1. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils “Doing the same things we have always done will give us the same results that we have always gotten.” –Elder David A. Bednar

2. The Priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end. …Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man.” In mortality, the priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel. – Handbook 2 – 2 Priesthood Principles Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

3. Priesthood Keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control and govern the use of His priesthood on earth. The exercise of the priesthood is governed by those who hold its keys. Those who hold priesthood keys have the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction. – Handbook 2 – 2.1.1 Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

4. Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they minister in their own homes and to other Saints and as they conscientiously fulfill assigned responsibilities. The Lord counseled, “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they serve with diligence, teach with faith and testimony, and lift, strengthen and nurture convictions of righteousness in the lives of those for whom they have responsibility. – Handbook 2 – 2.4.5 Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

5. Like the Savior, leaders seek to minister to individuals and families, both spiritually and temporally. … The purpose of ministering is to help others become true followers of Jesus Christ. – Handbook 2 – 3.2.3 Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

6. All leaders are teachers. Effective teaching inspires people to strengthen their relationship with God and live according to gospel principles. … Leaders’ most powerful teaching comes from their personal example. Leaders also teach by sharing their testimonies and conducting doctrinally based discussions in leadership meetings, classes, and activities. They teach from the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. They know that “the preaching of the word … [has] more powerful effect … than the sword or anything else” (Alma 31:5). – Handbook 2 – 3.2.4 Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

7. Doctrine & Covenants 84 19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. 20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. 21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

8. To obtain the power of godliness, we must engage priesthood keys. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

9. The elders quorum presidency and high priest group leadership preside over, sit in council with, and teach quorum and group members (see D&C 107:89). – Handbook 2 – 7.3.2 Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

10. Local leaders are “standing ministers” (D&C 124:137). Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

11. Priesthood leaders teach, lead and mentor their brethren in administering spiritual things. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

12. Doctrine & Covenants 84 106 And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

13. Alma 23: 5-7 5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time. 6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away. 7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

14. Alma 26: 27-29 27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. 28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God. 29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

15. Alma 37 47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

16. Alma 38:15 15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

17. Alma 42:31 31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

18. Helaman 10:4-5 4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. 5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

19. Very few topics require the extent of personal revelation, study, pondering, prayer, and experience as the topic of spiritual leadership in the priesthood. Make it part of your regular study, embarking in a personal quest to focus on the power of godliness and to strengthen the spiritual work of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods in your Stakes and Wards. Until this becomes a fire in us, it will never become a fire in our brethren. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

20. Priesthood work is carried out by ministers of Christ who have obtained, through their worthiness, priesthood power. Priesthood leadership is more than assigning, training and following up on tasks. It is developing ministers, and it depends on obtaining the power of the priesthood. The work begins with the Stake President, who holds the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood in the Stake. He delegates responsibility to the high councilors. In the Ward, the Bishop is the presiding high priest and is also the president of the Aaronic Priesthood. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils

21. Therefore, what? Building upon what the Spirit has taught you as you prepared for this discussion and as you have participated today, within each Stake, gather together as a Stake Presidency and as Bishops to continue this discussion and to counsel together on this topic of Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums and Ward Councils. Obtain and impart the vision. Set goals. Make specific plans (focused on individuals and families) to achieve the goals. Strengthening Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums & Ward Councils