The Melchizedek Priesthood holds "the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church" (D&C 107:18).
For more information about the purposes of the priesthood and priesthood keys, see chapter 2.
Elder
Worthy brethren may receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained elders when they are at least 18 years old. The rights and responsibilities of elders are revealed in Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–45; 42:44; 46:2; and 107:11–12. Elders also hold the authority of deacons, teachers, and priests.
High Priest
Brethren are ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric or when otherwise determined by the stake president. The rights and responsibilities of high priests are to preside and to hold all the authority of elders (see D&C 107:10).
Brethren in districts are not ordained to the office of high priest.
7.1.2
Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
A priesthood quorum is an organized group of brethren who hold the same priesthood office. The primary purposes of quorums are to serve others, build unity and brotherhood, and instruct members in doctrines, principles, and duties.
Each ward has one or more elders quorums. Each quorum has up to 96 elders (see D&C 107:89).
Each stake has one high priests quorum. The stake presidency is the presidency of that quorum. In each ward, high priests are organized in a high priests group.
Patriarchs are not organized into quorums. Apostles and Seventies are organized into quorums at the general Church level.
7.2 Stake Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership
7.2.1
Stake Presidency
The stake president is the presiding high priest in the stake. He and his counselors comprise the stake high priests quorum presidency. They give instruction at high priests quorum meetings. They may occasionally visit high priests group meetings and elders quorum meetings to give instruction and counsel.
The stake president oversees the conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordinations to the offices of elder and high priest (see Handbook 1, 16.7.1).
The stake president calls an elder in each ward to be the elders quorum president. In each ward that has a high priests group, the stake president or an assigned counselor in the stake presidency calls a high priest to be the high priests group leader. Before calling a new elders quorum president or high priests group leader, the stake president consults with the bishop of the ward. The bishop may recommend whom to call.
The stake president, an assigned counselor, or an assigned high councilor calls counselors in the elders quorum presidency and assistants in the high priests group leadership. The elders quorum president and high priests group leader, in consultation with the bishop, may recommend counselors and assistants.
All recommendations for calling members of elders quorum presidencies and high priests group leaderships are subject to the approval of the stake presidency and high council.
When new quorum or group leaders are called, a member of the stake presidency or high council presents them to quorum or group members for a sustaining vote.
If an elder is called to serve in a high priests group leadership, he must be ordained a high priest before he is set apart.
The stake president sets apart a new elders quorum president and confers the keys of his calling. A member of the stake presidency sets apart a new high priests group leader, who does not receive keys. A member of the stake presidency or high council sets apart counselors to the elders quorum president and assistants to the high priests group leader.
After new quorum or group leaders are sustained, a member of the stake presidency or bishopric announces these callings in sacrament meeting. He does not ask for a sustaining vote in sacrament meeting.
For information about elders quorum callings in branches in missions, see the Chart of Callings in chapter 19.
7.2.2
High Councilors
Under the direction of the stake presidency, high councilors help oversee the work of the Church in the stake. Their responsibilities relating to elders quorums and high priests groups are described in 15.3.1.
7.3 Ward Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership
This chapter focuses on administering the elders quorum and high priests group in a way that strengthens individuals and families. Melchizedek Priesthood leaders should frequently review chapter 3, which outlines general principles of leadership. These principles include preparing spiritually, participating in councils, ministering to others, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
7.3.1
Bishopric
The bishop is the presiding high priest in the ward. He and his counselors work closely with the elders quorum president and the high priests group leader in watching over quorum and group members and their families, building strength in the quorum and group, and ensuring that the work of the priesthood is accomplished.
Although the elders quorum president and high priests group leader are directly responsible to the stake presidency, the bishop meets regularly with each of them. He asks them to report on their responsibilities, including home teaching in the quorum or group. He also counsels them and encourages them to magnify their callings.
