Background The Philippines Area has a total of 189,511 Prospective Elders. Between January 1 and June 30, 2021, 1,294 (0.7%) brethren received the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained to the office of Elder. The Area Presidency has set a goal of 5,000 ordinations per year.
The Standard of Excellence (SOE) for stakes and districts:
- 25 Ordinations per Stake every conference
- 10 Ordinations per District every conference
Of course, goals for stakes and districts will be set by the leaders.
Current Trend for the Area - 2% of the total Prospective Elders are attending
- 0.7% of them were ordained during the first half of 2021
The coordinating council statistics will be sent to Area Seventy responsible for each coordinating council. Suggested Plan High Councilors can prayerfully choose two names from the stake/district prospective elders list to minister to over the next few months with a goal for them to be ordained at the next stake/district conference. After they are ordained, prayerfully select two more names and repeat the process.
Scope Prepare each Prospective Elder in the stake/district to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood by:
- Teaching three lessons to Prospective Elders prior to receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordination to the office of Elder (45 minutes each)
- Teaching two lessons after receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordination to the office of Elder (45 minutes each)
Definition of a Prospective Elder (General Handbook, 8.4) A prospective elder is a male Church member who has not received the Melchizedek Priesthood and (1) is age 19 or older or (2) is younger than age 19 and married.
Guiding Principles (General Handbook, 8.4) Helping prospective elders prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood is one of the quorum presidency’s highest priorities. The presidency gives prospective elders opportunities to serve and share their strengths. Dedicated ministering brothers should be assigned to prospective elders.
- The quorum presidency and ministering brothers teach prospective elders about:
- The oath and covenant of the priesthood (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:33–44).
- The duties of an elder, including the duty to minister (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:38– 45; 42:44; 107:11–12). Prospective elders who are teachers or priests can serve as ministering brothers.
- The purposes of priesthood ordinances and blessings and how to perform them (see chapter 18).
- How men and women work together to accomplish God’s work.
For information about these topics, see “
Melchizedek Priesthood,” “
Priesthood,” and “
Women in the Church” (Gospel Topics,
topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
As soon as the bishop and stake president determine that a prospective elder is prepared and worthy, he may be ordained an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood at the next stake/district conference or at the annual Stake General Priesthood Meeting.
Dress President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “
How we dress is an important indicator of our attitude and preparation for any activity in which we will engage…Our manner of dress indicates the degree to which we understand and honor the ordinance in which we will participate.”
Roles of Parents and Leaders Parents, Church leaders, and others help individuals prepare to make covenants as they receive the ordinances of the gospel. They ensure that the person understands the covenants he or she will make. After a person makes a covenant, they help him or her keep it. (
General Handbook 3.5.1 also see Mosiah 18:8-11, 23-26)
Frequency This instruction may occur individually or in a class held outside of regular Sunday meetings (GH 8.4). These classes (1-3 lessons) maybe held prior to the stake/district conference and lesson 4 & 5 during the two weeks after the conference.
PROPOSED LESSONS FOR PROSPECTIVE ELDERS
Prior to Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and Ordination to Office of Elder.
(If married, the prospective elder’s wife (member or nonmember) may be invited to join him in any of these lessons, especially lessons 4&5).- Lesson 1: Priesthood Principles
PURPOSE: To increase understanding of the Priesthood and how it helps accomplish His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).
- Lesson 2: The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
PURPOSE: To gain a deeper understanding of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood pursuant to one’s sacred responsibilities within an eternal home with spouse and children and in Church.
- Lesson 3: Duties of An Elder
PURPOSE: To increase understanding of the concept of PRIESTHOOD DUTY, and how it applies to magnifying duties associated with the office of Elder.
After Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and Ordination to Office of Elder. Under the direction of the stake presidency, a high councilor can be assigned to team teach these lessons with the Elders Quorum presidency (see GH 6.5.1 on the roles of the HC).
- Lesson 4: The Purposes of Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings and How to Perform Them (GH 18.0)
PURPOSE: To increase understanding of the priesthood ordinances and blessings, and how to perform them in the Lord’s way.
- Lesson 5: How Men and Women Work Together to Accomplish God’s Work
PURPOSE: To gain a better understanding of how men and women in the Church work together to accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
Lesson 1: Priesthood Principles
 |
| “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only organization on earth with priesthood authority. The Prophet Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood and its keys from John the Baptist (see Doctrine and Covenants 13:1). He received the Melchizedek Priesthood and its keys from the Apostles Peter, James, and John (see Doctrine and Covenants 27:12–13).” (See GH 3.1) |
PURPOSE To increase understanding of the Priesthood and how it helps accomplish His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (
Moses 1:39).
