By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 30 May 2016 11:36:00 +0000

The calling of the Young Men’s Presidency is slightly different than other auxiliaries in the ward. The responsibility for the ward Aaronic Priesthood quorums and members rests directly with the Bishop and his counselors. In handbook 2 it states (sec 8.3.1), “The bishop oversees the Aaronic Priesthood quorums in the ward. He and his counselors comprise the bishopric and the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward.” As the Aaronic Priesthood presidency, the bishopric then has the responsibility of calling not only a YM president, but his counselors, advisers, and secretary.
This order of things is further supported in sec 19 of handbook 2 which outlines the calling chart for Stakes, Wards, and Branches. The chart shows for each calling who makes the recommendation on who should be called. It states for all “Counselors and secretaries in ward auxiliaries (except Young Men)” the person who makes the recommendation is the Auxiliary president that has been called.
It is interesting that it says “except Young Men” – but this is because the Bishopric is the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood. So it goes on to say, “Counselors in the ward Young Men presidency (teachers and deacons quorum advisers), assistant advisers, and ward Young Men secretary” are to be recommended by the Bishopric.
In many wards, Bishoprics operate under the tradition or assumption that the YM president should pick his own counselors when in fact, according to the Handbook of Instruction, the responsibility is directly theirs. Certainly as a courtesy the Young Men’s President could be asked if he has any suggestions for counselors, but the proper order of things should be explained. Also, the courtesy should be extended to the President to know those being called prior to their sustaining (in my opinion).
Hope this helps.

Comments on: As a Young Men President, shouldn’t I have a say in my counselors?

By: Jonathan