7.3.2
Elders Quorum Presidency and High Priests Group Leadership
The elders quorum presidency and high priests group leadership preside over, sit in council with, and teach quorum and group members (see D&C 107:89). They direct the efforts of quorum and group members to advance the work of salvation in the ward (see chapter 5). They receive instruction from the stake presidency, assigned members of the high council, and the bishop.
Elders Quorum President and High Priests Group Leader
The elders quorum president and high priests group leader have the following responsibilities:
They serve as members of the ward priesthood executive committee and ward council. As members of this committee and council, they participate in efforts to build faith and strengthen individuals and families (see chapter 4). The high priests group leader coordinates the ward council's efforts to encourage temple and family history work in the ward (see 5.4.3). Where there is no high priests group leader, the elders quorum president or another assigned Melchizedek Priesthood holder fills this role.
They teach other leaders and teachers in the quorum and group their duties, using this handbook as a resource.
In consultation with the bishop, they submit recommendations for brethren to be called to serve as counselors in the elders quorum presidency or assistants in the high priests group leadership. They also submit recommendations to the bishop for brethren to be called to serve as secretaries and instructors. In making these recommendations, they follow the guidelines in 19.1.1 and 19.1.2.
They oversee the records, reports, budget, and finances of the quorum or group. The quorum or group secretary helps with this responsibility.
Elders Quorum President and Counselors and High Priests Group Leader and Assistants
The elders quorum presidency and high priests group leadership have the following responsibilities. The elders quorum president and high priests group leader assign counselors and assistants to oversee some of these responsibilities.
They encourage quorum and group members to fulfill their priesthood duties, especially their duties as husbands and fathers. Quorum and group leaders fulfill this responsibility during quorum and group meetings and during interviews and visits with quorum and group members.
They organize and oversee home teaching.
They oversee efforts to improve gospel learning and teaching in the elders quorum and high priests group. In these efforts, they follow the principles in 5.5.3 and 5.5.4.
They hold elders quorum presidency meetings or high priests group leadership meetings.
Under the direction of the bishop, they plan ways to address welfare needs in the quorum or group (see 7.5 and chapter 6).
Where possible, they visit or interview quorum or group members at least once a year.
They may organize committees among quorum or group members to carry out the work of the quorum or group and to fulfill assignments given in ward council meeting.
They help prospective elders prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood (see 7.6).
With approval from the bishop, they may occasionally plan activities for the members of the quorum or group. These activities may include the families of quorum or group members and the single sisters whom quorum or group members visit as home teachers. Activities should comply with the guidelines in chapter 13 and should be coordinated with the ward council.
As assigned by the bishop, they work with parents and Young Men leaders to help 18-year-old young men prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and make a successful transition from the priests quorum to the elders quorum.
The elders quorum president assigns one of his counselors to coordinate the quorum's efforts with the young single adult men in the ward. If the ward has a young single adult committee, this counselor serves on the committee. (See 16.3.3 and 16.3.4.)
7.3.3
Elders Quorum and High Priests Group Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries
With the bishop's approval, the elders quorum president or one of his counselors calls and sets apart an elder to serve as elders quorum secretary. Likewise, the high priests group leader or one of his assistants calls and sets apart a high priest to serve as high priests group secretary.
Quorum and group secretaries have the following responsibilities:
They consult with quorum or group leaders to prepare agendas for presidency meetings or group leadership meetings. They attend these meetings, take notes, and keep track of assignments.
Each month, they compile home teaching reports for the elders quorum president and high priests group leader to give to the bishop. At least quarterly, they compile attendance information, review it with the elders quorum president or high priests group leader, and submit it to the ward clerk.
If the quorum or group plans activities that will involve expenses, secretaries help leaders prepare an annual budget and account for expenses.
With the bishop's approval, leaders in the elders quorum and high priests group may call and set apart assistant secretaries to help with these responsibilities. Prospective elders may be called to serve as assistant secretaries.
7.3.4
Elders Quorum and High Priests Group Instructors
With the bishop's approval, the elders quorum president or one of his counselors calls and sets apart one or more elders to serve as elders quorum instructors. Likewise, the high priests group leader or one of his assistants calls and sets apart one or more high priests to serve as high priests group instructors.
