Recently I watched as a 13-year-old young man was set
apart as the deacons quorum president.
Afterwards, the bishop shook his hand and addressed him as
president, explaining to the quorum members that he addressed
him as president to emphasize the sacredness of his calling.
The deacons quorum president is one of only four people in
the ward who hold keys of presidency.
With those keys he, with his counselors, will lead the
quorum under the inspiration of the Lord.
This bishop understood the power of presidencies, led by
a president who holds and exercises
sacred priesthood keys.
Later I asked this young man if he was ready to preside
over this great quorum.
His response was, "I'm nervous.
I don't know what a deacons quorum president does.
Could you tell me?"
I told him he had a wonderful bishopric and advisers who
would help him become a successful and powerful
priesthood leader.
I knew they would respect the sacred keys of
presidency he held.
I then posed this question, "Do you suppose the Lord would
call you to this important calling
without giving you direction?"
He thought and then responded, "Where do I find it?"
After some discussion, he realized that he would find
direction from the scriptures, the words of the living
prophets, and answers to prayer.
We determined to find a scripture that would be a
starting place for his search to learn the responsibility of
his new calling.
I invite each deacon, teacher, and priest quorum presidency
to regularly counsel, study, and pray to learn what the
Lord's will is for your quorum and then go and do.
Use Duty to God to help you teach your quorum members
their duty.
I invite each quorum member to sustain your quorum president
and look at him for counsel as you learn and righteously
fulfill all of your priesthood duties.
And I invite each of us to see these remarkable young men as
the Lord sees them, a powerful resource for building and
strengthening His kingdom, here and now.