Revealed Quorum Principles - Brother Michael A. Neider sat am

As bearers of the holy priesthood, we should see that the sisters are not the only examples of virtue.

This is a reference to the recent Young Women's addition of 'virtue' as one of their Young Women's values. Priesthood holders need to value virtue just as much.

Brother Neider sets the topic for the young men by stating:

I invite young men ages 12-18 and their quorum presidencies to listen, for we will be discussing scripture the Lord has directed to you. (That's one of the remarkable things about this church, that young men are entrusted with some much responsibility and given so many opportunities as early as age 12.) I emphasize the principle of study, or obtaining God's word. We should be earnest students of revealed priesthood and quorum principles. Our goal is to correctly use inspired direction from God and His prophets to maximize the virtues and blessings of the quorum and strengthen young men and their families. The work of the quorum is to increase faith in Christ, prepare and save young men, and eliminate mistakes and sloth in implementing God's will.

This is great direction for the young men and should be part of leadership training, especially the 'work of the quorum':

1. increase faith in Christ
2. prepare and save young men
3. eliminate mistakes and sloth in implementing God's will.

President Stephen L. Richards taught that a quorum is a class, a brotherhood, and a service unit: a class where a young man may be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ; a brotherhood where we can strengthen, build, lift, and friendship each other; and a service unit to give service to quorum members and others.

Once again, this is excellent leadership training material for quorum presidencies and quorum members. It is not enough to just be in a quorum. We should understand what a quorum is and what it does.

Verse 85 of section 107 (of the Doctrine and Covenants) instructs a deacons quorum president how to minister to his quorum members: "And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them and to teach them their duty, edify one another, as it is given according to the covenants."

More training material for quorum presidencies, specifically deacons:

1. Preside over twelve deacons
2. sit in council with them
3. teach them their duty
4. edify one another

This is quite a responsibility for 12-13 year-old boys, but they can do it. The Lord trusts them.

I invite quorum presidencies to ask the following questions and seek other questions the Spirit will inspire: What does an Aaronic Priesthood quorum president do to preside over a quorum? What are his duties? What does he do as he sits in council with quorum members? How and when does he teach? What are the covenants referenced in the verses? And what do the quorum adviser and the bishopric member do as each assists the president in his duties and in his use of priesthood keys of presidency?

These are all good questions for all presidencies and should be part of leadership training. I like the idea that this is just a start, or suggestion, and that the presidency should seek by inspiration other questions they should be asking themselves. He does suggest some other questions that (I would add) might be good for PPIs and presidency meetings:

Does my quorum operate as described by the Lord in scripture? If not, why not? And what should I do to appropriately implement revealed quorum principles in my quorum? As a presidency prays for help and guidance, the Spirit, the bishopric, advisers, and the quorum will help and be sure to regularly use the inspired Church handbooks.

More youth leadership can then be exerted by quorum presidencies, while advisers can spend more time in support and leadership training. As we focus on quorum duties, the frequency of regular quorum presidency meetings usually increases for better preparation and leadership opportunity.

This is how it should be happening. This is a good indicator or milepost for quorum advisors.

Many tools have been given by the Lord and our Brethren to assist in the work of the Aaronic Priesthood quorum, including mighty prayer of faith, fasting, scripture study, "For the Strength of Youth", Duty to God, the quorum instruction manual, "Preach My Gospel" as a resource, varied activities, and Scouting.

This is a great list of resources. I found it very interesting that the first three mentioned were not manuals.

The quorum is expected to help parents strengthen their sons spiritually and in every other facet of their character, activity, and personal lives.

This is a good description of the parent-auxiliary relationship. This was a very powerful and instructive talk for boys, parents, and advisors.