Guidelines for Youth Interviews
The bishop interviews each young man and young woman at least annually. If possible, he interviews each 16- and 17-year-old twice annually. If this is not possible, he assigns a counselor to conduct some of these interviews.
Six months after the annual interview with the bishop, each young man and young woman ages 12 through 15 has an interview with the counselor in the bishopric who oversees the Aaronic Priesthood quorum or Young Women class.
In large wards, bishops, acting with inspiration and wisdom, may adjust the frequency of interviews. Some youth may need added attention, while others may need less frequent interviews than are suggested, though all should be interviewed at least annually.
Leaders encourage parents to stay close to their children and to counsel them, allowing the leaders to act in a supporting role.
Interviews are excellent teaching opportunities and can be spiritual experiences for youth. Members of the bishopric should express love and listen carefully. They encourage youth to talk rather than doing most of the talking themselves.
Matters for discussion include the growth of the young person’s testimony of Heavenly Father, the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel. The importance of sustaining the President of the Church and other general and local Church leaders should also be discussed.
Another matter for discussion is the importance of obeying the commandments, particularly:
- Praying regularly in private and with the family, studying the scriptures, honoring parents, and paying a full tithing.
- Being modest in dress and action, refraining from any kind of sexual activity, and refraining from viewing, reading, or listening to pornographic material.
- Obeying the Word of Wisdom and refraining from using illegal drugs and misusing other substances.
- Refraining from using the name of the Lord in vain and from using vulgar expressions and other degrading language.
- Attending priesthood and sacrament meetings, participating in other Church meetings and activities, and fulfilling assignments given by quorum leaders or Young Women class presidency members.
Members of the bishopric may want to refer to the scriptures,
For the Strength of Youth, and
True to the Faith during discussions about gospel principles and obeying the commandments.
While interviewing young men, the bishopric member gives special attention to their preparation for a full-time mission (see
4.2). He discusses preparing spiritually by being worthy, studying the gospel, and building a testimony. He also discusses preparing physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Members of the bishopric should be sensitive to the circumstances under which young men are honorably excused from full-time missionary service (see
4.5.3).
The bishop and his counselors encourage young women to support young men in accepting mission calls. Young women of eligible age who desire to serve a mission may do so, but they should not be pressured to serve (see
4.3.2).
Members of the bishopric ensure that youth understand the blessings of temple covenants and temple marriage and the requirements for receiving these blessings.
When interviewing a young man for priesthood ordination, the bishop or his assigned counselor discusses the blessings of holding the Aaronic Priesthood and the duties of the office to which the young man will be ordained, as revealed in
Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–60 (see also
Handbook 2, 8.1.1).
In interviews with young men, the bishopric member emphasizes the importance of living the standards in
For the Strength of Youth and accomplishing the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood (see
Handbook 2, 8.1.3). He evaluates the young man’s progress and encourages him.
When interviewing a young woman, the bishopric member emphasizes the importance of incorporating the Young Women values and the standards in
For the Strength of Youth in her daily living (see
Handbook 2, 10.1.4 and 10.5). He also emphasizes the importance of completing the Personal Progress program. He evaluates the young woman’s progress and encourages her.
When interviewing youth of seminary age, the bishopric member emphasizes the importance of regular attendance at seminary and the blessings that come from active participation.
When discussing moral cleanliness, the bishop adapts the discussion to the understanding of the youth. He also ensures that the discussion does not encourage curiosity or experimentation.