PREPARE TO LEARN (one week before the discussion) Before presenting this lesson, invite each prospective elder to study and ponder the following references:
- Moses 1:39
- “The priesthood is the authority and power of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–18).” (See GH 3.0)
- Priesthood Principles (GH 3.0)
- Restoration of the Priesthood (GH 3.1)
- Blessings of the Priesthood (GH 3.2)
- Melchizedek Priesthood (GH 3.3.1)
- Priesthood Authority (GH 3.4)
- Priesthood Power (GH 3.5)
- Priesthood and the Home (GH 3.6)
INTERACT TO EDIFY (DISCUSSIONS) - Priesthood Principles (GH 3.0)
- Restoration of the Priesthood (GH 3.1)
- Blessings of the Priesthood (GH 3.2)
- Melchizedek Priesthood (GH 3.3.1)
- Priesthood Authority (GH 3.4)
- Priesthood Line of Authority (D&C 84:6-18)
- Why is it important that we can trace priesthood authority in the Church today back to the authority of Jesus Christ?
- Inform the prospective elder that you will assist him in obtaining his priesthood line of authority
- Priesthood Power (GH 3.5)
- Priesthood and the Home (GH 3.6)
INVITATIONS TO ACT - What will you do to increase your understanding on the principles and doctrine of the Priesthood?
- What commitments will you make to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood in your life and in your home?
FOLLOW UP Prior to presenting the next lesson, make an appropriate follow up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:
- What will you do to increase your understanding on the principles and doctrine of the Priesthood?
- What commitments will you make to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood in your life and in your home?
Lesson 2: The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
 |
| “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and . . . the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness” (D&C 121:36). |
PURPOSE To gain a deeper understanding of how the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood defines one’s sacred responsibilities within an eternal home and in Church.
PREPARE TO LEARN (one week before the discussion) Before presenting this lesson, invite each prospective elder to study and ponder the following references:
INTERACT TO EDIFY (DISCUSSIONS) - What is an oath? What is a covenant?
- Elder L. Tom Perry on the Priesthood, Part One: The Oath and Covenant - Elder Perry on the Priesthood, Part One: The Oath and Covenant - Bing video
- Elder Russell M. Nelson Talks About Covenants https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-11-0070-elder-nelson-talks- about-covenants?lang=eng
- What is the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood? Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44
- The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
We receive the holy priesthood by an “oath and covenant.” This means that Heavenly Father gives us His oath (guarantee) that we can have the power and blessings of the priesthood if we covenant (promise) with Him to do certain things. “Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of [the] Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved” (D&C 84:40). (See Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, Lesson 1.)
President Marion G. Romney explained the meaning of a covenant: “A covenant is a contract, and a contract is an agreement between two or more [people]. If I should enter into a covenant with you, I would promise you something in consideration for you promising me something. If I entered into agreement with you to pay you a certain sum of money for an automobile, and you promised to give me the automobile for that sum of money, that would be a covenant. Now, in a covenant of the priesthood, we promise the Lord, and He promises us something in return for what we do give Him” (in Conference Report, Korea Area Conference 1975, 36).
Our Promises to the Lord
Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:33.
“To magnify our callings is to do our best in accepting and carrying out all our priesthood duties so we can enlarge the Lord’s kingdom on earth. When we receive the priesthood, we also promise to be faithful and keep all the commandments.” (See Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, Lesson 1.)
“A half-hearted commitment to our covenants will not guarantee us anything.” – Elder Dale G. Renlund https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general- conference/2019/10/16renlund?lang=eng
The Lord’s Promises to Us
Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:33–38.
“The Lord promises that if we keep our part of the covenant, we will be “sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of [our] bodies” (D&C 84:33). We can expect to be strengthened in body and spirit as we fulfill our callings.
We may also “become the sons of Moses and of Aaron” (D&C 84:34). The sons of Moses and Aaron administered the ordinances of salvation to the children of Israel. We have the same privilege of administering these sacred ordinances through the priesthood today.
The Lord promises that we will become “the seed of Abraham” (D&C 84:34). In other words, we may receive the blessings promised to Abraham and his seed.
Read Abraham 2:8–11.
God covenanted with Abraham and his seed that through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed with the gospel. It is through the power and authority exercised by faithful priesthood bearers that these blessings are given to the world.
The Lord also promises that faithful priesthood holders will “become … the elect of God” (D&C 84:34). This means that we priesthood bearers who magnify our callings and enter into all of the sacred saving ordinances of the priesthood will be given the fulness of the Father’s kingdom.
