Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes

Understanding the Changes in Witnessing Ordinances

President Nelson highlights changes in policy that allow more members of the Church, including those holding a limited-use recommend, to serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. These changes are procedural and do not affect the underlying doctrine or covenants.

A proxy baptism for a deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend, including a limited-use recommend.

Any endowed member with a current temple recommend may serve as a witness to sealing ordinances, living and proxy.

Any baptized member of the Church may serve as a witness of the baptism of a living person. This change pertains to all baptisms outside the temple.

• What are the new policies regarding who can witness baptisms and sealing ordinances?
• How do these changes affect the underlying doctrine and covenants?
• How do these changes affect your personal or family participation in these ordinances?
• How can you use these changes to further involve yourself or your family in the work of the Lord?

Recognizing the Role of Youth in the Lord's Work

President Nelson emphasizes the unique abilities of the youth in reaching out to others and sharing their beliefs. He invites them to participate in the gathering of Israel, helping to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

You will remember that I have invited the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the Lord’s youth battalion to participate in the greatest cause on earth today—the gathering of Israel.

I issued this invitation to our youth because they are unusually gifted in reaching out to others and sharing what they believe in a convincing fashion.

• What is the Lord's youth battalion and what is its purpose?
• Why does President Nelson believe that the youth are particularly effective in this work?
• How can you, as a member of the youth or as a leader, contribute to the gathering of Israel?
• What can you do to strengthen your ability to reach out to others and share your beliefs?

Understanding the Role of Bishops in Leading the Youth

President Nelson outlines the role of bishops in leading the youth of the Church. Their primary responsibility is to care for the young men and women of their ward, directing the work of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the Young Women classes.

In each ward, the Lord’s youth battalion is led by a bishop, a dedicated servant of God. His first and foremost responsibility is to care for the young men and young women of his ward.

The bishop and his counselors direct the work of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the Young Women classes in the ward.

• What is the role of a bishop in leading the youth of the Church?
• How do the bishop and his counselors direct the work of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the Young Women classes?
• How has your bishop helped you or the youth in your ward to grow spiritually?
• What can you do to support your bishop in his role as the leader of the youth?

Introducing Adjustments for the Youth and Their Leaders

President Nelson introduces adjustments that are intended to help young men and young women develop their sacred personal potential. These adjustments also aim to strengthen Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes and provide support to bishops and other adult leaders.

The adjustments we will now announce are intended to help young men and young women develop their sacred personal potential. We also want to strengthen Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes and provide support to bishops and other adult leaders as they serve this rising generation.

• What are the adjustments introduced for the youth and their leaders?
• What is the purpose of these adjustments?
• How can these adjustments help you or the youth in your ward to develop your sacred personal potential?
• What can you do to support these adjustments and help strengthen the youth and their leaders in your ward?

Expressing Love and Confidence in the Youth

President Nelson, along with the First Presidency and the Twelve, expresses love, prayers, and complete confidence in the youth of the Church. They are seen as the "hope of Israel, Zion’s army, children of the promised day."

The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing these efforts to strengthen our youth. Oh, how we love them and pray for them! They are the "hope of Israel, Zion’s army, children of the promised day."

We express our complete confidence in our youth and our gratitude for them.

• How do the First Presidency and the Twelve feel about the youth of the Church?
• Why are the youth referred to as the "hope of Israel, Zion’s army, children of the promised day"?
• How does knowing that the leaders of the Church have complete confidence in you affect your commitment to the gospel?
• What can you do to live up to the faith and expectations that the leaders of the Church have in you?