According to the NT, a deacon was to be the head of a family, with one wife. (1 Tim 3)

The word comes from the Greek verb meaning "to serve at table."

Well, that depends... do you consider 12 preteen?

As far as I know, and with a quick google search, 12 is the earliest you can become a deacon, it was the earliest it was ever allowed when I was a member several years ago and I haven't heard anything that changed that.

ETA, in the LDS church anyway...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/06/2015 05:51PM by Finally Free!.

Finally Free! Wrote:
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> Well, that depends... do you consider 12 preteen?

I think the age when there is "teen" in the age?

As far as deacons being ordained at 12, "modern" would be after Brigham Young's death. But the fully regimented advancement machine wasn't put into place until 1909.


William Hartley, "The Priesthood Reform Movement, 1908-1922," BYU Studies, Vol. 13, No. 2 (Winter 1973), p. 142:

"But before appropriate lessons could be written for each quorum, the [General Priesthood] Committee [on Outlines, established by Joseph F. Smith in 1906] found it necessary to establish age groupings for the lesser priesthood. After 1877 it had been customary in the Church for boys at age twelve to be ordained deacons. But standard age practices for ordaining teachers or priests, or for advancing young men through the priesthood were lacking. The Committee therefore suggested specific ages at which specific Aaronic Priesthood ordinations should occur. Bishops were then instructed by the Presiding Bishopric to advance boys when worthy,

"'…and unless there are special reasons to the contrary they should be advanced in the priesthood from deacon to teacher and from teacher to priest. There can be no set age when persons should be ordained to the various offices in the Aaronic Priesthood, but we suggest that as near as circumstances will permit boys be ordained as follows: Deacons at twelve, Teachers at fifteen and Priests at eighteen years of age.' [Presiding Bishopric, Circular Letter File, 1 January 1909.]

"The Committee's proposals were introduced and approved at October [1909] General Conference, then at special priesthood conventions in November and December in every stake in the Church."


George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth, Vol. 1, p. 242:

"…There is no impropriety whatever in young men, even as early as at the age of twelve or fourteen years, acting as Deacons. They receive a training that is very valuable to them, and we know of many who have been and are greatly benefited by acting in this position, meeting with the Deacons' quorum and receiving such instructions as are proper to be imparted to them in this capacity… (Jan. 15, 1899, Juvenile Instructor 34:48-9)


Cannon's JI piece was in response to a question about the verse from Timothy. He said, in effect, that the situations weren't at all alike. What a surprise.

Great info. Just shows how uninspired Mormonism is. The kids don't really want to do all the Sacrament stuff and men would probably think that if they did nothing else, the Sunday ritual might be something for them.

But it is an example of Mormonism - traditions changing and carving into stone some ideas that might have seemed brilliant at the time but now are mockable.

I never think the pictures of boys passing sacrament or even altar boys doing the Catholic thing as inspiring. They barely out of being kids running around and being kids.

The fact that 12 year old boys are ordained in Mormonism doesn't help it in thinking it is above Catholics in not baptizing infants. Mormons have the stupidest "priest" system around and it doesn't jive with the Jesus church. Some restoration.

This is how Presbyterians define the role of deacon:

Character and duties of deacons
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.
It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper. Book of Order, G-6.0401–02

It wasn't until a few years ago that deacons were allowed to serve Communion. Prior to that it was just Elders and Pastors who could.

John Willard Young was ordained an apostle at age 11.

Noah was ordained a prophet at 8

Samuel was called a Seer at age 12

Of those three things the most ridiculous and absurd was the first.

Joseph Smith supposedly became a prophet at 14. But an apostle at 11???? What is with the Mormon male priesthood. That is starting to mix suffer the little children and calling grown assed men to help a savior out!

The greatest secret of the Deacons' Quorum: Everyone is looking at the trays; they don't see you looking at the boobs.

I wonder if any deacon has lost a cup down their aisle.