Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2
"Lesson 18: Duties of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood," Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, 65
Each young man will learn the duties of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood and feel more fully the importance and sacredness of fulfilling those duties.
1. Materials needed:
2. Make a copy of the handout "Duties of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood" for each young man.
3. Ask the bishop to write a letter of commendation to the Aaronic Priesthood holders, mentioning the duties they perform well. This letter is to be read at the conclusion of the lesson.
This lesson is a general overview of the duties of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. It may be followed by other lessons on specific duties, such as the preparation of the sacrament and home teaching. Avoid any long discussions during this lesson on specifics of these duties. The material in this lesson can help all Aaronic Priesthood holders understand their callings and magnify them.
Tell the following story:
It was Evan's first day on the job. Mr. Rawlings had hired him to work on his farm for the summer. As the two of them rode along toward the farm in an old truck, Evan wondered what the job would be like. He was sure he could do the work once he had been shown his responsibilities.
When they arrived at the farm, Mr. Rawlings helped Evan put his things in the little house he was to stay in. Then he said, "Well, I'll be back in three or four days to see what kind of a job you're doing, and it better be a good one. There are plenty of boys who could use a job like this."
Then, before Evan even had a chance to say anything, Mr. Rawlings jumped in his truck and drove away. Evan stared after him in disbelief, watching the truck get smaller and smaller in the distance.
* How do you think Evan felt? Why?
* Have you ever been given something to do, but no one explained how to do it?
* How did you feel?
Have the young men read Doctrine and Covenants 107:99-100.
* What two things do these verses say each priesthood holder should do? (Learn his duties, and act in his office.)
Suggest that the young men mark these verses.
Allow time for discussion. List the young men's responses on the chalkboard.
Have the young men read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 20:53-59.
Add any points not already mentioned to the list on the chalkboard.
Give each young man a copy of the handout "Duties of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood." Allow time for each young man to read it silently.
Use the following questions to stimulate a discussion of the duties of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. Help each young man understand these basic responsibilities and how they can be performed well. Help the young men suggest specific ideas relative to their situation. Letters correspond with those on the handout.
a. Follow the counsel of priesthood leaders.
b. Prepare the sacrament.
c. Help "all to come unto Christ," and help members do their duties.
* What things should we warn people about?
* What does it mean to expound? to exhort?
* What should we teach each other?
* What does it mean to invite "all to come unto Christ"? What are some ways we can do this?
* Why would being a good example be one of the best ways to help all members do their duty?
* How could you help your adviser do his duty?
d. Prevent iniquity in the Church.
e. Edify and be edified by fellow priesthood holders in instruction.
f. Assist the bishop in his temporal duties.
g. Perform priesthood work.
h. Usher reverently in Church meetings.
i. Help the bishopric in other ways.
Read the letter of commendation written by the bishop, and bear your own testimony about the importance of a teacher's responsibilities for the ward and the Church.
Challenge the young men to memorize Doctrine and Covenants 107:99 and to discuss the duties handout with their parents. If time remains, help the young men begin memorizing Doctrine and Covenants 107:99.
The teacher is a standing minister appointed to "watch over the Church" in the ward "and be with and strengthen them" (D&C 20:53; 84:111). He does this by performing certain duties under proper priesthood direction. A teacher has all of the duties of a deacon and some additional duties. The duties of a teacher include the following responsibilities:
a. Follow the counsel and instruction of priesthood leaders.
b. Prepare the sacrament.
c. "Warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ" (D&C 20:59) and "see that the church meet together often, and ... that all the members do their duty" (D&C 20:55) by doing such things as-
d. "See that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking" (D&C 20:54) by doing such things as-
e. Edify and be edified by fellow priesthood holders by participating in priesthood instruction (see D&C 50:22).
f. Assist the bishop in "administering ... temporal things" (D&C 107:68) by doing such things as-
g. Perform priesthood work, such as assisting in fellowshipping and reactivating young men of priesthood age, and serving on priesthood committees.
h. Usher reverently in stake conferences and ward meetings.
i. Assist the bishopric in other ways consistent with the teacher's authority.
(From Aaronic Priesthood Leadership Handbook, pp. 2-3.)
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Next Chapter: Lesson 19: A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit »
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