Quorum and group leaders assign instructors to teach lessons during priesthood meeting. Instructors follow the principles outlined in 5.5.4.
7.4 Home Teaching
Under the bishop's direction, quorum and group leaders oversee home teaching. They instruct home teachers in their duties and inspire them to perform these duties well.
Home teaching is a priesthood responsibility of teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders. Accordingly, home teachers are assigned by priesthood leaders. They are not called, sustained, or set apart.
7.4.1
Responsibilities of Home Teachers
Home teaching is one way Heavenly Father blesses His children. Home teachers "visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties" (D&C 20:51). They are assigned to families and individuals to "watch over … and be with and strengthen them" (D&C 20:53). They "warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ" (D&C 20:59).
Where possible, home teachers visit members in their homes at least monthly. Home teachers may also find other meaningful ways to watch over and strengthen the families they are assigned. For example, they may render service to the families or contact family members by mail or telephone.
Home teachers represent the Lord, the bishop, and quorum or group leaders. They can be an important source of help to members. They consult with the head of the household about the family's needs and about ways to be most helpful.
Home teachers become acquainted with family members' interests and needs and recognize special events in their lives.
As needed, home teachers help parents ensure that their children are blessed, baptized, and confirmed. They may also help parents ensure that their sons have the Aaronic Priesthood and Melchizedek Priesthood conferred upon them and are ordained to priesthood offices at the appropriate ages.
Home teachers offer help when members are unemployed, ill, lonely, moving, or have other needs.
Home teachers help members strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and encourage them to make and keep sacred covenants. This service is especially important to new members and less-active members.
Home teachers make appointments for their visits at times that are convenient for the individuals or families. They remember that they are guests of the members they visit.
Each visit should focus on a planned purpose. Before visiting a home, companions pray together. They discuss ways they can strengthen those they will visit. Based on this discussion and the guidance of the Holy Ghost, they share a message, usually taken from the scriptures and the First Presidency's message in the Ensign or Liahona magazine. Other messages may come from the bishop or other leaders. The head of the household may also request a special message. Home teaching visits typically include a prayer.
Each month, home teachers report to quorum or group leaders on the spiritual and temporal welfare of the members they visit. If a member's needs are urgent, home teachers report them immediately.
7.4.2
Organizing Home Teaching
A household that is headed by an elder usually has home teachers from the elders quorum. A household that is headed by a high priest usually has home teachers from the high priests group. When a household is not headed by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, the bishopric determines whether that household should have home teachers from the elders quorum or the high priests group. In making this decision, the bishopric may consult with the priesthood executive committee and ward council.
In organizing home teaching, quorum and group leaders prayerfully discuss the needs of individuals and families. Leaders discuss ways home teachers can watch over and strengthen these members, consulting with the priesthood executive committee and ward council as needed. Leaders also consider factors such as distance, travel, and safety.
Based on these discussions, leaders assign a companionship of two home teachers to each household where possible. They obtain the bishop's approval for each companionship and each home teaching assignment.
Quorum and group leaders assign the most effective home teachers to members who need them most. When assigning home teachers, leaders give highest priority to new members, less-active members who may be the most receptive, and others who have the greatest need for home teachers, such as single parents, widows, and widowers. It is often helpful to assign a youth leader to a family where a young man or young woman is experiencing special challenges. Home teachers should be assigned to converts before the converts are baptized.
After consultation with the elders quorum president, high priests group leader, and Young Men president, a member of the bishopric extends home teaching assignments to teachers and priests. They are assigned as companions to Melchizedek Priesthood holders.
Aaronic Priesthood holders participate with their companions in watching over and caring for the members they visit. This may include making appointments, sharing messages, and giving service. This experience helps them with their priesthood training, including mission preparation (see D&C 84:106–7).
Elders quorum leaders in young single adult wards assign home teachers to each member in the ward. Single members who live together as roommates may be visited at the same time. However, home teachers should focus on serving the individuals and should report on each person separately.
