Every once in a while, the church changes and updates their programs to better serve the needs of the members. I personally love how these programs, while the same in purpose and desired outcome, adapt to use new technologies and relevant goals to strengthen and uplift our youth.
I also love how the changes to this program involve the family. According to the Questions and Answers section on LDS.org, the program “provides opportunities for parents and leaders to strengthen relationships with young men” and can “easily be integrated into family home evening and quorum meetings and activities.”
Families are a huge emphasis throughout the church, but especially when talking about the youth. Young men need good examples and leaders to emulate. When they have these model role models in church leaders and parents, even the most troubled can find the way to becoming good men through spiritual activities and lessons.
And this program is here to help those young men find their testimonies. After years of teaching both at church and at home, the seeds that have been planted can really begin to grow during the formative years of twelve and eighteen.
I look at the young men in the ward I grew up in, and I’m amazed at the great men they have turned into. They have strong testimonies, are tender dads, and honor their priesthood. I’m certain it’s in part because of this program. And I’m excited for the young men in my current ward. The changes to the Duty to God program will benefit them in ways they may not understand now, but they certainly will in years to come.
The Duty to God program takes the lofty goals of teaching young men their roles and responsibilities within the priesthood and to God and makes them accessible to the young men. It breaks them down into manageable and understandable principles that the young men can apply in their lives.
While the specific changes to the program haven’t yet been announced, they’ll be announced and materials will become available between June and August.
For more information about the changes to this program, visit DutytoGod.lds.org.