they were going to add this responsibility to their already full plates. As a stake young men presidency, we have heard from bishoprics questions on how to find the right balance between bishopric participation in leading the young men in their quorums and the role of advisers to the quorums. Ultimately, the balance needs to reflect the needs and resources available in individual wards. This post is designed to provide some ideas for bishoprics to consider as they try to find their own balance.
Keys and Priesthood Power
Firstly, we should focus on identifying the unambiguous role for bishoprics in terms of Aaronic priesthood quorums (see CHI 7.1.2). A bishop holds the priesthood keys that direct the Aaronic priesthood in the work of salvation and exaltation. Consequently, the doctrinal reason that a bishopric directs the work of Aaronic priesthood quorums is to put this into action—a bishop directs the work of salvation and exaltation as implemented in Aaronic priesthood quorums, as well as in Young Women classes. Quorum presidents are given priesthood keys to direct the spiritual work within their quorum, and class presidents are given priesthood power to direct their class, both under the direction of the keys of the bishopric. Furthermore, bishops are instructed to counsel with the Young Women president, not delegating this responsibility to anyone else.
Partnerships in the Work
Secondly, we want to encourage bishoprics to identify and call enough quorum advisers to work as partners in their work. We sincerely hope that bishoprics do not feel that they are alone in trying to meet the needs of the young men in their Aaronic priesthood quorums. In his general conference talk introducing these changes, Elder Cook said, “Capable adult Young Men advisers will be called to assist the Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies and the bishopric in their duties.” This quote has an important footnote that includes the statement, “While roles and titles will change, we do not anticipate a decrease in the number of adult men serving and supporting Aaronic Priesthood quorums.”
These two principles form the foundation for creating a plan of action: (1) The bishop holds keys to direct the work of salvation and exaltation in the Aaronic priesthood and (2) quorum presidents hold keys to direct the work within their quorums. Other support that comes from advisers and specialists are to support the efforts directed by these presidencies.
Putting the Pieces Together
Here is my proposal for one way to think about finding this balance.
Provide Vision
The bishopric might view their primary role as providing vision and ministering. That is, they create a call to action to the youth, both young women and young men, to be anxiously engaged in the work of salvation in their classes and quorums, and they then inspire enthusiasm and commitment to participate in that work. They invite class and quorum presidencies to center how they approach all of their efforts around this work. They work to learn about, understand, support, and love the individual young women and young men in their ward. In addition to attending and participating with Aaronic priesthood quorums, bishopric members “also regularly participate in Young Women meetings, service, and activities” (CHI 7.1.2).
Empower Youth to Lead
The bishopric, having charged quorum and class presidencies with a specific vision for carrying out the work of salvation and exaltation in their quorums and classes, wants to see their efforts be successful. Youth need training and support to make this work succeed. Young women classes receive support from the Young Women presidency and class advisers. Aaronic priesthood quorums would similarly receive support from the bishopric and Aaronic priesthood quorum advisers.
Delegate Mentoring Support
I would suggest that bishoprics delegate as much of this supporting work to quorum advisers as is reasonable for their ward’s circumstances. There is an important caution: advisers need to understand that their responsibility is not to do the work of the quorum, but to support youth in learning how to accomplish this work. The orientation of quorum advisers centers on three principles for their roles: (1) Be with them, (2) Connect them with heaven, and (3) Let them lead. Quorum advisers who align their actions with these principles will find the balance they need to properly mentor youth leaders.
Putting the Principles in Motion
Consider an idealized activity planning cycle. In ward youth councils and presidency meetings, bishopric members emphasize the importance of knowing quorum members and making plans that will help meet their needs. Having prayerfully considered their quorum members (including themselves), the quorum presidency meets and identifies specific needs and chooses inspired activities that will help meet those needs. They then implement the plan, making assignments that will bring it into reality and involving the members of the quorum. After the activity, the quorum presidency reviews how the well activity accomplished its goals.
Where are the advisers? I can see them doing heavy lifting all along the way. At each step, think about how the three principles might apply. Do presidency members or quorum members need reminders or prompts? The adviser can work to be with them. Is the presidency seeking revelation in their decision making? The adviser can work to connect them with heaven. Are there assignments needing to be accomplished? The adviser can work to let them lead, while accepting (not making) some of those assignments as needed.
Be Strong, and of Good Courage
This is harder work than planning activities directly. It takes more time and requires earlier preparation. Success should not be measured in terms of how grand an activity is or how smoothly it goes. Success is measured in terms of strengthening relationships, shared spiritual experiences, and growth and improvement in practical and leadership skills.
I am grateful for the bishoprics and advisers who support young men in our stake. You are doing a great work.
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