Then the Lord says, “All that my Father hath shall be given unto [them]” (D&C 84:38).
President Spencer W. Kimball explained: “Have you ever stopped to [count] the blessings, the powers that the Lord has? All power, all influence, all strength will be yours, and this is according to the oath and covenant of the holy priesthood which you bear” (in Conference Report, Buenos Aires Area Conference 1975, 51).” (See Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, Lesson 1.)
INVITATIONS TO ACT - What will you do to live the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood every day?
- What will you do to help the other members of the Elders Quorum to live the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood?
FOLLOW UP Prior to presenting the next lesson, make an appropriate follow-up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:
- What will you do to live the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood every day?
- What will you do to help the other members of the Elders Quorum to live the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood?
Lesson 3: Duties of An Elder
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“Only an elder! Only the office which enables a man to enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and to have his wife and children bound to him with an everlasting tie; only the office which prepares a man to be a natural patriarch to his posterity and to hold dominion in the house of Israel forever; only the office required for the receipt of the fullness of the blessings in the house of the Lord; only the office which opens the door to eternal exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world, where man becomes as God is. – Elder Bruce R. McConkie, from an address delivered at the Regional Representatives seminar, October 3, 1974.
“Brethren, let us learn our duty. Let us, in the performance of our duty, follow in the footsteps of the Master.” – President Thomas S. Monson |
PURPOSE To increase understanding of the concept of PRIESTHOOD DUTY, and how it applies to magnifying duties associated with the office of Elder.
PREPARE TO LEARN (one week before the discussion)
Before presenting this lesson, invite each prospective elder to study and ponder the following references:
- “The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18).
- He has given us His priesthood so that, by performing our duties, we can help those we serve progress toward eternal life. This is especially true for those of us who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood because this priesthood holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18). (Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A, Lesson 9)
- Doctrine and Covenants 107
- Doctrine and Covenants 20
INTERACT TO EDIFY (DISCUSSIONS) - The Meaning of Duty
- “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99-100)
- One cannot act on something they do not know and understand.
- It is our responsibility to “know more perfectly concerning their duty.” (D&C 105:10)
- It is not enough to know my duties; I need to act on them
“Every member of the Church—every man, woman, and child—is faced with an obligation to fulfill his duty. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (“Let Every Man Learn His Duty,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 70).
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1980/10/let-every-man- learn-his- duty?lang=eng#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWherefore%2C%20now%20let%20every%20ma n,107%3A99%E2%80%93100.)
- What are the duties of Elders?
Doctrine and Covenants 20:38-45; 42:44; 107:11-12
- Responsibilities of Ministering Sisters and Brothers (GH 21.1)
Ministering sisters and brothers represent the Lord. They also help members feel the love and support of the bishop and Relief Society or quorum leaders. They are to “watch over” Church members and “be with and strengthen them” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:53). - Ministering sisters and brothers have the following responsibilities for the individuals and families assigned to them:
- Help them strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
- Help them prepare to make and keep sacred covenants with God as they receive ordinances. As needed, help parents prepare their children to receive ordinances and keep covenants.
- Discern needs and provide Christlike love, caring, and service. Offer help and comfort in times of spiritual or temporal need. Discuss needs during ministering interviews and at other times.
- Help them become spiritually and temporally self-reliant.
- For more about the responsibilities of ministering sisters and brothers, see James 1:27, Mosiah 23:18, and Doctrine and Covenants 20:47, 59.
- Purpose of Elders Quorum
Each elder is part of an organized group of priesthood holders called an elders quorum. Members of the elders quorum work together to help accomplish the work of salvation and exaltation. They serve others, fulfill priesthood duties, build unity, and learn and live doctrine. (GH 8.1.1)
INVITATIONS TO ACT - What will you do to deepen your understanding of the duties as an Elder?
- What preparations will you make to fulfill your duties as an Elder?
- How will you fulfil your duties as an Elder?
FOLLOW UP Prior to presenting the next lesson, make an appropriate follow up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:
- What will you do to deepen your understanding of the duties as an Elder?
- What preparations will you make to fulfill your duties as an Elder?
- How will you fulfil your duties as an Elder?
Lesson 4: The Purposes of Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings and How to Perform Them (GH.18)
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| “Ordinances and blessings are sacred acts performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ. As priesthood holders perform ordinances and blessings, they follow the Savior’s example of blessing others. Priesthood ordinances and blessings provide access to God’s power (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20).” |
PURPOSE To increase understanding of the priesthood ordinances and blessings, and how to perform them in the Lord’s way.
