Priesthood and Church Organization
In the sixth Article of Faith (which write out the Mormon basic beliefs), we read, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” Another Article of Faith, the fifth, says, “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”
These two statements are statements of belief for the Church—they also describe its organization. What Mormons believe are in apostles, prophets, and so forth. They also believe that those with authority in the Church need to be set apart by the power of God to act for Him. This power and authority from God is called the priesthood. All worthy male members of the Church can hold this priesthood and they will hold from then on, once given it, if they do not lose it by sin.
Leaders in the Mormon Church are never paid. They are, also, not specially trained to be leaders—every leader in the Church is called from the general membership. And save for the very highest offices in the priesthood, leadership roles, or “callings,” are only held for a certain period of time. This time isn’t set, but whoever holds the calling understands that they will eventually not hold it any more—someone else will. Both men and women hold callings, although only men can hold priesthood callings.
The priesthood is of two types. The first is the Aaronic Priesthood, which is the priesthood of the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism. The Aaronic priesthood is the lower priesthood. It holds four offices: deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Young men are given the Aaronic priesthood at twelve, after being interviewed and found worthy. They take on the office of deacon—and deacons are the ones to pass the sacrament during Sunday services. Deacons become teachers (who prepare the sacrament, among other duties) at fourteen, after another interview. At sixteen, they become priests, if worthy. Priests are able to bless the sacrament and perform baptisms, as well as ordain others to be deacons, teachers, and priests.
The highest calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of the bishop. Only one bishop is called for each ward, or congregation. A bishop does not only hold the Aaronic Priesthood, however—he holds the Melchizedek as well and presides over the entire ward, as well as the Aaronic Priesthood.
The Melchizedek priesthood is the other, higher priesthood. Anyone who possesses it is able to hold any priesthood calling in the Church. When a young man in the Church turns eighteen or nineteen, they usually gain the office of elder. An elder is able to perform any calling in the Aaronic priesthood, ordain other elders, and give new members the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Other priesthood offices may be held in the Church, but we’ll cover the highest last. The apostles, in Mormonism, act as special witnesses of Christ that proclaim their testimony of Him to the world. As in the original Church, there are twelve apostles. Once called to be an apostle, the apostle acts as one for the rest of his life.
Gordon Hinckley is the President of the Church, or the Prophet, today. He has all the keys of the priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek, and is a seer and revelator as well as a prophet. Gordon B. Hinckley and his two counselors are called, together, the First Presidency. This First Presidency is the Lord’s mouthpiece to speak to the Church and the Church’s ultimate authority.
Again, though, not every calling is a priesthood calling. Likewise, not every organization within the Church is a priesthood organization (although all are presided over by the priesthood).
Primary is an organization to teach children below the age of twelve. Young Men’s and Young Woman’s are organizations to teach teenagers from twelve to eighteen. And Sunday School is the place for the instruction of adult men and women.
The Mormon Church’s organization for woman, the Relief Society, is also the oldest women’s organization in the United States. The Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, established it in 1842.
Women make up, entirely, the presidencies of the Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society organizations.
Also, any member, male or female, can give talks to the congregation in Sacrament meeting or teach in Sunday School (although they need to be called to teach in Sunday School). In General Conference, both men and women speak to the Church as a whole.