With approval from the bishop in exceptional cases, Melchizedek Priesthood leaders and Relief Society leaders may assign a husband and wife as a companionship where visits by a couple are needed. Couples report these visits as home teaching and visiting teaching. Normally, young parents are not given such an assignment because it takes them away from their children.
7.4.3
Adapting Home Teaching to Local Needs
In some locations, visiting every home each month may not be possible for a time because of insufficient numbers of active priesthood holders or other challenges. In these circumstances, leaders give priority to visiting new members, less-active members who are most likely to respond to invitations to return to Church activity, and members with serious needs.
Leaders do their best in using available resources to watch over and strengthen each member. Any adaptations they make to home teaching should be considered temporary.
Some suggestions for adapting home teaching are outlined in the following paragraphs.
With approval from the bishop, Melchizedek Priesthood leaders and Relief Society leaders may temporarily assign only home teachers or only visiting teachers to certain families. In some cases, leaders may assign home teachers to visit a family one month and assign visiting teachers to visit Relief Society members in that family the next month.
With approval from the mission president, leaders may consider asking full-time missionaries to go home teaching with Melchizedek Priesthood holders on a limited basis. The mission president communicates this approval to the stake president, who informs bishops. When such approval is given, full-time missionaries are assigned primarily to visit new members, part-member families, and less-active members.
Based on needs and priorities, quorum and group leaders may make some visits to help fulfill the quorum and group's home teaching responsibilities.
7.4.4
Reporting Home Teaching
Quorum and group leaders receive monthly home teaching reports from each companionship. In addition, they meet with home teachers regularly to discuss the spiritual and temporal welfare of the members they are assigned and to make plans to help members in need. Confidential information should be reported only to the elders quorum president or high priests group leader, who reports it to the bishop.
The elders quorum president and high priests group leader give the bishop monthly home teaching reports. Each report includes a list of those who were not contacted. Reports give special attention to new members, less-active members, and others who have serious needs. If a family or individual has urgent needs, the elders quorum president or high priests group leader reports this information to the bishop immediately.
7.5 Welfare
Welfare is central to the work of the elders quorum and high priests group.
Under the bishop's direction, the elders quorum presidency, the high priests group leadership, and the ward Relief Society presidency share the following welfare responsibilities:
They teach principles of temporal and spiritual self-reliance.
They care for the poor and needy and encourage members to give service.
They help individuals and families become self-reliant and find solutions to short-term and long-term welfare concerns.
For more information on these welfare responsibilities, see chapter 6.
7.6 Prospective Elders
A prospective elder is a male Church member age 19 or older who does not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. Married brethren who are younger than 19 and do not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood are also prospective elders.
7.6.1
Responsibility for Prospective Elders
Quorum and group leaders have the responsibility to help prospective elders prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. The bishop counsels with quorum and group leaders and each prospective elder to determine whether the prospective elder should meet with the elders quorum or the high priests group for instruction and activities. The bishop considers the relationships the prospective elder may have with the elders or high priests in the ward and the age and needs of the prospective elder.
Quorum and group leaders assign effective home teachers to prospective elders. If prospective elders have been ordained to the office of teacher or priest, leaders may give them assignments to serve as home teachers.
Quorum and group leaders invite prospective elders to attend quorum or group meetings and activities.
7.6.2
Helping Prospective Elders Prepare to Receive the Melchizedek Priesthood
Helping prospective elders prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood should be among leaders' highest priorities because it strengthens families and prepares couples for temple marriage. Prospective elders should be ordained as soon as they are reasonably prepared, without unnecessary waiting periods.
The elders quorum president or high priests group leader ensures that prospective elders are taught the following principles in preparation to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood:
1. 1.
The restoration of the priesthood and priesthood keys through the Prophet Joseph Smith
2.
The oath and covenant of the priesthood (see D&C 84:33–44)
3.
The responsibilities of husbands and fathers
4. The duties of an elder and the purposes of priesthood quorums
5. The purposes of priesthood ordinances and blessings and how to perform those ordinances and blessings (see chapter 20 and the Family Guidebook)
Leaders may teach these principles one-on-one, or they may organize a class for prospective elders in the ward, in multiple wards, or in the stake. They may assign capable home teachers to provide this instruction. They may also offer the instruction as part of a temple preparation seminar (see 5.4.5). As needed, the stake president may assign a member of the high council to help quorum and group leaders with this responsibility.
Possible resources for helping prospective elders prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood include Doctrine and Covenants sections 20, 84, 107, and 121; the Family Guidebook; Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A, lessons 1–4 and 9; and Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B, lessons 1–6.
The bishop counsels with quorum and group leaders and with the ward council to identify prospective elders who should have the highest priority for receiving this preparation. Eighteen-year-old Aaronic Priesthood holders who have not otherwise been prepared may be included.
In helping a prospective elder prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, the bishop follows the instructions in Handbook 1, 16.7.1.
7.7 Leadership Meetings
7.7.1
Ward Priesthood Executive Committee Meeting and Ward Council Meeting
The elders quorum president and high priests group leader serve as members of the ward priesthood executive committee and the ward council (see chapter 4).
7.7.2
Elders Quorum Presidency Meeting and High Priests Group Leadership Meeting
The elders quorum presidency holds a presidency meeting regularly. The high priests group leadership holds a leadership meeting regularly. The quorum president or group leader presides at the meeting and conducts it. The quorum or group secretary attends, takes notes, and keeps track of assignments. A high councilor assigned to the ward may attend periodically.
The agenda may include the following items:
1. 1.
Plan ways to strengthen quorum or group members and their families, including prospective elders.
2.
Read and discuss scripture passages and instructions from Church leaders that relate to the responsibilities of priesthood leaders.
3.
Discuss home teaching assignments and performance and plan ways to improve.
4. Discuss gospel instruction in quorum or group meetings and plan ways to improve.
5. Report on assignments given in ward council meeting.
6. 6.
Plan ways to build quorum or group unity, including service and other quorum or group activities.
7.7.3
Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting
The stake presidency convenes a stake priesthood leadership meeting in connection with each stake conference (see 18.3.1, item 2). The presidency also convenes one other stake priesthood leadership meeting during the year, for a total of three such meetings annually. Quorum and group leaders and secretaries attend.
7.8 Quorum and Group Meetings
7.8.1
Sunday Priesthood Meetings
Sunday priesthood meetings begin with opening exercises for Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood holders, conducted by a member of the bishopric (see 18.2.4).
After opening exercises, brethren attend their quorum or group meeting. The purposes of quorum and group meetings are to conduct quorum business, learn priesthood duties, strengthen families, and study the gospel of Jesus Christ. Leaders prayerfully plan the meetings to accomplish these purposes.
Unless a member of the stake presidency or bishopric (or another presiding authority) is present, the elders quorum president presides over the elders quorum meeting and the high priests group leader presides over the high priests group meeting. A member of the quorum presidency or group leadership conducts.
Elders and high priests normally meet separately. However, if very few elders or high priests in a ward are able to attend priesthood meeting, they may meet together. If they meet together, in no case should a single Melchizedek Priesthood quorum be established. As long as there are ordained elders and high priests in a ward, both an elders quorum and a high priests group should be organized.
Because districts do not have high priests quorums, branches in districts do not have high priests groups. High priests who attend these branches meet with the elders quorum.
The bishop may authorize an elder to meet with the high priests group if such an arrangement will be beneficial for the elder. The bishop may also invite an 18-year-old Aaronic Priesthood holder to meet with the elders quorum.
Each month, quorum and group leaders plan Sunday instruction according to the following pattern.
First Sunday
A member of the elders quorum presidency or high priests group leadership teaches on the first Sunday. He uses the scriptures, the teachings of latter-day prophets, and approved Church materials. Melchizedek Priesthood leaders use this meeting to teach the doctrines of the gospel and help brethren become actively engaged in their priesthood duties.
