The first calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a Deacon in the Young Men Program. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church, a Deacon is a young man of the age 12 and 13. If raised in the Church, he has already begun the practice of making and setting goals while attending Primary in the Faith in God program.
Upon entering the Young Men Program the deacons will receive a booklet titled,
Aaronic Priesthood
Deacon
Fulfilling Our Duty to God.
Throughout the booklet are various scripture references to help the deacons understand the spiritual nature of their calling, such as is found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
“Thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward” D&C 14:11.
“To watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church” D&C 84:111.
Deacons are asked to accomplish goals under several different categories. Each of these goals is set up as a starting place, so that as they continue on to different positions in the Young Men (teachers, priests) they will be able to more readily complete more difficult goals.
The first category is Family Activities. There are seven goals in all listed, and each one is to be done with the family when possible. Some of these goals include developing a habit of reading the scriptures daily. The deacons are specifically asked to read in the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi to Mosiah in two years. This can easily be done if the family sets up a regular time to read the scriptures.
Another goal to accomplish with the family can be preparing at least two meals for everyone. If he’s feeling really ambitious (and if Mom and Dad feel daring enough), he can even try washing and ironing his own clothes for a month.
Under the category of Quorum Activities, deacons are taught by priesthood leaders. There are seven goals in all, each intended to help them understand what their calling as a deacon requires, as well as the importance of holding the Aaronic Priesthood. One goal asks them to participate in at least two service projects each year with their fellow classmates. Another asks them to read Isaiah 58 as well as Doctrine and Covenants 59, then explain to their leader the law of the fast, and how fast offerings are used.
Next we come to Personal Goals. There are four different sections under this category, and in each section the deacon is to accomplish eight or more goals.
The first section focuses on spiritual development. Deacons are asked to bear their testimony at least once each year. They are asked to read an account of one of their ancestors and report on what they learned to their family or leader. They are asked to start a journal and write in it regularly for at least two months. Mormon men are encouraged to go on full-time missions (lasting two years) at the age of nineteen. To help them in this goal deacons can set the goal to be financially prepared.
The next section focuses on their physical development. More than ever this is becoming crucial in the health of our children and teens. Some of the goals a deacon can set are to learn a new sport, swim for 50 meters using two different strokes, or hiking for 6 miles in one day. They can prepare the equipment for an overnight camping trip by setting up a tent, cooking on an open fire or camp stove, and restoring their surroundings to what they were before the campout.
The third section teaches them way to develop personally, in their education, and career. Goals vary from making plans to improve basic reading and writing to learning emergency treatment for electrical shock, near drowning, or heat exhaustion among other things. They can learn to play a musical instrument, and follow it up by performing a musical selection in church.
Citizenship and social development round it out. Goals for this section can be explaining to a leader or parent what makes a good friend, including how to maintain that friendship as well as how to resolve conflicts. Another goal could be teaching the family to play a new game or sport. They could even clean up a part of the neighborhood.
Next we come to the Duty to God Service Project. Deacons are encouraged to choose a service project that will benefit their family or community. They need to be able to plan it out, prepare for it, and then accomplish it. All projects must be approved by both parents and leaders.
The last category promotes keeping a Personal Journal. This can be accomplished by setting a previous goal to keep a journal for two months.
It all probably seems like a lot, but remember they have two whole years to accomplish all of this. With the help and support of both parents and Church leaders, these deacons can accomplish every single one of these goals. I can testify it will only bless them in their lives, and in the lives of those they come in contact with.
