Priesthood
Priesthood is an essential part of the restored gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes referred to as Mormons. The priesthood began with Adam, and has continued throughout time, although it has periodically been interrupted during times of apostasy. However, each time it is restored, it’s restored through someone who has the authority to do so, created an unbroken line of authority from the beginning of life on Earth. Joseph Smith received his priesthood through those who had been ordained by Christ, himself, and he, then could bestow it to others with God’s approval. Only those with the proper authority may act in God’s name to perform certain ordinances, such as baptism or marriage.
The priesthood is a function carried out by male members of the church beginning at age twelve. Each gender has its own roles and responsibilities, and the priesthood is assigned to the men. It is not a paid position, and men cannot use their priesthood on themselves. They, like women, must find other priesthood holders to carry out any ordinances they are in need of and the services the priesthood offers are available to anyone, male or female. The priesthood is a role of service, not of personal gain or benefit. Women are assigned other service roles, some of which are not given to the men.
At age twelve, a boy can receive the Aaronic Priesthood and receives the Melchizedek Priesthood as an adult.
Blessing the Sacrament
Each level of the Aaronic Priesthood comes with specific and increasing responsibilities, preparing young men and new church members for the greater responsibilities of the next level of priesthood. Each week in the Sacrament Meeting-the basic worship service-members receive the sacrament of bread and water, similar to communion in many churches. The deacons, which are the twelve and thirteen year old boys (and newer converts just starting out in the priesthood), pass the Sacrament to the members. The Sacrament is first blessed (has a prayer said over it) by the Priests, who are sixteen and seventeen or older. In between are the Teachers, not to be confused with those who teach classes. The teachers prepare the sacramental bread and water prior to the service and also serve as home teachers, usually paired with an adult man. Home teachers visit the homes of several families each month to check on their well-being and to deliver a brief spiritual message.
The adult men serve as missionaries and a variety of other leadership positions that require priesthood. Many leadership positions, those not requiring the priesthood, are open to women, and some are only open to women.
Some levels of priesthood allow men to offer healing blessings to those who are ill or in need. They don’t heal-God heals. They only administer the blessing that can bring about healing based on the faith of the receiver and on God’s plan for that person. These blessings often include elements of comfort and spiritual counsel.
Priesthood holders are taught that their ability to carry out their priesthood duties and their ability to receive inspiration from God is dependent upon their worthiness. They must behave honorably and in a way that glorifies God at all times, not just when fulfilling church duties. They must also always give God the credit for what they accomplish, and not try to keep it for themselves.
Priesthood holders may not receive payment or reward for their services. In the Bible, we learn that Simon watched as the apostles bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost on new converts. He then offered them money, wanting to buy priesthood authority for himself, so he could also give people the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter rebuked him, saying, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” (Acts 8:14-20, King James Version of the Bible.)
This is why Mormons run a lay church. Since the bishop, who is like a minister or pastor, oversees his congregation as part of his priesthood, he cannot receive money for doing so, according to the teachings of the Bible.