Can those in Young Men and Young Women hold callings?
Question
Dear Gramps,
Can young men or young women have a calling while he or she is still a young men/women and still attending that class? Many have already reached the age of 18. Could they have a calling in something like Primary? Please advise.
Best regards,
Romano
Answer
Dear Romano,
Though it is unusual for one of the youth to hold a calling (other than in their respective class presidencies) it is not unheard of. My granddaughter is currently serving as a “Youth Family History Consultant”. Over the years I have occasionally seen youth serve in the nursery from time to time, and once there was an 18 year old (still in high school) called to be Branch Clerk.
My concern would be with a calling like nursery that takes a youth out of their regular classes, however, in some individual instances this may be appropriate. It is okay to offer a suggestion, or volunteer, but ultimately it is the Bishop’s decision to make. He is the one that will be given the guidance of the Holy Ghost in these matters.
Gramps
I taught Primary when in my teens. Of course, way back then Primary was held after school on a week day and did not interfere with our MIA meetings, which were in the evening.
When I was baptized at age 16, I was called as pianist for Priesthood opening exercises. The music director was also 16. So yes, it definitely happens. (In our current stake, each unit also has a Youth Representative for stake youth leadership meetings.)
In my ward the Sacrament Meeting music is both played and conducted by youth who have been called and set apart in those callings (including myself). All of them also serve in their Quorum and Class Presidencies (including me). We also have youth called as Family History Consultants, and a Laurel who is a Primary Worker (but she only substitutes when needed so she’s usually in class). I guess my ward really loves to utilize its youth in callings.
When I first joined the Church back in the mid 70’s, there was a girl who was Mia Maid age who was the pianist for Sacrament Meeting. She had been doing so for years. That was a very long time ago, so things may have changed, but it was in practice and was fine at one time.
In 2014 three months after I turned 18, I was called to be the young women secretary. I served in my calling for a year before leaving to serve a mission.I am so glad I serve in the YW because the Relief society and primary presidency later told me that they had asked the bishop to ask me to serve there. It was the best experience it build my testimony and love of Christ.