Empowering Young Disciples: Expanding Roles for Baptized Primary Children

Empowering Young Believers: The Role of Baptized Primary Children in the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is taking steps to more fully integrate baptized and confirmed Primary children into church life. This initiative recognizes these young members as integral parts of the faith community and seeks to provide them with meaningful opportunities for participation and growth.

Primary General President Susan H. Porter highlights the significance of helping children grasp their role as covenant children of God, a concept championed by President Russell M. Nelson.

“We have looked at the meetings that we attend — starting with sacrament meetings and stake conferences — and we have asked ourselves the question, ‘What are we doing in this meeting to nourish everyone?'” President Porter said.

In a recent social media post, President Porter outlined five impactful ways for Primary children to contribute positively to their church and family communities:

• Pray to Heavenly Father and ask, “Help me know who I can help today.”
• Welcome others to Primary.
• Sit by someone who is new and help them learn the songs.
• Help with Primary activities.
• Be a leader in your family. Ask to have family prayer or share what you learned in Primary.

These suggestions aim to cultivate a spirit of service, inclusivity, and leadership among young church members. President Porter elaborated on these ideas and shared additional insights about children’s potential to effect change in the January edition of the Friend magazine.

 

Recognizing that children’s participation should extend beyond merely being quiet, the church is implementing several initiatives, including featuring Primary children’s choirs in meetings, incorporating Primary songs into congregational singing, allowing baptized children to offer prayers in church meetings, and encouraging them to deliver talks in sacrament meetings.

A May 2024 update to the General Handbook Section 29.2.1.4 clarifies: “The bishopric selects speakers for sacrament meeting. Most often they invite ward members, including youth and children.”

Cultivating Spiritual Growth and Community Bonds

Recounting a powerful experience, President Porter shared:

“She spoke with power, she spoke with the Spirit, and the purity of her testimony transformed that meeting.”

By increasing children’s involvement, the church aims to help them understand that these meetings are for their benefit as well.

“When children are invited to speak and pray, their own testimonies of the Savior are strengthened. They will feel part of the body of Christ and we will recognize them as such,” President Porter explained. “We will see them with new eyes, having been taught by their witnesses of the Savior.”

Fostering Leadership and Responsibility

Primary presidencies are encouraged to involve baptized children in various aspects of Primary activities, including announcing talks and music, welcoming others, and learning names. Older children are encouraged to support younger members by offering companionship, building friendships, sharing musical knowledge, and contributing to the annual Primary program.

President Porter emphasizes the importance of baptized children honoring their covenants, noting that the gift of the Holy Ghost enhances their ability to perceive and meet others’ needs. She shared five suggestions for Primary children to make a difference, including praying for guidance, welcoming others, and taking leadership roles in family activities.

Drawing on biblical teachings, President Porter stated:

“In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul teaches that just as we need every part of our mortal bodies, every member is needed in the body of Christ. We are grateful for the opportunities that are being given to our baptized children to serve as covenant members of the Lord’s Church, becoming one with the body of Christ.”

This comprehensive approach aims to deepen children’s spiritual roots and emphasize their importance within the church community.