Dear Brother Cahoon,
I want to go home teaching but I’m only a Deacon. Can I go?
No name given
This could be the shortest Brother Cahoon column on record. One word, even. YES!
Brother Cahoon’s 2nd son is a Deacon, and he is my home teaching companion. I enjoyed home teaching with my oldest son as well. He now is a Teacher and has another companion. Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants tells priesthood holders what their duties and responsibilities are, and, more specifically, verse 57 says:
“And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires”.
I have talked with some bishops, who do have the final say in who can be home teachers, who choose to wait until the boys become Teachers before assigning them as home teaching companions, but there is no official Church policy prohibiting Deacons from being home teachers. If the Father of the Deacon is a faithful priesthood holder, or if there are other special circumstances, I personally feel that it is a good thing for a Deacon to become a junior companion with his father or another faithful brother. The best way for a young man to learn his duty (see D&C 107:99) is to become a home teacher as early as possible, and then magnify that calling to the best of their ability. Make the appointments, teach the lesson, help with moves, and other priesthood service projects. If you are eager to be a home teacher and no one has talked with you, talk with your bishop. Express your desire to be a home teacher. You will receive blessings from our Father in Heaven as you serve His children as a dedicated home teacher.
Editor’s Note: According to general Church policy, home teaching responsibility lies with teachers, priests and Melchizedek priesthood holders (see CHI, Book 1, Section 6, p. 44; Book 2, Section 1, p. 168; Book 2, Section 2, p. 185). Please contact your local priesthood leaders for local policies.
Posted by John in Home Teaching, Ask Brother Cahoon