Honoring the Priesthood As a Deacon, a Teacher, and a Priest

by John Bytheway

Offers advice to members of the Aaronic Priesthood of the Mormon Church on how to conduct themselves properly.

Genres: Lds, Church, Religion, Young Adult, Theology

112 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Riley]

I want every young man I know to read this book. It carries a very positive, motivating tone, with some great quotes and insights on what it means to honor the priesthood at all ages. Fantastic.

[James Thomas]

This is a good book for young men who want to develop Christlike habits. I wish I had read it when I was 11 and then came back to it every year as I was growing up. As a father of 5 daughters, my biggest worry is - who will they find to marry? Hopefully a young man who has followed all the principles taught in this book. I would encourage anyone who is a deacon, teacher or priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to read this book (as well as any young man who would like to marry one of my daughters).

[Hillary]

I love John Bytheway! He gets it and I just hope my son is as touched by his words as I was.

[Cami]

What a wonderful and clear collection of truth and encouragement! I think all young men AND young women should read this one.

[Doug]

Timeless and relatable messages for all priesthood holder. Have your sons read it.

[Jenn]

I bought this book for my oldest son a couple weeks before he turned 12. I read it first and then persuaded him to read it so we could discuss it. It was FAN.TAS.TIC. and a quick and easy but powerful read. He shared the importance of the duties specific to each office of the priesthood, things he learned AFTER his mission that he wish had had known, and his confidence in the reader of the book. He was spot on regarding the worries that the kids have at this age and gave advice for overcoming them and looking to the future. Of course it outlines why the priesthood is so important and how it can bless these young men's lives as they use it appropriately to bless the lives of others. I'm going to give a copy to each of my children before they turn 12, including my daughter so she will understand the importance in supporting and encouraging her brothers and male peers in honoring their priesthood.

[Britt]

I just read this with my new deacon. It said every thing that I wanted my son to hear - and in a much clearer and more memorable way than I could have said them.

The first line of the book is, "You are not normal." How great is that. The author explains that priesthood holders act differently, dress differently, speak differently and serve differently. I noticed my son smiling and sitting up a little taller while we read. Good stuff.

[Renee]

I learned something! This is everything you want your almost-12-year-old to know. Now, how can I get him to read it? I listened to this on CD and John actually gives examples of whining! It's funny and reminds me that I shouldn't whine about my duties. "Do I really have to feed you again, isn't once a day enough?"

[Mark Peterson]

Written for a teanager so it is on their level. Good for a teenager to read. More of a "rah-rah" book and is light on doctrine. Some rehash of the "For Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Written in 2002 so some dated info on the Duty to God stuff. One bit of what I would consider "folk doctrine".

[Lacey]

I read this with my 14 year old teacher and my new 12 year old deacon. John Bytheway's style kept them engaged as they learned about their important responsibilities as priesthood holders. I recommend for this for your priesthood holders to read!!

[Bonnie]

I listened to this one on audio cassette in the car while traveling to and from activities with my boys. Bytheway, has a way of inserting very humerous stories to keep the teenagers interested.

[Alice]

I learned how to help my Deacon in his new responsibilities.

[Jenn]

I got this book for my son when he was baptized and decided to read it before I gave it to him. It's great and is light and easy for youngins to understand, but does so without sounding childish...

[Jenni]

Read with Connor-love all the important stuff in this book. Great for FHE!

[Mckay Gammons]

verry good guide for teenage(13&up) boys who hold the priesthood or boys(12) who hold the prieshoodand a good learning expirence.

[Zachary Peterson]

like how john bytheway thinks and wrote his book. and i like his name

[Skye]

Read this with my soon to be twelve year old son. Good thoughts.

[Jaime]

Finally done! Read w/ my boys a chapter at a time, on Sundays. Great stuff. Reminded me how important it is to raise good boys. The world needs them.

[Lori]

Bought this for all my boys. I wanted to read it first to see if it was good. I loved it and I'm excited for my little men to read it and gain a greater understanding.

[David Miller]

A great book. I love John Bytheway and his awesome writing style. He has a great understanding of the teachings of the gospel. A must read!