Authority in the church is a central biblical concept. Scripture teaches that God organizes His church, appoints leaders, and grants priesthood authority, which enables leaders to act on His behalf. This authority is not self-assumed, bought, or earned by ambition—it is divinely conferred.
Organization of the Church
In both the restored Church of Jesus Christ today and the early church, leadership is structured:
- Prophet/President: The head of the church, holding all priesthood keys.
- First Presidency: Two counselors assisting the prophet.
- Quorum of Twelve Apostles: Ordained as prophets, seers, and revelators.
- Seventies: Serve in regional or global leadership capacities.
- Local Leaders: Bishops, stake presidents, and their presidencies oversee congregations and local administration.
- Women’s Organizations: Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary leaders are set apart under priesthood authority.
This organization mirrors the biblical model of order, roles, and responsibilities, emphasizing unity in doctrine, faith, and practice.
Key Attributes for Church Leaders
1 Timothy 3:1–10 outlines standards for bishops and deacons: blamelessness, faithfulness, ability to lead their family, patience, teaching ability, and moral integrity. These roles are positions of service, not ambition or personal gain. There is no paid clergy; leaders serve voluntarily while maintaining their personal livelihoods.
Authority Comes From God
Acts 8:14–20 shows that priesthood authority, such as conferring the Holy Ghost, is conferred through the laying on of hands by someone who already holds the authority. Attempts to buy or assume authority, as Simon the Sorcerer tried, are condemned—authority is a divine gift.
Hebrews 5:4–6 reinforces that no one takes priesthood authority unto themselves; God calls and ordains leaders according to His will, exemplified by Christ and Aaron in the Old Testament.
Priesthood Orders
The Bible and restored church teach two major priesthood orders:
- Aaronic Priesthood: Preparatory, responsible for ordinances and temporal matters.
- Melchizedek Priesthood: Higher priesthood, responsible for spiritual leadership, ordinances, and governance of the church.
Historical Apostasy and Restoration
After the early apostles were martyred, priesthood authority gradually left the earth, leading to apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:2–3). God foretold this falling away. In 1829, the priesthood was restored through divine messengers (John the Baptist for Aaronic Priesthood; Peter, James, and John for Melchizedek Priesthood), re-establishing authority and organization in the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
Lessons on Authority in the Church
- Authority is divinely appointed, not self-assumed or purchased.
- Leaders serve in positions of stewardship and accountability to God and the congregation.
- Ordination is done through priesthood keys and the laying on of hands by someone authorized.
- Church organization ensures unity, order, and proper governance of God’s work on earth.
- Even in times of apostasy, God’s plan ensures eventual restoration of authority.
Understanding church authority emphasizes humility, service, and adherence to God’s will. Leaders are called to act as God’s representatives, and their authority enables the church to function according to divine law and order.
