Welcome to the Gadsden Stake Young Men Website!

Helping young men become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. This site is your hub for events, resources and updates.

My Aaronic Priesthood Duties...

Put the Young Men Theme into Action!

What are some ways that I can put the YM theme into action each and every day?

1. I am a beloved son of God

Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”- Look in the mirror each morning and say, “I am a son of God.”- Write a prayer asking Heavenly Father to help you feel His love.- Make a list of your divine gifts and how you can use them this week.

2. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ

John 13:35 — “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”- Serve someone secretly this week—no credit, no reward.- Study the life of Christ in the scriptures 10 minutes a day.- Ask in prayer, “What would You have me do today?”

3. I love and serve others

Mosiah 2:17 — “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”- Smile and greet every person you see at church.- Volunteer for a family or community service project.- Carry a card and write down one way you served each day.

4. I stand as a witness of Christ

D&C 121:45 — “Let thy bowels also be full of charity… and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”- Dress and speak with dignity and respect.- Prepare the sacrament prayerfully and reverently.- Study one priesthood duty each week and plan how to fulfill it better.

5. I will prepare to make and keep sacred covenants

D&C 20:37 — “Are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.”- Attend the temple regularly with family or youth groups.- Set a goal to be worthy of a temple recommend.- Keep a journal about your spiritual experiences and commitments.

Worldwide Event for Youth

Worldwide Event for Youth
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (America/Denver)
President Jeffrey R. Holland will address Latter-day Saint youth and their leaders during this flexible-date event on the 2025 youth theme, “Look Unto Christ.” Available for download October 23. Stream or watch on demand on Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Gospel Stream, Gospel Library, and the Church’s Inspiration YouTube channel. Learn more on Events.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

🌟 Multi-Stake Youth Dance

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Birmingham Stake Center
2780 Altadena Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
---🎶 Event Overview
All youth turning 14 this year through age 18 are invited to join us for an evening of great music, good friends, and uplifting fun!
Come ready to dance, laugh, and make memories with youth from stakes across central Alabama.
Event details and theme to follow — stay tuned!---For questions or more information, please contact your ward Young Men or Young Women leaders.

Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration Campout
May 8–9, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable event honoring the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.What to Expect:• A cinematic outdoor skit: Follow the Prophet: The Spirit of Rockwell
A dramatic reenactment of Porter Rockwell defending the prophet Joseph Smith—woven with modern-day priesthood moments that will stir every heart.
• Chuckwagon-Style Dinner:
Hearty food, and brotherhood under the stars.
• Service Project:
The next morning, we’ll roll up our sleeves and serve side-by-side—demonstrating that real priesthood power comes through action!
---Men and boys of all ages are invited.
Come prepared to experience something unforgettable!

Click the image above to learn a little more about Porter Rockwell... the Destroying Angel!

Gadsden Stake Young Men's Camp
June 10-13, 2026
Oak Mountain State Park!
More information to come!


🌟 FSY 2026 🌟

For the Strength of Youth Conference


📍 LocationAgnes Scott College – Decatur, Georgia


📅 Session Dates• June 15–20, 2026 (Week 1)• June 22–27, 2026 (Week 2)Youth may choose whichever week best fits their schedule.

Please Note . . .Week 2 will be combined with the Tuscaloosa Stake.


What should we do right now? Click a link below to get started!


📅 FSY 2026 – Important Deadlines!📌 Now!! – Ongoing
Bishops/Branch Presidents Approve youth for FSY
using the Youth Unit Report.
🗓️ Oct 21, 2025 – Jan 13, 2026
Encourage families to preregister youth for FSY.
Registration Timeline
✅ Jan 15 – Jan 29, 2026
Youth must finalize their assigned session.
FSY Portal
✍️ Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2026
Priority Registration – remind youth to complete full registration.
Register Here
📝 Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2026
Standard Registration – encourage youth who haven’t registered yet.
🚪 Feb 26, 2026 onward
Open Registration – last chance, sessions fill fast.
đźš— Before Session Starts
Confirm: registration is complete and transportation arranged (no stake transport provided).


🚍 TransportationBecause the conference is close to our stake this year, no church-sponsored bus transportation will be provided. Units and families should plan to coordinate their own travel.


