LDS Church changes youth program progression

In 2019, children and youth will complete Primary and progress from one class or quorum to the next as age-groups. Worthy young men will be eligible to be ordained to a priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16. Worthy youth will be eligible to obtain a limited-use temple recommend beginning in January of the year they turn 12.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced changes in the way youth progress through their Young Men and Young Women programs today.

President Russel M. Nelson announced Friday changes in the youth programs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rather than youth advancing on their birthdays, it will happen in January of the year of their birthday.

That means the first Sunday in January all 11-year-olds could be given the Aaronic Priesthood and become Deacons. All 13 year olds will become Teachers and so on. That also means all 11 year old girls will be admitted in to the Young Women’s program in January

These changes will take place for all levels of Young Men and Young Women programs in the Church.

Worthy youth will also be able to receive Limited Youth Recommends for temple service when they enter the Young Men and Young Women programs at 11 years-old at the beginning of the year rather than waiting until their birthday.

Church officials said they will eliminate The Valiant 11 Primary class and all 11-year-olds will attend Sunday School together beginning in January.

We desire to strengthen our beloved children and youth through increased faith in Jesus Christ, deeper understanding of his gospel, and greater unity with his church and its members,” the First Presidency said in a letter sent to congregations around the world and signed by Presidents Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring.

Individual and family gospel study at home on Sunday and throughout the week provides opportunities to find spiritual strength on a daily basis and allows greater flexibility for personalized study and revelation.

The change in the youth programs will take place as the change in the Sunday schedule goes from a three hour block to a two hour block, thus transforming the church to a more home-centered church.

Changes include the introduction of a new gospel study resource guide for individuals and families at home called, Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. The new resource works with companion resources for Sunday School and Primary teachers to align Sunday lessons with home scripture study and suggestions for home evening.

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