Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God

August 2006

1. Who is responsible for the Duty to God program?

Bishopric members, the Young Men presidency, and Aaronic Priesthood advisers are responsible to teach young men their priesthood duties and help them earn their Duty to God Award. Parents have the primary responsibility to help their sons succeed.

2. How much flexibility do parents and leaders have in adapting the program to individual needs?

The requirements listed in the Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God booklets may be modified according to personal or local circumstances, interests, and needs with the prior approval of parents and Aaronic Priesthood leaders. Modifications may be appropriate to meet the needs of young men with disabilities or educational limitations, to meet cultural or individual needs, to help young men who are struggling or have been less active, or to allow young men who are not members to participate.

3. If a young man has not completed the requirements for the Duty to God certificate as a deacon or teacher, can he still earn the Duty to God Award?

Yes. Normally, to earn the Duty to God Award, a young man must earn a Duty to God certificate as a deacon, teacher, and priest. However, a worthy teacher or priest, including a new member who has not received all of the Duty to God certificates, may still earn the Duty to God Award by completing (1) all of the requirements for the priest certificate and (2) the family and quorum activities and the personal goals for the deacon and teacher certificates (except for the annual service projects, talks, and family home evening lessons). These requirements may be modified to meet the specific needs, circumstances, or situations facing young men.

4. What is the maximum age at which a young man can earn the Duty to God Award?

A young man should receive this award by his 19th birthday. However, if a young man has fulfilled all of the requirements for the award, leaders should ensure that he receives the award even after he turns 19.

5. Has the Duty to God Award changed in appearance?

Yes. The new Duty to God Award is in the form of a one-inch medallion placed in an attractive rosewood box. The words “Aaronic Priesthood—Duty to God” are inscribed around the image of the Salt Lake Temple (see image on this page above). The reverse side depicts John the Baptist ordaining Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Each young man will also receive a Duty to God certificate.

6. Will the Duty to God program replace Scouting in the United States and Canada?

No. Scouting is an integral part of the Aaronic Priesthood activity program. The Duty to God Award is a priesthood award with requirements that will help young men develop spiritually and fulfill their priesthood duties. Scouting requirements may be used to fulfill many of the comparable personal goals of the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God program. The Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God program and Scouting should complement and enhance each other.

7. Should a young man earn the Duty to God Award instead of the Eagle Scout Award?

The First Presidency has stated: “We desire all young men to strive to earn the Eagle Scout and Duty to God Awards. . . . As youth work on these goals, they will develop skills and attributes that will lead them to the temple and prepare them for a lifetime of service to their families and the Lord” (First Presidency letter, Sept. 28, 2001; italics added). Scouting requirements may be used to fulfill many of the comparable personal goals of the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God program.

8. Should young men still be enrolled as Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers?

Young men should continue to enroll (register) in each of these programs according to age. Scouting and the Duty to God program should work together to help a young man become well prepared and well rounded.

9. Does the Duty to God Award replace the On My Honor Award?

No. The On My Honor Award continues as the Latter day Saint religious award for Boy Scouts. The On My Honor Adult Recognition may still be given to adult Scout leaders, including Cub Scout leaders (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 190, 240).

10. Is Mutual part of the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God program?

Yes. Young men and young women should have a weekly activity night called Mutual, unless travel or other restrictions preclude it. Well-planned Mutual activities play an important role in the lives of youth. Under the direction of the bishopric, the ward Young Men and Young Women presidencies oversee Mutual.

Youth leaders are encouraged to hold opening exercises weekly. Additional information about Mutual can be found on pages 23–25 of the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth and on pages 187 and 222 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2.

11. In a building shared by two or more wards, where should opening exercises for Mutual be held?

Opening exercises can be held in the chapel, cultural hall, or other rooms in the building. Scheduling of facilities can be coordinated in ward council and among priesthood leaders within a given building. Opening exercises could be combined with another unit under some circumstances.

12. How does the sports program fit into the Duty to God program? Should one more night of the week be provided for sports?

Leaders are encouraged to provide a variety of activities for the youth, including sports. Sports, however, are not more important than any of the other areas encouraged in the new youth materials and the Church Handbook of Instructions. Well-planned, balanced activities in a variety of areas can be as interesting as sports to nonmember and less-active youth.

An occasional Mutual night could be committed to sports, or, if the youth are preparing for an activity such as a camp or a music or dance festival, a portion of each Mutual could be dedicated to this preparation (see the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, 23–25). A stake may choose to offer a sports program in addition to Mutual. This is a decision that can be made on the local level with priesthood approval.

13. Are there specific ways for parents to become more involved?

Parents should be encouraged to communicate often with youth leaders, to become familiar with the Aaronic Priesthood program, and to help their sons set and accomplish goals. Parents should be included as the Young Men program is introduced to youth by their leaders and quorum or class presidencies. Parents should be invited to attend Mutual or any event where their son is being recognized. They can also be invited to assist in the implementation of a Mutual activity or event where their individual skills and assistance would be of benefit. Families may also be invited to participate when appropriate.

14. What do the Duty to God booklets cost? Does the cost come out of the ward budget allowance?

All of the new materials, with the exception of the Duty to God Award and the Young Womanhood Recognition, are "no charge" items.

15. Is there a tracking form available to track the progress of the young men in the Duty to God program?

Yes. The Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God Achievement Record (item no. 36720) is available through distribution centers to help youth, parents, and leaders record what the young man has done to fulfill requirements for the Duty to God Award. Many units have also developed their own form using a spreadsheet program.

16. Are there additional resources to help implement and strengthen the Aaronic Priesthood program?

Yes. A list of these resources is provided below.

Duty to God Guidebooks and Related Materials

Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God Achievement Record

Duty to God Promise by Elder Robert D. Hales