👥 FSY RepresentativesEach ward representative should:• Help youth and parents with registration questions• Remind families about deadlines• Coordinate with leaders on transportation and preparation


🌟 Why Attend?FSY helps youth:• Strengthen faith in Jesus Christ• Build lasting friendships• Develop confidence in gospel standards• Prepare for future service, education, and family life


đź“© Questions?Talk to your Bishopric/Branch Presidency or your ward FSY representative.

Photo Gallery

If you would like to see your son(s) in this photo gallery, please fill out the permission form by clicking the link below.

Look who's crushing it!!

Matt Tippets
Talladega Branch

A senior at Oxford High School, Matt is a standout on the cross country team, known for his dedication and impressive performances on the course. His infectious smile brightens every room, and he recently inspired the entire stake as a speaker in Stake Conference. Way to go, Matt—you’re truly crushing it! If you haven't already, we encourage you to listen to Matt's excellent talk!

Missionaries from the Gadsden Stake
On the Lord's errand!

Missionaries love emails! Take a moment and shoot one of them a message. They'd love to hear from you!

Elder Nolan Armstrong
Mexico Cancun Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Jacob Blandamer
Canada Montreal Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Ollie Boot
Mexico Saltillo
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Eko Burroughs
Chile Vina del mar Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Matthew Campbell
Nevada Reno Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Keaton Childs
Canada Calgary Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Trey Christensen
Texas Dallas East Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Jackson Lafferty
California Sacramento Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Andy Rains
Alaska Anchorage Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Brian Smith
Utah Salt Lake City South Mission
✉️ [email protected]
---Elder Isaac Williams
Utah Saratoga Springs Mission
✉️ [email protected]
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Deacons

Doctrine and Covenants 20:57–59
“The duty of the deacon is to watch over the church and be standing ministers… to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.”

Deacons are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to minister, invite, and serve. Their duties provide hands-on preparation for greater service in the priesthood and in life.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Deacon...

Being a deacon means more than passing the sacrament—though that’s a sacred weekly duty that teaches reverence, focus, and love for the Savior. It also means showing up early to help set up chairs, tidy up the chapel, or set an example of reverence—even when no one asks.It means looking out for the other guys in your quorum, especially the one who stands by himself or hasn’t come in a while. Sometimes it’s a quick text. Sometimes it’s saving him a seat.Deacons serve the bishop in everyday ways—helping at ward service projects, hauling tables for activities, or stepping in when someone needs a hand. They don’t wait to be told—they learn to notice!And most of all, deacons are learning to become like Christ—bit by bit, Sunday by Sunday, quiet act by quiet act.

Teachers

Doctrine and Covenants 20:53–56
The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; and see that there is no iniquity in the church… and to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

Teachers are trusted with more than observation—they’re called to strengthen, uplift, and protect. Their role goes beyond seeing needs; it includes acting with love, accountability, and example.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Teacher...

Being a Teacher starts with example—and Teachers lead by quietly living what they believe. They help prepare the sacrament, which means reverently handling sacred things and focusing on the Savior.They work closely with quorum members and leaders, not just to attend, but to strengthen each other. They check in when someone misses church, pray for each other by name, and lead by showing up even when it’s hard.Teachers are also asked to speak up with courage when something isn’t right—when someone is being unkind, when a conversation needs redirection, or when someone needs defending.They represent Christ—and they’re learning to act like Him.

Priests

Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–52
“The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize… to administer the sacrament… to visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret… and to do all these things with holiness of heart.”

Priests are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to bless the sacrament. Additional duties echo the work of full-time missionaries and future Melchizedek Priesthood holders. They don’t just represent the Church—they represent Christ.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Priest...

Priests don’t just participate in the ordinance of the sacrament—they stand at the table as a representative of the Savior. They prepare themselves spiritually and focus their minds before they speak those sacred words.They serve others through ordinances—blessing the sacrament, performing baptisms, and setting an example of Christlike service for younger Aaronic Priesthood holders. These aren’t small things—they’re priesthood privileges, and they require reverence.They are the senior members of the different Aaronic Priesthood quorums, which means they set the tone. Younger boys watch them. Leaders rely on them. And the Lord expects them to lead with humility, love, and example.Being a priest is a step closer to full-time missionary service—and full-time discipleship.

Resources for Young Men and Leaders

Helpful forms, guides, and materials to support your role as a young man or leader in the Aaronic Priesthood. From permission slips to powerful spiritual resources, it's all in one place!

1. đź“‹Permission Forms & Waivers:

Access printable and digital versions of medical waivers, permission slips, and safety guidelines for stake and ward activities.

2. 🏀 Activity Ideas for Leaders

Browse ready-to-go ideas for spiritual, service, and adventure activities—including planning templates and seasonal ideas.Men of God Field GuideOptional Resource for Activity Planning
The Man of God Field Guide is an optional, ready-to-use resource for bishoprics and Young Men leaders who want to supercharge their activity planning. It doesn’t replace any of the Church’s official programs or resources—instead, it builds on them with a fresh, adventure-style format that helps young men develop real-world skills, deepen their discipleship, and chart personal goals. Packed with progressive challenges, scripture connections, and practical capabilities, the Field Guide can turn an ordinary Wednesday night into something unforgettable while staying perfectly aligned with the purposes of Aaronic Priesthood quorum activities.

Wednesday Night Activity Progression Plan
Optional Resource for Weekly Scheduling
The Wednesday Night Activity Progression Plan is an optional planning tool designed to help bishoprics and Young Men leaders build a natural flow of meaningful, entertaining, skill-building activities week after week. It doesn’t replace or override any of the Church’s official guidelines—it simply offers a fresh, organized way to weave spiritual growth, service, and real-world capability into your regular schedule. By laying out a smooth progression of activities that connect, build momentum, and keep the young men excited to come back, this plan can turn midweek gatherings into a true journey of discipleship and personal development.

3. 📱Break Free from Addictions

Powerful talks, tools, and scriptures to help young men overcome addiction to pornography, social media, and screen time.

⚡PRB Challenge: Personal Religious Behavior


Current Challenge!

Watch every session of General Conference!President Henry B. Eyring taught that personal revelation will come to those who truly listen: "If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it"

You'll be taken to a short form where you can record your commitment. You can share your name or stay anonymous...it's up to you!


What is PRB?

Personal Religious Behavior means the small, personal things we choose to do to grow closer to Jesus Christ—things like praying with real intent, studying the scriptures, serving others, and acting on promptings. These are the quiet choices that build real discipleship.

Why Do PRB Challenges Matter?

These challenges help us strengthen habits of faith, not just beliefs. As we act—daily and deliberately—we invite the Spirit, build confidence, and become true disciples of Jesus Christ. Your small choices today shape your eternal identity.

Keep it up Gadsden Stake Young Men!!

⚡R.I.S.E. Challenge: Resilience, Intellect, Strength and Endurance


Current Challenge!

Ok Gadsden Stake Young Men! Brother Huffstutler is throwing down the first RISE challenge. If you think you can beat him . . . accept the challenge below!

You'll be taken to a short form where you can record your commitment. You can share your name or stay anonymous...it's up to you!


What is RISE?

The R.I.S.E.. Challenge is the physical companion to our PRB spiritual Challenge. While PRB challenges the young men to strengthen progress spiritually through prayer, scripture study, and service, RISE challenges the young men to develop the other three Youth goal areas—intellectual, physical, and social. Built on four guiding pillars—Resilience, Intellect, Strength, and Endurance—RISE challenges the young men to consistently push themselves . . . with a little bit of competitive spirit mixed in!

Why Do RISE Challenges Matter?

Today’s young men face constant distractions and a culture of comfort and convenience. RISE provides short, focused challenges that call them to action—helping them stretch their minds, strengthen their bodies, and build Christlike relationships. A single challenge might invite them to learn a new skill, complete a demanding service project, or organize an outdoor adventure with friends. Each experience reinforces the Church’s intellectual, physical, and social goals, helping young men taste achievement, discover their capacity, and carry momentum into missionary service, future families, and lifelong discipleship—developing into powerful men of God and true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Keep it up Gadsden Stake Young Men!!