Quorum and group leaders seek the guidance of the Spirit as they determine subjects to teach. Subjects may include home teaching, performing priesthood ordinances and blessings, strengthening marriages and families, service, missionary work, convert retention, activation, spiritual and temporal welfare, and temple and family history work. Quorum and group leaders may also use this time to plan ways to help others, give assignments, and ask for reports on past assignments.
Second and Third Sundays
On the second and third Sundays, the lesson is taught by a quorum or group leader or instructor. He uses the current Melchizedek Priesthood manual. Lessons are generally taught in the order they are presented in the manual and on the same Sunday they are taught in Relief Society meeting.
Quorum and group leaders see that all men in the ward ages 18 and older receive a copy of the Melchizedek Priesthood manual for their personal study, regardless of whether these brethren are able to attend quorum or group meetings. Leaders encourage those who attend to bring their copies of the manual and, where possible, their personal copies of the scriptures.
Fourth Sunday
On the fourth Sunday, the lesson is taught by a quorum or group leader or instructor. He uses messages from the most recent general conference. The stake president or bishop selects the messages.
Fifth Sunday
On a fifth Sunday, the bishop determines the subject to be taught, the instructor (usually a member of the ward or stake), and whether Melchizedek Priesthood holders and the Relief Society meet separately or combined.
7.8.2
Stake High Priests Quorum Meeting
The stake presidency convenes a high priests quorum meeting for all high priests in the stake at least once a year. During this meeting the stake presidency conducts quorum business and instructs quorum members in their duties.
7.9 Teaching How to Perform Ordinances and Blessings
The following publications provide instructions on performing ordinances and blessings:
1. 1.
Chapter 20 in this handbook
2.
Family Guidebook, pages 18–25
3.
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B, pages 42–47
Using these publications, priesthood leaders teach brethren how to perform ordinances and blessings. Leaders ensure that each priesthood holder has the Family Guidebook or Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B, so he can have his own copy of these instructions.
Leaders should not produce or use other publications that give instructions for ordinances, blessings, or prayers unless the First Presidency has authorized such publications.
7.10 Additional Guidelines and Policies
7.10.1
Brethren Who Have Special Needs
Brethren who may have special needs include those who are ill, elderly, widowed, divorced, homebound, or bereaved and those who care for chronically ill family members. Members of their quorum or group should offer help.
Brethren who have these and other special challenges may come to their elders quorum president or high priests group leader with their concerns. These leaders should listen, offer love and encouragement, and maintain appropriate confidentiality. If they learn of possible concerns with worthiness or sensitive family matters, they refer the brethren to the bishop.
For information about helping brethren with disabilities, see 21.1.26 and disabilities.lds.org.
7.10.2
Offering Support at Times of Death
When a death occurs in the ward, the bishop may ask the high priests group leader or elders quorum president to contact the family to give comfort, assess needs, and offer assistance. He may request similar assistance from the Relief Society president. Melchizedek Priesthood leaders and Relief Society leaders coordinate these efforts.
The bishop may also ask Melchizedek Priesthood leaders to help make preparations for the funeral service. For additional information about funerals, see 18.6.
If possible, deceased members who were endowed should be buried in temple clothing. In some circumstances, the bishop may ask the high priests group leader or elders quorum president to assign an endowed man to dress or oversee the proper dressing of a deceased endowed man. These leaders ensure that the assignment is given to a person who will not find it objectionable. Guidelines for dressing deceased members are provided in Instructions for Clothing the Dead Who Have Received Their Endowments. Leaders may obtain these instructions from Church Distribution Services.
For additional instructions on dressing deceased members in temple clothing, the bishop may refer to Handbook 1, 3.4.9.
The elders quorum president, high priests group leader, home teachers, and other brethren continue to offer support, comfort, and assistance to the bereaved during the period of adjustment following the death.
7.10.3
Instructions about Temple Clothing and Garments
See 21.1.42.
7.10.4
Funding for Activities
See 13.2.8.