Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization
Concept 7: Importance of Priesthood Quorums
"When ordained to the priesthood, a man or boy automatically becomes a member of a priesthood quorum. From then on though life, it is expected that he will hold membership in a quorum of the priesthood according to his office. (see Body K. Packer, "The Quorum," in Strengthen Your Brethren [Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 4, 1991], pp. 142-48).
If a priesthood quorum functions properly, the members of the quorum are encouraged, blessed, fellowshipped, and taught the gospel by their leaders. Even though a man may be called and release from Church assignments such as teacher, officer, bishop, high councilor, or stake president, his membership in his quorum does not change. Membership in a quorum of the priesthood should be regarded as a sacred privilege.
Discussion
What is a Quorum? How Does a Quorum help strengthen individual members?
How many members make up a quorum of elders, high priests, deacons, teachers, priests?
Additional Scriptures
Alma 13:1-19 (manner in which men were ordained to the priesthood)
Hebrews 7:11-13 (Melchizedek Priesthood restored at the coming of Christ)
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Matthew 16:19; D&C 68:12 (Apostles given power, what they seal on earth is sealed in heaven)
Matthew 16:19
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
D&C 68:12
12 And of as many as the Father shall bear record, to you shall be given power to dc/68/12a">seal them up unto eternal life. Amen.
D&C 20:38-67 (Duties of elders, priests, teachers, deacons)
D&C 84; 107 (Revelations on the priesthood)
D&C 84
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, September 22 and 23, 1832. HC 1: 286 295. During the month of September, elders had begun to return from their missions in the eastern states and to make reports of their labors. It was while they were together in this season of joy that the following communication was received. The Prophet designates it a revelation on priesthood.
1-5, The New Jerusalem and the temple shall be built in Missouri; 6-17, Line of priesthood is given from Moses to Adam; 18-25, The greater priesthood administers the gospel ordinances; 26-32, The lesser priesthood administers the preparatory gospel; 33-44, Men gain eternal life through the oath and covenant of the priesthood; 45-53, The Spirit of Christ enlightens men, and the world lies in sin; 54-61, The saints must testify of those things they have received; 62-76, They are to preach the gospel, and signs shall follow; 77-91, Elders are to go forth without purse or scrip, and the Lord will care for their needs; 92-97, Plagues and cursings await those who reject the gospel; 98-102, The new song of the redemption of Zion; 103-110, Let every man stand in his own office and labor in his own calling; 111-120, The Lord's servants are to proclaim the abomination of desolation of the last days.
dc/107">D&C 107
Revelation on priesthood, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, dated March 28, 1835. HC 2: 209 217. On the date named the Twelve met in council, confessing their individual weaknesses and shortcomings, expressing repentance, and seeking the further guidance of the Lord. They were about to separate on missions to districts assigned. Although portions of this section were received on the date named, the historical records affirm that various parts were received at sundry times, some as early as November 1831.
1-6, There are two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic; 7-12, Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to officiate in all offices in the Church; 13-17, The bishopric presides over the Aaronic Priesthood, which administers in outward ordinances; 18-20, The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of all spiritual blessings; the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels; 21-38, The First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy constitute the presiding quorums, whose decisions are to be made in unity and righteousness; 39-52, Patriarchal order established from Adam to Noah; 53-57, Ancient saints assembled at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the Lord appeared to them; 58-67, The Twelve are to set the officers of the Church in order; 68-76, Bishops serve as common judges in Israel; 77-84, The First Presidency and the Twelve constitute the highest court in the Church; 85-100, Priesthood presidents govern their respective quorums.
1_cor/12/14-31#14">1 Corinthians 12:14-31 (All offices of the priesthood are important)"
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the 1_cor/12/21a">head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, overnments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.