Teaching Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Presidencies to Preside Little Philmont Training Session Kaysville Central Stake (January 9, 2010)

Objective: To understand the importance of teaching Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies how to preside over their quorum as they use the keys of their priesthood and develop leadership skills.

Question: What are “Priesthood Keys”?

What are “Priesthood Keys”? “The exercise of priesthood authority is governed by those who hold its keys (see D&C 65:2; 124:123). These keys are the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction.” (Church Handbook of Instructions, pg 161) “Priesthood is the authority of God delegated to man to minister for the salvation of men. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 141). “In your pocket there might be a key to your home or car. Priesthood keys, on the other hand, are intangible and invisible. They “switch on” the authority of the priesthood. When an individual is given keys, he does not receive additional priesthood. What he has is the right to direct the work of the priesthood.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov 2003 and Oct 2005)

Question: Who holds “Priesthood Keys”?

Who holds “Priesthood Keys”? Jesus Christ - holds all the keys of the priesthood President of the Church First Presidency Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Temple Presidents Mission Presidents Stake Presidents (President of High Priest Quorum) District Presidents Bishops (President of Priests Quorum) Branch Presidents Elders Quorum Presidents Teachers Quorum Presidents Deacons Quorum Presidents Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pg 161

Obligations and Accountability “Every priesthood quorum has a president, whether it is a quorum of Deacons, Teachers, Priests, Elders, or High Priests. Each president holds keys of authority. Quorum activities and opportunities for service are authorized by the president who holds those keys. Counselors and auxiliary presidents serve on assignment from one holding keys who, in turn, has delegated authority for each of them to act.” Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign Oct 2005

Duties of Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Presidencies: Sit in council with members of quorum Teach and edify members of the quorum (D&C 107:85-88)

Question: How do we help our Young Men to accomplish these duties?

Duties of Bishopric and Adult Advisors: “With the exception of the bishop, who presides over the priests quorum, adult leaders do not preside over Aaronic Priesthood quorums. Instead, they assist and advise the quorum presidencies.” (The Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pg 182)

Teaching our YM to preside: There are three meetings where instruction may be given and where Aaronic Priesthood presidents may test their skills in presiding, counciling, teaching and edifying: Aaronic Priesthood Committee Meeting Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Presidency Meeting Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Meeting

Aaronic Priesthood Committee Meeting Presiding: Bishop Attending: Bishopric, one of the Bishop’s priests quorum assistants, Teacher’s quorum president, Deacon’s quorum president, and the ward YM presidency and secretary Conducting: Bishop or one of his counselors Committee meets regularly Purposes Report on past assignments Discuss the needs of quorum members Assignments from bishop to meet needs in the ward Discuss & plan activities, including Scouting (the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood) (The Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pg 318)

Video Clip Discussion – What did you see?

Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Presidency Meeting Presiding: Priests – Bishop Teachers – Teachers Quorum President Deacons – Deacons Quorum President Attending: Bishopric member for respective quorum, Quorum advisors, Aaronic Priesthood Quorum presidencies Conducting: members of the quorum presidency take turns Presidency meets regularly Purposes Review needs of quorum members and plan visits to quorum members Plan the quorum’s work to accomplish the mission of the Church Plan quorum meetings and mutual activities Prepare agenda for Bishopric Youth Committee meeting Report on assignments; give new assignments Receive leadership training (The Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pg 184)

Video Clip Discussion – What did you see?

Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Meeting Presiding: Unless a higher presiding authority is present, the quorum president presides Attending: Bishopric member for respective quorum, Quorum advisors, Aaronic Priesthood Quorum members Conducting: members of the quorum presidency Quorum meeting is held each Sunday Purposes Prepare young men for priesthood service Teach and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and priesthood duties and principles Conduct quorum business, such as plans for activities, service projects, and fellowshipping quorum members Build unity and brotherhood (The Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pg 185)

Video Clip Discussion – What did you see?

Concluding Thoughts: Having agendas and preparing the YM before the meetings is key to success As leaders, never take over when YM are conducting a meeting; let them learn Great blessings can come from “small” quorums; keep separate to maintain quorum identity and to avoid diluting quorum keys; may combine with other quorums for mutual activities