Elder (Latter Day Saints)Elder is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). LDS ChurchOffice of the Melchizedek PriesthoodIn the LDS Church, "elder" is considered the introductory—or lowest—of five offices of the Melchizedek priesthood.Presiding Bishop (LDS Church)The presiding bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is a senior priesthood leader responsible for administering the temporal affairs of the LDS Church. As the highest office within the Aaronic priesthood, the Presiding Bishop oversees matters including church finances, properties, welfare and humanitarian programs, and the administration of local bishoprics.
High priest (Latter Day Saints)In most denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement, a high priest is an office of the priesthood within the Melchizedek priesthood. High priests are typically more experienced leaders within the priesthood. The term derives in part from the Epistle to the Hebrews, which describes Jesus as "a high priest after the order of Melchizedek" (5:10; see also 6:20). Movement founder Joseph Smith ordained the first high priests on June 3, 1831.
Branch presidentA branch president is a leader of a "branch" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The calling of branch president is very similar to the calling of bishop, except that instead of presiding over a ward, the branch president presides over a branch. The branch president is directly responsible for the operation of his branch and the well-being of its patrons.
Stake (Latter Day Saints)A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregations in certain denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. The name "stake" derives from the Book of Isaiah: "enlarge the place of thy tent; stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes" (Isaiah 54:2). A stake is sometimes referred to as a stake of Zion.
Aaronic priesthood (Latter Day Saints)The Aaronic priesthood (; also called the priesthood of Aaron or the Levitical priesthood) is the lesser of the two orders of priesthood recognized in the Latter Day Saint movement, the higher being the Melchizedek priesthood. Unlike the Melchizedek priesthood, which is modeled after the authority of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, the Aaronic priesthood is modeled after the priesthood of Aaron the Levite, the first High Priest of Israel, and his descendants.Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Melchizedek priesthood (), also referred to as the high priesthood of the holy order of God or the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, is the greater of the two orders of priesthood, the other being the Aaronic priesthood. According to Joseph Smith, the name of this priesthood became Melchizedek "because Melchizedek was such a great high priest" and "to avoid the too frequent repetition" of the "name of the Supreme Being".Ward (LDS Church)A ward is a local congregation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), with a smaller local congregation known as a branch. A ward is presided over by a bishop, the equivalent of a pastor in many other Christian denominations. As with all local LDS Church leadership, the bishop is considered lay clergy and as such is not paid.
Temple (LDS Church)Latter Day Saint movement place of worshipThe Helsinki Finland Temple in the Karakallio district in Espoo, FinlandIn the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord. Temples are considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth. Upon completion, temples are usually open to the public for a short period of time (an "open house").
Latter Day Saint movementReligious movementAdherents see Jesus Christ as the premier figure of their religion.BishopIn Christianity, a bishop is an ordained member of the clergy who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution. Bishops are normally responsible for the governance and administration of dioceses, although some function in the various Christian denominations and traditions as auxiliaries, apostolic administrators, and as titular bishops. The role or office of the bishop is called episcopacy or the episcopate.
ChristianityAbrahamic monotheistic religion*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.