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How was the priesthood restored?

How was the priesthood restored?

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith by the laying on of hands by those who held it anciently. In May 1829, John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood, and shortly thereafter, Peter, James, and John, three of the Savior’s original Apostles, restored the Melchizedek Priesthood. On April 3, 1836, Moses, Elijah, and Elias restored additional priesthood keys.

Resources to Help You Prepare

These resources are to help you prepare for the “Learn together” section of the meeting.

Questions to Ponder before You Teach

How have you gained a testimony of the restoration of the priesthood? How has this testimony made a difference in your priesthood service?

What do the young men know about the restoration of the priesthood? What experiences have they had that have helped build their testimony of priesthood authority?

What can the young men do to prepare to learn? For example, they could read a talk, watch a video, or study a scripture related to this doctrine.

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior saw His disciples’ potential and found unique ways to help them learn and grow—ways that would work best for them. You have a unique opportunity to help each young man gain a testimony of the restoration of the priesthood. This testimony can bless him, his family, and others eternally.

Meeting Outline

1. Counsel Together and Share Experiences

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

Lead a discussion about items such as the following:

  • Our quorum: Who is missing today? What visits do we need to make? Who should we invite to an upcoming activity? Who needs our help and prayers?

  • Our duties: What assignments do we need to make? What assignments have we fulfilled? How have we invited others to come unto Christ, and how can we invite others now?

  • Our lives: Remind the quorum of the discussion from the last meeting. What experiences have we had with applying what we learned? What experiences have we had in the past few weeks that strengthened our testimonies of the gospel?

If possible, discuss these items beforehand in a quorum presidency meeting.

2. Learn Together

Led by a leader or teacher or a member of the quorum; approximately 25–35 minutes

After studying the above resources and following the inspiration of the Spirit, you may select one or more of the activities below to help quorum members understand the doctrine.

  • Display pictures depicting events of the restoration of the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book [2009], nos. 93–95), or watch the video “Restoration of the Priesthood.” Have the young men identify key participants in these events (such as Joseph Smith, John the Baptist, and Elijah). Read scriptures about the events (such as those suggested in this outline), and ask the young men what questions they have. Ask each young man to share one way the priesthood has blessed him.

  • Give the young men the questions that Elder L. Tom Perry answers in “Elder Perry on the Priesthood, Part 4: Restoration Makes Authority Clear.” Have the young men write down answers to the questions before they watch the video; then show the video and invite them to share any additional insights they gain from Elder Perry’s answers. Ask them to share how they felt when they received the priesthood.

  • Divide Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk “Our Most Distinguishing Feature” among the young men. Ask the young men to search their sections of the talk, looking for answers to the questions “How is the priesthood conferred?” and “Why is the priesthood given in this way?” As part of this discussion, invite the young men to read Hebrews 5:4 and Articles of Faith 1:5. Why is it important for Aaronic Priesthood holders to know about the restoration of the priesthood?

  • Show the video “Priesthood Authority and Power,” and discuss as a quorum the questions Elder David A. Bednar’s father asked (or invite the young men to read about this experience in the talk “The Powers of Heaven”). In what ways should we be different from other men in the world because we hold the priesthood?

  • If possible, share your priesthood line of authority with the quorum and explain what it is (or invite a young man to share his). What does the line of authority teach the young men about the restoration of the priesthood? (Melchizedek Priesthood holders can request a copy of their line of authority by sending an email to lineofauthority@ldschurch.org.) Consider researching the people in your line of authority. Can you share something you learned from these people that inspires you to be more like the Savior and honor the priesthood?

3. Plan to Act

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

  • Ask the young men to discuss any feelings or impressions they had during the meeting. What was meaningful to them? Is there something they can do personally or as a quorum to apply what they have learned?

  • Give the young men a few minutes to record what they will do in the coming weeks to act on their impressions. Invite them to share their ideas.

  • Remind the young men that they will have the opportunity to share their experiences at the beginning of the next meeting.