ANSWERS: 4
  • No, it is not quite accurate. Normally, the minimum age for receiving the Melchizedek priesthood is 18 and, where applicable, being out of high school.
  • While it is true that the offices within the Aaronic Priesthood (with the exception of bishop) have an age requirement, attaining that age does not mean the young man will automatically be ordained. The young man must approach his bishop, express an interest in being ordained, then pass an interview with the bishop. Only those deemed worthy are ordained. It is highly recommended that a young man wait until the age of 19 before seeking the Melchizedek Priesthood, but the current trend is that young men are often ordained to the office of elder when they leave for college. A man must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood before he can serve a full-time proselytizing mission (most young men start their mission at 19).
  • No it is not automatic. Having been a membership clerk, I have known of many young men who have not received these at those ages. There have been a variety of reasons for this, but it is not automatic for anyone.
  • Talk about deja vu! Wasn't this asked just a few weeks ago? While there currently is an age requirement to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, achieving that age is not sufficient to receive it. We are taught that John the Baptist received the Aaronic Priesthood even before he was born.

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy