The Priesthood of the Church

D&C 20:38-67

Duties of the Priesthood

Mark all the verbs in

D&C 20:46, 59

Duties of the Priesthood

Preach

• To deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church.

Teach

• To cause or help (someone) to learn about a subject by giving lessons

Expound

• To teach something in greater detail

Exhort

• To strongly encourage someone to do something

Warn

• to urge or advise to be careful

Invite

• To ask (someone) to Come Unto Christ

Elders PriestsTeachers

and Deacons

D&C 20:38 D&C 20:46 D&C 20:53

Duties of the Priesthood

Elders PriestsTeachers

and Deacons

D&C 20:38–45 D&C 20:46–52 D&C 20:53–59

Duties of the Priesthood

Baptize and Confirm the Gift of the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands

Ordain other Elders, Priest, Teachers and Deacons

Administer the Sacrament

Teach, Expound, Exhort, and watch of the church

Take lead in all meetings and conduct with the Holy Spirit

Duties of an ElderElders

D&C 20:38-45

Why is it called the “Melchizedek” Priesthood?

D&C 107:1-4– Melchi—King– Zedek—Righteousness

The City of Salem (Genesis 14)

Melchizedek

Duties of a PriestPriests

D&C 20:46-52Teach, Expound, Exhort, Baptize

Administer the Sacrament

Visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.

Ordain other Priests, Teachers and Deacons

Take lead in all meetings when there is no Elder present

Duties of Teachers and Deacons

Watch over the church continually and strengthen them

See that the church meet together often

To take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest

They are to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

To see that there is no iniquity in the church (hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking)

See that all the members do their duty.

A Home Teaching Experience in Kirtland

In Kirtland, members of the priesthood were assigned to visit the homes of the Saints and teach them. D&C 20:54 was given about nine months before.

William Cahoon recalled his experience as home teacher to the Prophet Joseph Smith’s family:

I was called and ordained to act as a teacher to visit the families of the Saints. I found that I was obliged to call and pay a visit to the Prophet Joseph.

Being young, only about seventeen years of age, I felt my weakness in visiting the Prophet and his family in the capacity of a teacher. I almost felt like shrinking from duty. Finally I went to the door and knocked, and in a minute the Prophet came to the door. I stood trembling, and said to him:

“Brother Joseph, I have come to visit you in the capacity of a teacher, if it is not convenient for you.”

He said, “Brother William, come right in, I am glad to see you; sit down in that chair there and I will go and call my family in.”

They soon came in and took seats. He then said, “Brother William, I submit myself and family into your hands,” and then took his seat. “Now Brother William,” said he “ask all the questions you feel like.”

By this time all my fears and trembling had ceased, and I said, “Brother Joseph, are you trying to live your religion?” He answered “Yes.” I then said “Do you pray in your family?” He said “Yes.” Do you teach your family the principles of the gospel?” He replied “Yes, I am trying to do it.” “Do you ask a blessing on your food?” He answered “Yes.” “Are you trying to live in peace and harmony with all your family?” He said that he was.

I then turned to Sister Emma, his wife, and said “Sister Emma, are you trying to live your religion? Do you teach your children to obey their parents? Do you try to teach them to pray?”

To all of these questions she answered “Yes, I am trying to do so.”

I then turned to Joseph and said, “I am now through with my questions as a teacher.”

He said “God bless you, Brother William, and if you are humble and faithful, you shall have power to settle all difficulties that may come to you in the capacity of a teacher.”

I then left my parting blessing upon him and his family and took my departure. (Elder William Farrington Close, Juvenile Instructor 28 August 15, 1892: 492-93).

At All Times…“If you are a priesthood holder, remember that the priesthood should be a part of you at all times and in all circumstances. It is not like a cloak that you can put on and take off at will. “You must be worthy in order to receive and exercise priesthood power. The words you speak and your everyday behavior affect your ability to serve. Your behavior in public must be above reproach. Your behavior in private is even more important”

True to the Faith

“The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire” Elder Richard G. Scott

Young Women“Some may choose to serve missions, and they will someday have the privilege of being members of Relief Society, working alongside men who hold the priesthood to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need” Daughters in My Kingdom

Priesthood Power vs

Priesthood Authority

Authority“Your authority comes through your ordination;

Power“Your authority comes through your ordination; your power comes through obedience and worthiness. …

“Power in the priesthood comes fromdoing your duty in ordinary things:

attending meetings, accepting assignments, reading the scriptures, keeping the Word of Wisdom” Elder Boyd K. Packer

The Priesthood of the Church

D&C 20:38-67