Elder Christofferson speaks about the announced changes to the Elders Quorum and High Priest Groups in each ward. By assignment of the First Presidency, Elder Christofferson provides a question and answer session about the announced changes.
Elder Christofferson shares his personal excitement of these changes and the vision of moving the church forward through these combined efforts.
In the short period of time that these changes have occurred, I have found some great support from some of the High Priests in my ward as we have council together, taught and learned together, and tried to get our heads around the divine direction we have received. I am grateful for inspired leadership in my ward that has called a great man to lead our adjusted Elders Quorum. The blessings of the Priesthood are being seen in our interactions with each other and we are becoming unified in our efforts to reach out to others. The blessings of having living prophets and apostles is real and such a great blessing in our lives.
- What are the adjustments for ward high priests groups and elders quorums?
- In wards, members of elders quorums and high priests groups will now be combined into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum with one quorum presidency. This quorum, increased in numbers and unity, will be designated the “elders quorum.” High priests groups are discontinued.
- In wards, members of elders quorums and high priests groups will now be combined into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum with one quorum presidency. This quorum, increased in numbers and unity, will be designated the “elders quorum.” High priests groups are discontinued.
- How is the presidency of the elders quorum to be organized?
- The stake presidency will release current high priests group leaderships and elders quorum presidencies and will call a new elders quorum president and counselors in each ward. The new elders quorum presidency may include elders and high priests, of varying ages and experience, serving together in one quorum presidency.
- We expect elders and high priests to work together in any combination in the quorum presidency and in quorum service. These quorum adjustments should be implemented as soon as conveniently possible.
- The stake presidency will release current high priests group leaderships and elders quorum presidencies and will call a new elders quorum president and counselors in each ward. The new elders quorum presidency may include elders and high priests, of varying ages and experience, serving together in one quorum presidency.
- Does this adjustment in quorum structure change the priesthood office held by quorum members?
- No, this action does not rescind any priesthood office to which any quorum member may have been ordained in the past. As you know, a man may be ordained to different priesthood offices over his lifetime, and he does not lose or forfeit any prior ordination when he receives a new one.
- Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric—or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration. When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric are completed, high priests will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward.
- No, this action does not rescind any priesthood office to which any quorum member may have been ordained in the past. As you know, a man may be ordained to different priesthood offices over his lifetime, and he does not lose or forfeit any prior ordination when he receives a new one.
- Who directs the work of the elders quorum president?
- The stake president presides over the Melchizedek Priesthood in his stake. Therefore, the elders quorum president is directly responsible to the stake president, who provides training and guidance from the stake presidency and through the high council.
- The stake president presides over the Melchizedek Priesthood in his stake. Therefore, the elders quorum president is directly responsible to the stake president, who provides training and guidance from the stake presidency and through the high council.
- What are the purposes of the adjustments to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums?
- Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in a ward unifies priesthood holders to accomplish all aspects of the work of salvation, including the temple and family history work previously coordinated by the high priests groups. It allows quorum members of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another and of those in different stages of life. It also provides additional opportunities for experienced priesthood holders to mentor others, including prospective elders, new members, young adults, and those returning to Church activity.
- Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in a ward unifies priesthood holders to accomplish all aspects of the work of salvation, including the temple and family history work previously coordinated by the high priests groups. It allows quorum members of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another and of those in different stages of life. It also provides additional opportunities for experienced priesthood holders to mentor others, including prospective elders, new members, young adults, and those returning to Church activity.
Elder Christofferson shares his personal excitement of these changes and the vision of moving the church forward through these combined efforts.
- The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presidency of the Seventy have considered these adjustments over an extended period of time. With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundations of priesthood quorums, and confirmation that this is the Lord’s will, we are moving forward with unanimity in what is in reality one more step in the unfolding of the Restoration.
In the short period of time that these changes have occurred, I have found some great support from some of the High Priests in my ward as we have council together, taught and learned together, and tried to get our heads around the divine direction we have received. I am grateful for inspired leadership in my ward that has called a great man to lead our adjusted Elders Quorum. The blessings of the Priesthood are being seen in our interactions with each other and we are becoming unified in our efforts to reach out to others. The blessings of having living prophets and apostles is real and such a great blessing in our lives.
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