With the New Year underway, Latter-day Saints likely have a question or two about the Church’s new Children and Youth initiative.
In the January 2020 issue of the Ensign, Young Women General President Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Men General President Brother Stephen W. Owen, and Primary General President Sister Joy D. Jones help answer a few of these questions. See some of their thoughts on the topic below.
Why is the Church making this change?
Sister Cordon: “As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, we all need to increase our capacity to receive revelation. Children and Youth is set up to invite individuals and families to seek inspiration from the Spirit on how to progress and find joy on the covenant path. It’s a wonderful parallel to what the prophet is envisioning for each one of us.”
How can families start applying Children and Youth?
Sister Jones: “Parents can begin by talking with their family about the three areas of application in Children and Youth: gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development. What are they currently doing? How can they grow as individuals and as a family in these three areas? How will focusing on Luke 2:52 help guide their plans and goal setting to remember and follow the Savior?”
What do you hope children and youth will feel when they participate?
Brother Owen: “I hope that children will understand the gospel in a way that will get from their head down into their heart. This is not about checking things off. It’s a process of learning and becoming like the Savior. I would really hope that our children and those we minister to will feel confident enough in their gospel understanding to teach it to others.”
Find more answers about the Church's Children and Youth efforts at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Lead image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
