The Priesthood

The priesthood is the authority and power to act in God’s name, to seal in heaven as well as on earth the saving ordinances (such as baptism), and to use the gifts of God and revelation from Him to serve God’s children and build His kingdom on earth.

There are two levels of the priesthood, thoroughly described in Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of modern revelations. 

The Melchizedek Priesthood

 The highest priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood, called after Melchizedek because of his righteousness.  Officially named the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, it is called the Melchizedek Priesthood to keep from using the name of Christ casually, out of reverence for His name. “The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things” (v. 8).

The men who lead the Church, regions, stakes (groups of congregations), and wards (congregations)  hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.  Elder and High Priest are offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  An elder can pronounce a priesthood blessing through the laying on of hands, which can heal, comfort, and convey revelation to the person being blessed.  Elders try to be ever prepared to use their priesthood in the service of their fellow men, women, and children.  Most carry a small vial of consecrated olive oil for the healing and blessing of the sick.  A Mormon businessman might leave an important business meeting to head to the hospital for this purpose.  An elder can also bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, and ordain other elders and holders of the lower priesthood, the Aaronic.  The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of the spiritual aspects of the kingdom.  In its fullest manifestation, it enables the holder to exercise power over the elements and to commune with heavenly messengers of God, as do the leaders of the LDS Church.

Elders are called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church (see D&C 20:42). All Melchizedek Priesthood holders are elders. They have the authority to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 20:43). Elders should conduct meetings of the Church as they are led by the Holy Ghost (see D&C 20:45; 46:2). Elders may administer to the sick (see D&C 42:44) and bless little children (see D&C 20:70). Elders may preside over Church meetings when there is no high priest present (D&C 107:11).

A high priest is given the authority to officiate in the Church and administer spiritual things (see D&C 107:10, 12). He may also officiate in all lesser offices (see D&C 68:19). Stake presidents, mission presidents, high councilors, bishops, and other leaders of the Church are ordained high priests.

Patriarchs are ordained by General Authorities, or by stake presidents when they are authorized by the Council of the Twelve, to give patriarchal blessings to members of the Church. These blessings give us some understanding of our callings on earth. They are the word of the Lord personally to us. Patriarchs are also ordained high priests. (See D&C 107:39–56.)

Among the General Authorities of the Church are Seventies, organized in Quorums of Seventy, and Twelve Apostles, who are all travelling witnesses of Christ and the administrators of the Church under the First Presidency — the Prophet and his two counselors.  The Twelve are called a “travelling presiding high council.”

The Aaronic Priesthood

The lesser priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood. ”Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances” (v. 14). Offices in the Aaronic Priesthood include that of deacon (attainable by worthy boys aged 12), teacher (attainable by worthy boys aged 14), and priest (attainable by worth boys aged 16).  A worthy young man can attain the Melchizedek Priesthood at age 18.  All young men who serve full-time missions for the Church are Elders.  Duties of the Aaronic priesthood include the following:

Deacons: …pass the sacrament to members of the Church, keep Church buildings and grounds in good order, act as messengers for priesthood leaders, and fulfill special assignments such as collecting fast offerings.

Teachers:…help Church members live the commandments (see D&C 20:53–59). To help fulfill this responsibility, they are usually assigned to serve as home teachers. They visit the homes of Church members and encourage them to live the principles of the gospel. They have been commanded to teach the truths of the gospel from the scriptures (see D&C 42:12). Teachers also prepare the bread and water for the sacrament service.

Priests:…A priest may baptize. He may also administer the sacrament. He may ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. A priest may take charge of meetings when there is no Melchizedek Priesthood holder present. He is to preach the gospel to those around him.

A bishop oversees a ward (congregation).  This is actually an Aaronic Priesthood calling, and a worthy literal descendant of Aaron may claim the office of bishop.  Where none steps forward, a High Priest with the Melchizedek Priesthood is chosen through revelation to fill this office.  A bishop usually serves for about 5 years.

The Mormon Church has a lay clergy.  Each member has many opportunities to serve, both as a leader and a follower, through the years.  The Church is highly organized according to the dictates of the Savior through His prophets.  This organization enables Mormons to gather and begin to act in an organized manner in any situation, including emergencies, which is why Mormons are often the first to arrive after a disaster, and the quickest to organize and get work accomplished.

The highly organized system of the Church, and the fact that everyone serves, also helps Mormons in the business world.  The lessons learned and habits formed in church service carry over with benefits in many other settings.

Quotes are from the LDS Church Gospel Prinicples Manual.