Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today
Concept 5: Christ's Church Was Organized Again
"On 6 April 1830, the Savior again directed the organization of his church on the earth (D&C 20:1 "The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April."). His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (D&C 115:4 "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."). Christ is the head of his Church today, just as he was in ancient times. The Lord has said that it is "The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (D&C 1:30).
Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and "first elder" of the Church
(D&C 20:2-4 "2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;
3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;
4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.").
Later the First Presidency was organized, and he was sustained as President. When the Church was first organized, only the framework was set up.The organization was completed during the next several years.
The Church was organized with the same offices as were in the ancient Church. That organization included Apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and Deacons. These same officers are in his Church today (Articles of Faith 6 "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth").
A prophet, acting under the direction of the Lord, leads the Church. This prophet is also the President of the Church. He holds all the authority necessary to direct the Lord's work on earth (D&C 107:65,91, "Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church; "
91."And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses").
Two counselors assist the president. Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, teach the gospel in all parts of the world. Other general officers of the Church with special assignments include the Presiding Bishopric and the Quorums of the Seventy.
The offices of the priesthood include Apostles, seventies, patriarchs, high priests, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons. These are the same offices that existed in the original Church.
The Church has grown much larger than it was in the days of Jesus. As it has grown, the Lord has revealed additional units of organization within the Church. When the Church is fully organized in an area, it has local divisions called stakes. A stake president and his two counselors preside over each stake. The stake has twelve high councilors who help do the Lord's work in the stake. Melchizedek Priesthood quorums are organized in the stake under the direction of the stake president (see Chapter 14, "Priesthood Organization"). Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization, Gospel Principles Comments and Resources
Each stake is divided into smaller areas called wards. A bishop and his two counselors preside over each ward. In areas of the world where the Church is developing, there are missions, which are divided into smaller units of districts, branches, small branches, groups, and families.
Discussion
Read the testimony of Joseph Smith contained in the preface to Doctrine and Covenants 20."
"Revelation on Church Organization and Government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, April 1830. HC 1:64-70. Preceding his record of this revelation the Prophet wrote: We obtained of him [Jesus Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth.
1-16, The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work; 17-28, The doctrines of creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed; 29-37, Laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth; 38-67, Duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are summarized; 68-74, Duties of members, blessing of children, and mode of baptism are revealed; 75-84, Sacramental prayers and regulations governing church membership are given."