Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God

Tammy Walquist
Scroll Staff

Copyright Intellectual Reserve Inc.

"The purpose of the [Duty to God] program is to help young men prepare for the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission and fatherhood," the First Presidency said.

Young men are encouraged to set goals in six areas: priesthood duties and standards, family activities, quorum activities, personal goals, service projects and keeping a journal.

The requirements are designed to help young men develop as they advance through the Aaronic Priesthood offices, according to the January 2002 New Era.

The first thing young men must do is to learn their duty. Their general responsibilities include keeping the commandments, living the standards in For the Strength of Youth, praying daily, reading the scriptures, attending church meetings, paying full tithing and fulfilling priesthood responsibilities, according to the New Era.

Each priesthood office also has additional duties. Deacons pass the sacrament and gather fast offerings. Teachers should attend seminary where available, help prepare the sacrament and serve as home teachers when assigned. Priests should continue attending seminary, serving as home teachers and blessing the sacrament.

Teachers are required to memorize and learn to lead hymns, keep a budget, study For the Strength of Youth and read and discuss scriptures with family.

Along with other requirements, Priests are to read the fourth section of the Doctrine and Covenants and learn what it means to prepare spiritually, financially, emotionally and physically to go on a mission.

"We've tried to develop the requirements based on the maturity of the young men," Elder F. Melvin Hammond, Young Men's general president, said. "Completion of the goals is more difficult as they become teachers and priests."

The guidebook lists dozens of ideas for young men to use as goals, but it is up to them to choose which goals they set. Each will choose eight or more personal goals for each of the four categories of spiritual development; physical development; educational, personal and career development; and citizenship and social development.

The Duty to God Award is not designed to conflict with the scouting program. All young men are encouraged to earn both awards.

"We desire all young men to strive to earn the Eagle Scout and Duty to God awards. ... As youth work on these goals, they will develop skills and attributes that will lead them to the temple and prepare them for a lifetime of service to their families and the Lord," the First Presidency said.

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