Elders 

 

Duties Of The Local Priesthood

Duties Common to All the Priesthood:

"The elders, priests, and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fullness of the gospel; and they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and those shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit; and the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith, and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."-Doctrine and Covenants D&C 42: 5.

"A branch may be presided over by a high priest, an elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, chosen and sustained by the vote of the branch."-D&C 120: 2.

"Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet, for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand? Also, the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect."--D&C 83: 21.

"Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand."-D&C 104: 44.

The Duties of the Elder:

"An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize, and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and to administer bread and wine-the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ-and to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures, and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings."-Doctrine and Covenants 17: 8.

"The. elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God."-D&C 17: 9. (See also 46: 1.)

"Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church whom I have appointed: ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; and ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken."-D&C 43: 4.

"The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeably to the covenants and commandments of the church; . . ."-D&C 104: 7.

Elders may also perform the following functions:

Lay on hands for the healing of the sick. D&C (42: 12.)

Lay on hands for the blessing of children. D&C (17: 19.)

Preside over branches or districts. D&C (120: 2; 122: 7.)

Act as bishop's counselors. D&C (42: 8 ; 104: 32.)

Sit on a court. D&C (42: 22, 23.)

Perform marriage ceremonies. D&C (111: 1.)

Preside over elders' quorum. D&C (104: 31, 41.)

Elders are ordained to be standing ministers, but they

may travel. D&C (83: 22; 104: 43, 44.)

 

The Elders meet at the Headquarters Building on the Last Saturday of each month at 10:00 CST