“5. Priesthood Authority and Ordinances,” Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ—Service Missionaries (2025)
“Priesthood Authority and Ordinances,” Missionary Standards—Service Missionaries
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Priesthood Authority and Ordinances
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Introduction
Priesthood is the authority and power God gives His children to bless and bring salvation to all. This authority is necessary to teach and administer the ordinances of the gospel. Priesthood leaders who receive and exercise priesthood keys have priesthood authority and can give that authority to others.
“In the Church, all priesthood authority is exercised under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys. … All Church members can exercise delegated authority as they are set apart or assigned to help accomplish God’s work” (General Handbook, 3.4).
When a woman is set apart as a missionary, she acts under priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. Anyone with a calling received from someone holding priesthood keys exercises delegated priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.
If you are a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, you will have opportunities to participate in priesthood ordinances and blessings.
When performing priesthood ordinances and blessings, follow the guidelines in chapter 18 of the General Handbook. Also see General Handbook, 3.4 and 3.5, on the authority and power of the priesthood.