Every Young Man
Set Apart to Become
“The question is frequently asked: Should every young man fill a mission? And the answer has been given by the Lord. It is ‘Yes.’ Every young man should fill a mission.”
-President Spencer W. Kimball
“Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility.”
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-President Russell M. Nelson
King David - A Pattern
When David was just a young man, the prophet Samuel anointed him to become a king. The record says, "The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward" (1 Sam 16:13). In that same spirit and pattern, you are hereby called to become a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions and Answers
Am I obligated to participate?
The Lord has reaffirmed strongly through his living prophet that He has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. How you respond is up to you.
What are we being set apart to do exactly?
You are being set apart to BECOME a full-time missionary. With hands laid upon your head and a blessing from “those in authority,” you will stand out from the world. Like King David, the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you (1 Samuel 16:13) as you strive to keep yourself clean, and prepare for a future day when your stake president will set you apart for your full time missionary service.
You are calling this “Every Young Man”, what about young women?
Young women who desire to serve have the same opportunity to participate. The title of this effort was chosen to emphasize the Lord’s expectation for young men as part of their priesthood covenant.
Once I’m set apart, then what? Who will follow up with me and help me prepare?
There are many opportunities in your quorums, classes, ward, and stake to help you prepare. Mission prep, seminary, sabbath-day quorum meetings, and classes, ministering visits, go with the missionaries to teach, attend the temple, study the scriptures, receive and study your patriarchal blessing, and much more. Your bishop and advisors will follow up and help.
What is expected of me?
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Lord expects to you strive to keep your covenants, repent often and increase your ability to receive revelation. You will play a vital role in helping your friends and quorum members as they prepare. Be a strength and lift those around you.
What can parents do to help?
Parents play the most significant role in helping their children prepare to become full-time missionaries. As you make your home a sanctuary of faith and learning, the Holy Ghost will teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance. As you love, encourage, lead by example, and seek opportunities to direct your son or daughter to Jesus Christ, you will help prepare them for future experiences.
If I decide later that I want to participate, who do I talk to?
A youth can decide at any time to accept the call to become. Simply talk with your bishop and he will help you.
What if I move after being set apart?
If you move, the Yucaipa stake presidency will forward your response letter and communicate with your new stake presidency so they can support you as you prepare.
Is the Every Young Man effort coordinated with the full-time or ward missionaries?
Stake leaders meet regularly with the mission president and ward mission leadership. This effort will be an ongoing topic of counsel and coordination. Annually, the stake has a “mission for a day” activity. As ward councils meet and make plans for supporting the youth in this and other efforts, there will be many opportunities to learn and serve.