“Chapter 37: Priesthood Leaders: February–March 1835,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories (2002), 140–44
“Chapter 37,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 140–44
Chapter 37
Priesthood Leaders
February–March 1835
Joseph Smith asked the men of Zion’s Camp and others to come to an important meeting in Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph told the men that Jesus wanted twelve Apostles to be called to help lead the Church.
The Lord had told Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris to choose the Apostles. At the meeting, Oliver, David, and Martin were blessed by the First Presidency of the Church. Then they prayed together and chose twelve good men.
The twelve men were ordained Apostles. The calling of the Apostles was one of the most important events in the restoration of the Lord’s Church.
Apostles are very important leaders in the Church. They know that Jesus is our Savior. They teach the gospel all over the world.
After a few days, other men were chosen to be leaders in the Church. They were called the Seventy. The Seventy help the Apostles.
One day the Twelve Apostles were in a meeting. They were getting ready to go on missions, and they wanted Heavenly Father’s help.
The Apostles asked Joseph Smith to pray for a revelation to help them on their missions. Jesus gave Joseph and the Apostles a great revelation in which He told them about the priesthood.
Doctrine and Covenants 107, section heading
The priesthood is the power of God. It is the greatest power on earth. God gives the priesthood to righteous men. Men who hold the priesthood can be authorized to preach the gospel, perform ordinances, and be leaders in the Church.
There are two priesthoods in the Church. One is the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is also called the greater priesthood. The President of the Church, his counselors, the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy all have the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The President of the Church is a prophet of God. He tells people what Jesus wants them to do. The prophet has counselors who help him. The prophet and his counselors are the First Presidency of the Church.
High priests also have the Melchizedek Priesthood. Many leaders in stakes and wards are high priests. These include stake presidents, bishops, and high councilors.
Men who are ordained elders also have the Melchizedek Priesthood. Elders are to teach Church members and watch over them.
Elders are also called to go on missions to teach the gospel to people throughout the world.
All men who have the Melchizedek Priesthood can bless people. They can also give people the Holy Ghost.
The other priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood, which is also called the lesser priesthood. The Aaronic Priesthood includes the offices of bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. Priests can baptize people, bless the sacrament, and help the elders.
Teachers prepare the sacrament. They go home teaching and help members of the Church live good lives.
Deacons pass the sacrament. They also collect fast offerings and help the bishop.
Jesus said all men who have the priesthood should learn what God wants them to do. If they work hard, Heavenly Father will bless them.