Discussing what the Stake YMYW leaders should teach to the youth in upcoming second-hour presentations of ward conferences

14 December 2019

Paul,

Thank you for sharing these. They are wonderful questions and should lead to excellent discussions.

My concerns are that by the time they go through just a couple of these questions, I suspect they’ll have the same 4-5 young people answering all the questions. Do you know if the stake leaders are planning to break the youth into smaller discussion groups or some other teaching tool so they find a way for everyone to participate?

Finally, there are some questions that could be asked that are maybe even of more importance, in my opinion:

1. President Nelson says the purpose of the new Children and Youth Initiative is to help the rising generation stay on the covenant path. What is the covenant path that he’s talking about? 

2. What are the covenants on that path and how can each covenant bless us in our future lives?

3. Why does God want to make covenants with us, His children?

4. How will the new initiative help me prepare to make covenants and stay on the covenant path throughout my life?

Maybe others...

5. What does it mean to become converted? 

6. Why is conversion to the gospel so important in today’s world?

7. How does Satan try to push us off the covenant path? And why?

Feel free to add other questions, if any come to mind. 

My concern is that the proposed questions below seem to focus on the “nuts and bolts” of the program and not on the outcome—conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the new Initiative is more than a self-improvement plan…more than to help the youth become better people in those 4 areas...but the final, overarching objective is to help them desire to live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ…and never forsake it.

Please express to our wonderful Stake YMYW leaders my thanks for sharing these wonderful questions and for continuing the discussion.

Gratefully,

Crismon

President,

Here are a list of questions and answers from the handbook that Sis. Dobson put together for potential questions during 2nd hour presentations.  We will be discussing with YM/YW presidencies tomorrow.  They are great questions and could lead to wonderful discussion with the youth!  Because of this focus and wanting to allow time for full and open discovery, I am not recommending spending as much time on the questions or showing the seminary video.  

The topic of personal conversion and how the new youth initiative can lead to this conversion, how questions and seeking through work can also lead to conversion, and how studying the Book of Mormon and first vision as the prophet invited can lead to personal conversion will be the focus as of now.  Let me know if you have strong feelings to the contrary before meeting tomorrow.  I definitely want to let the Stake YM/YW leaders counsel together after these recommendations are introduced so I will let you know a final outline once agree upon by them.  Thanks.

Paul

Sent from my iPhone



Here are a list of questions we came up with and below are some answers from the guide books. I am fine with adding other questions, rewording, or taking away some of them. 1)Why do we have this program and what does my Heavenly Father want me to gain from it? 

2) Why is the program focusing on the four categories of Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual?

3)What can leaders do to help you with this program?

4) What can parents do to help you?

5) Where do you think the Lord is trying to take you with these goals?

6)What will be most difficult about taking part in this program?

7) How can you as a youth group support and strengthen each other?

8) How can I use personal revelation to accomplish my goals?

Below are the same questions with answers from the youth guide book, and parent and leaders guide book see below (I realize the youth will be coming up with their own answers but this could be a guide for us and we can direct them to these answers if needed, hopefully they will have these booklets by then) We can also use it for our leadership training 

1) Why do we have this program and what does my Heavenly Father want me to gain from it? 

You Have a Purpose

“Your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, know you and love you. You are an important part of Their work, and you can make a great impact on the world. Heavenly Father has given you talents and spiritual gifts. You can seek revelation to know how to develop your talents, become more like Jesus Christ, and make yourself, other people, and even the world better. This personal development guidebook offers principles and tools you can use in your efforts to develop your gifts and follow Jesus Christ.”

2) Why is the program focusing on the four categories of Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual?

“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” LUKE 2:52

You Can Follow the Savior

Heavenly Father wants His children to learn and to grow. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect example for all of us in every way.

SPIRITUAL Jesus increased in “favour with God.” You can grow spiritually by showing your love for God and your willingness to live the gospel.

SOCIAL Jesus grew in “favour with . . . man.” You can grow socially by showing love to all people.

PHYSICAL Jesus grew in “stature.” You can learn to work and take care of your body, your mental health, and God’s creations.

INTELLECTUAL Jesus grew in “wisdom.” You can study in school, learn new skills, and improve your talents.

3) What can leaders do to help you with this program?

Leaders, What is my role? 

Assist parents and the bishopric in guiding and inspiring young women to understand their identity as daughters of God, prepare for temple covenants, and fulfill their divine purposes. Guide class presidencies as they lead, minister to, and serve the members of their classes.

What do I do?

 Set an example as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Guide the class presidencies as they prayerfully plan and help teach lessons from Come, Follow Me—For Young Women. Encourage them to lead in planning and carrying out service and activities that will help young women to grow in all areas of their lives. Offer additional support to young women who need it.

Where do I start? Get to know the young women individually. Talk with the young women, their parents, and the bishopric about how you can support the young women’s growth. Pray to know how you can help your class presidencies succeed in their callings

4) What can parents do to help you?

Parents, What is my role? 

Be a righteous example to your children. Teach them how to grow in all areas of their lives. Find ways to help them learn the joy of keeping covenants, discovering new talents, and doing hard things. Help your family grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and live the gospel in daily life.

What do I do? Let your children know how much you love them. Be involved in their lives. Prayerfully identify their individual needs and plan gospel study and activities to address those needs. Regularly share your testimony with them. Talk with leaders about how they can help support your children.

Where do I start? Continue to talk with and listen to your children. Pray about how you can support them. Help them discover and begin working on areas of learning they are interested in. Start or continue family prayer, gospel study, service opportunities, and activities to help your children grow.

5) Where do you think the Lord is trying to take you with these goals?

6)What will be most difficult about taking part in this program?

7) How can you as a youth group support and strengthen each other?

Quorum and YW Presidencies 

What do they do? 

Presidencies should strive to be true disciples of Jesus Christ as they help each member of the quorum or class feel loved and discover the joy of living the gospel. Under the direction of the bishopric, quorum presidencies lead Aaronic Priesthood holders as they officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament. Both quorum and class presidencies lead in gathering Israel on both sides of the veil and in caring for those in need.

Where do they start?

 Presidencies learn their duties from the Lord and from their leaders. They pray for quorum or class members and get to know their needs. They support them in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. They counsel together about which lessons, activities, and service will bless and strengthen the youth and bring unity to their quorums or classes.

8) How can I use personal revelation to accomplish my goals?

Questions 3,4,7 Remember, your growth is up to you, but you aren’t meant to do it alone. Your Heavenly Father wants to help you, and you can ask your parents, leaders, and friends for help. Look for opportunities to help others in their growth as well. Heavenly Father wants His children to love and support each other.