PREPARE TO LEARN (one week before the discussion) Before presenting this lesson, invite each prospective elder to study and ponder the following references:
INTERACT TO EDIFY (DISCUSSIONS) - Ordinances and Blessings (GH 18.0)
Ordinances and blessings are sacred acts performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ. As priesthood holders perform ordinances and blessings, they follow the Savior’s example of blessing others. Priesthood ordinances and blessings provide access to God’s power (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20).
Ordinances and blessings are to be performed with faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and according to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Leaders ensure that they are performed with proper approval (where necessary), with the required priesthood authority, in the proper way, and by worthy participants (GH 18.3).
- Ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation (18.1)
The priesthood includes the authority to administer gospel ordinances that are necessary for salvation and exaltation. People make sacred covenants with God as they receive these ordinances. The ordinances of salvation and exaltation are listed below: - Other Ordinances and Blessing https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general- handbook/18-priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#title_number4
Other ordinances and blessings make it possible for God’s children to receive His power, healing, comfort, and guidance. These ordinances and blessings are listed below: - - Naming and blessing children
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood- ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#:~:text=of%20his%20bishopric.-,18.6.2,-Instructions - - The sacrament
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood- ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#:~:text=partaking%20of%20it.-,18.9.4,-Instructions - - Conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordination to an office (for young men and men)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood- ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#:~:text=of%20his%20bishopric.-,18.10.2,-Instructions - - Setting apart members to serve in callings
- - Consecrating oil
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood- ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#:~:text=a%20priesthood%20leader.-,18.12.2,- Instructions - - Administering to the sick
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/18-priesthood- ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#:~:text=anointing%20and%20sealing.-,18.13.2,- Instructions
Discuss, provide a demonstration, and allow the prospective elder to practice how to properly give a Priesthood blessing for the sick. Invite a long-time Priesthood holder to share an experience giving a blessing or administering to the sick and to explain how it is properly done.
- · Participation in an Ordinance or a Blessing (see GH 18.3)
Those who perform or participate in an ordinance or blessing must have the necessary priesthood authority and be worthy. Generally, the standard of worthiness is that associated with holding a temple recommend. However, as guided by the Spirit and the instructions in this chapter, bishops and stake presidents may allow fathers and husbands who hold the necessary priesthood office to perform or participate in some ordinances and blessings even if they are not fully temple worthy. A priesthood holder who has unresolved serious sins should not participate.
INVITATIONS TO ACT - What will you do to be worthy to participate in an ordinance or a blessing?
- How will you better prepare to participate in an ordinance or a blessing?
FOLLOW UP Prior to presenting the next lesson, make an appropriate follow up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:
Lesson 5: How Men and Women Work Together to Accomplish God’s Work
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| “The most effective way to fulfill our divine potential is to work together, blessed by the power and authority of the priesthood.” President Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, April 2021 |
To gain a better understanding of how men and women in the Church work together to accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation.
PREPARE TO LEARN (one week before the discussion) Before presenting this lesson, invite each prospective elder to study and ponder the following references:
INTERACT TO EDIFY (DISCUSSIONS) - The Work of Salvation and Exaltation (GH 1.2). We come unto Christ and assist in God’s work by:
- Living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Caring for those in need.
- Inviting all to receive the gospel.
- Uniting families for eternity.
- Who do I serve with?
“United in Accomplishing God’s Work,” President Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, April 2020 General Conference https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general- conference/2020/04/34bingham?lang=eng - Women Participate in the Work of the Priesthood
“In our Heavenly Father’s great priesthood-endowed plan, men have the unique responsibility to administer the priesthood, but they are not the priesthood. Men and women have different but equally valued roles. Just as a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, so a man cannot fully exercise the power of the priesthood to establish an eternal family without a woman. In other words, in the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife” - President M. Russell Ballard (“This Is My Work and My Glory,” April 2013 General Conference). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/this-is-my-work- and-glory?lang=eng - The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness (D&C 121:36)
Unitedly working with women in the magnifying of our Priesthood starts in the home. As Priesthood holders, we can exercise the counsel outlined in D&C 121:41 and 42 by treating our wives with “gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness…”
INVITATIONS TO ACT- Under the direction of those who hold the keys, how will you work together with women in accomplishing God’s work?
- How can my priesthood be a blessing to the daughters of God in my family and in the Church?
- What changes in my life needs to happen in order to live the principles of righteousness in the home?
FOLLOW UP Make an appropriate follow-up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:
- Under the direction of those who hold the keys, how will you work together with women in accomplishing God’s work?
- How can my priesthood be a blessing to the daughters of God in my family and in the Church?
- What changes in my life needs to happen to live more fully the principles of righteousness in the home?
