Auxiliary Training: Young Men
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The world has low expectations of today's young men — but the Aaronic Priesthood inspires boys to do great things. Even more, "they have a duty to do great things," said Young Men General President David L. Beck during an April 1 leadership training session in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
The training was the last of three such meetings Brother Beck directed with the assistance of his counselors, Larry M. Gibson and Adrian Ochoa. Earlier training sessions were held in the Alpine (Utah) Tabernacle, and the Bountiful (Utah) Regional Center.
Brother Beck asked the scores of local Young Men leaders gathered in the Tabernacle to consider the miraculous, transforming power of the Aaronic Priesthood. The priesthood causes a young man to change — to become the best he can be, Brother Beck told them, and added that change continues as that young man becomes a missionary and takes the gospel to the world.
Such miracles of transformation are "one of the great wonders of this Church," Brother Beck said.
Despite the large number of attendees, the training session was informal. Audience members were invited to stand and share their experiences and thoughts regarding their calling.
Brother Beck said the Lord does not confer His priesthood upon the young men of the Church without an expectation of great things. Enlisting the instruction found in Doctrine and Covenants 20:59, the youth leader spoke of an Aaronic Priesthood holder's duty to "invite all to come unto Christ."
Aaronic Priesthood quorum leaders have been given special authority to bless the lives of others. Brother Beck encouraged youth leaders to allow their quorum leaders to utilize that sacred authority as they serve their fellow deacons, teachers and priests.
"These young men have been given great power to do great things," he said. "As leaders, we need to let them do their duty to God."
The young men of the Aaronic Priesthood are typically called upon to prepare and administer the sacrament. This sacred ordinance is defined by its invitation for others to come unto Christ.
Families, he added, can also draw closer to the Lord through the invitation and example of a faithful Aaronic Priesthood holder.
Brother Beck told the Young Men leaders that they are "facilitators" who help a young man make a connection to God while placing him on the path to lifelong gospel service.
Brother Gibson said God's kingdom is established on earth when a Young Men leader touches the hearts of the boys he serves. "It doesn't matter if that young man is in a Scout uniform or Sunday best — he's a priesthood man."
Scouting, he added, remains a vital program in the development of Aaronic Priesthood holders. Scouting provides first-rate training for adults even as it helps young men develop physical, temporal, emotional and spiritual self-reliance. Scouting connects a trusted adult to a young man in a meaningful way.
Brother Ochoa spoke of witnessing worthy Aaronic Priesthood holders bless others.
"You can make a difference in the lives of many," he said.
