Restored Church Organization

“This Church will stand, because it is upon a firm basis. It is not from man; it is not from the study of the New Testament or the Old Testament; it is not the result of the learning that we received in colleges nor seminaries, but it has come directly from the Lord.” —President Joseph F. Smith

How Church Organization Was Restored

Saints, “The Rise of the Church of Christ”
“On April 6, 1830, Joseph and Oliver met in the Whitmer home to follow the Lord’s commandment and organize His church.”
Restoring the Ancient Order
Key revelations outlined the ancient pattern for Church organization.
Quorum of the Twelve
“The New Testament church was ‘built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.’”
Quorums of the Seventy
“The first members of the seventy were ordained on February 28, 1835, when Joseph Smith began to call and ordain special missionaries.”
The Relief Society in Nauvoo
“This Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time.”
Relief Society
“Brigham Young called Eliza R. Snow to assist bishops in reestablishing local Relief Societies.”
Sunday School
“A standard program of Latter-day Saint Sunday School developed in Utah Territory beginning in 1849.”
Young Women Organizations
The Young Women organization affords young women “opportunities for recreation, education, enjoyment of the cultural arts, and spiritual growth.”
Young Men Organizations
“We want to have our young men … organized … so that we can put our hands upon them at any time for any service that may be required.”
Primary
“In early 1878 Aurelia Spencer Rogers was concerned about the unruly behavior of many young boys in her community.”
Adjustments to Priesthood Organization
“Throughout Church history, Presidents of the Church have addressed the needs and opportunities of the growing Church by adjusting the organization of the priesthood.”

How the Church of Jesus Christ is Organized | Now You Know

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“‘Organization is to go on step after step,’ [Joseph Smith] taught, ‘from one degree to another, just as the people increase and grow in the knowledge of the principles and laws of the kingdom of God, and as their borders shall extend.’” —Orson Pratt

Teachings of Prophets and Apostles on the Restored Church Organization

President Dallin H. Oaks: The Relief Society and the Church
“The Relief Society has great significance for every member of the Church.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the Church
“Joined in faith, we teach and edify one another and strive to approach the full measure of discipleship.”
President Dallin H. Oaks: The Lord Leads His Church through Prophets and Apostles
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Prophets, Seers, and Revelators
“The apostolic and prophetic foundation of the Church was to bless in all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: The Heart of a Prophet
“We can rejoice that the Lord’s mouthpiece, a prophet of God, is in place.”

“The Lord reestablished the Church of Jesus Christ once again through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The ancient purpose remains: that is, to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances of salvation—in other words, to bring people to Christ.” —Elder D. Todd Christofferson

The Vital Role of Women

President Russell M. Nelson: Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel
“You have special spiritual gifts and propensities.”
President Russell M. Nelson: A Plea to My Sisters
“We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families.”
Sister Jean B. Bingham: United in Accomplishing God’s Work
“When women and men work together, we accomplish a great deal more than we do working separately.”
President M. Russell Ballard: Women of Righteousness
“Our sisters have always been vital and integral to the work of the Lord.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The Moral Force of Women
“A woman’s moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home.”
Sister Sharon Eubank: Turn On Your Light
“It will be up to you to carry this light forward and be the fulfillment of this prophecy.”

“My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, … we, your brethren, need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!” —President Russell M. Nelson

The Restored Church Organization in Your Life

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Songs Sung and Unsung
“There is a place for everyone who loves God and honors His commandments as the inviolable measuring rod for personal behavior.”
Kate Holbrook and Samuel Brown: The Gift of Participating in Church
“Its roots live in something bigger than civic community: the love, Spirit, and priesthood power of God.”
Sister Jean B. Bingham: Extraordinary Daughters of God
“Relief Society is … a divinely established sisterhood.”
Sister Julie B. Beck: Why We Are Organized into Quorums and Relief Societies
“Being part of a Relief Society or quorum is a designation for a way of life.”
Sister Sharon Eubank: And the Lord Called His People Zion
“May we fulfill the prophetic charge to build Zion—to be of one heart and one mind, dwell in righteousness, and strive to have no poor among us.”

“Quorums and Relief Societies are an organized discipleship with the responsibility to assist in our Father’s work to bring about eternal life for his children.” —Sister Julie B. Beck

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