Helping youth become converted
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CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO
Strengthening the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood begins when a boy enjoys strong relationships with his family, his adult leaders and his peers in the quorum and Scout troop. That relationship-themed message anchored the opening training session of the recent Priesthood Leadership Conference on Scouting at the Philmont Scout Ranch.
"It's about those relationships where you move a young man to be converted and become self-reliant," said David L. Beck, president of the Young Men General Presidency.
The youth leader spoke of the importance that every young man and Aaronic Priesthood leader "learn his duty" and act "in all diligence" (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99). As young men learn their duties and prepare to become missionaries and faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders, they will ideally enjoy the positive influence of a supportive family. Brother Beck said no program exists that is capable of replacing strong family relationships.
Still, adult leaders can play a pivotal role in a young man's development. "These priesthood advisers need to be able to connect with a boy on a one-to-one basis," said Brother Beck. Strong peer leaders in the Aaronic Priesthood quorum and the Scout troop are also essential.
Brother Beck reminded the hundreds of stake leaders participating in the Philmont training of the "T's" of effective youth leadership: Testimony, Time, Tenure and Training. He then added another "T" to the list: Tenacity. It's important, he said, that youth leaders "hold fast" to their young charges. Be persistent in building and maintaining relationships in the quorum and troop.
"The ultimate goal is another "T" — the Temple."
Brother Beck said 34 percent of all eligible young men in the Church in the United States and Canada are serving full-time missions. "We can do better. We must do better."
The Church would be dramatically impacted if even 50 percent of the young men in those countries answered the call to full-time missionary service. "One hundred and forty missions could be opened."
The process of increasing missionary service will always be directly proportionate to the process of conversion that comes only when young men enjoy strong relationships with leaders who love them.
Brother Beck was joined in the opening training session by Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant.
Scouting, she said, is a time-tested tool that can help young men fulfill their Aaronic Priesthood duties and prepare for future service. "The vision of Scouting is all about what a boy can become."
Sister Lant cited Elder David A. Bednar's observation that a young man doesn't simply become a missionary with the issuance of a formal call. It takes preparation long before a young elder enters the mission field. The process of preparation comes about when a boy lives a worthy life and is blessed with personal growth. "It's about young men becoming who our Father in Heaven wants them to be," she said.
Sister Lant asked the stake leaders to visualize each of the boys they serve. It is vital for the leaders to follow President Thomas S. Monson's example of looking out for the one and building individual relationships with each young man. Every single Aaronic Priesthood holder can be strengthened.
"There is no greater work than to bring along these young men of the Church because the work rests on their shoulders," she said. "They are the rising generation."
