I’m wondering of wards will split elders quorums if their numbers exceed 96? That number will be reached much more often when elders and high priests are combined. (Although even in Utah wards it would probably not be very common.)
Ward and Stake Clerks and Executive Secretaries are not members of the Stake High Priest Quorum.
The answer to my question is yes. Each quorum in such cases should have a reasonable balance of agree and experience (I would assume balance between quorums.)
We anticipate an increase in mentoring.
Priesthood authority comes by calling and ordination but real Priesthood power comes by righteousness.
Elder Christofferson has answered several questions that are certain to arise from the announcement that high priests groups and elders quorums, at the ward level, are being combined into one unified, mighty army of brethren of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
These adjustments will help elders quorums and Relief Societies harmonize their work. They will also simplify the quorum’s coordination with the bishopric and ward council. And they allow the bishop to delegate more responsibilities to the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents so that the bishop and his counselors can focus on their primary duties—particularly presiding over the young women and the young men who bear the Aaronic Priesthood.
Two witnesses. The prophet could have asked a single apostle to address potential questions but this was designed to offer redundant witnesses.
In many wards, we may have high priests who are now going to have the opportunity to be presided over by an elder as their quorum president. We have a precedent of elders presiding over high priests: elders are currently serving as branch presidents in some regions of the world where high priests reside in the branch, and there are branches in which only an elders quorum is organized and high priests are present.
What a joy it will be for all Melchizedek Priesthood holders to have the blessing of teaching, learning, and serving shoulder to shoulder with all the members in their ward. Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances may be, we invite you prayerfully, faithfully, and joyfully to accept new opportunities to lead or to be led and to serve unitedly as a body of priesthood brethren.
What are the adjustments for a stake high priests quorum? Stake high priests quorums will continue to function. Stake presidencies will continue to serve as the presidency of the stake high priests quorum. However, as noted by Elder Christofferson, members of the stake high priests quorum will now consist of high priests currently serving in the stake presidency, as members of a ward bishopric, as members of the stake high council, and the functioning patriarch. Ward and stake clerks and executive secretaries are not members of the stake high priests quorum. When someone who is actively serving as a high priest, patriarch, Seventy, or Apostle is visiting a ward and desires to attend priesthood meeting, he will meet with the elders quorum.
As brethren in these callings are released in due course, they will return to their home units as members of the elders quorum.
Stake meetings as outlined in our handbooks will continue with two adjustments:
One, wards and stakes will no longer hold priesthood executive committee meetings. If a special ward issue arises, such as a delicate family matter or an unusual welfare challenge, it could be addressed in an expanded bishopric meeting. Other less-sensitive matters can be addressed in the ward council. What has been known as the stake priesthood executive committee meeting will now be called the “high council meeting.”
Two, the annual meeting of all ordained high priests in the stake will no longer be held. However, the stake presidency will continue to hold an annual meeting of the stake high priests quorum as has been announced today.
Can a ward have more than one elders quorum? The answer is yes. In the spirit of Doctrine and Covenants section 107, verse 89, when a ward has an unusually large number of active Melchizedek Priesthood bearers, leaders may organize more than one elders quorum. In such cases, each quorum should have a reasonable balance in terms of age, experience, and priesthood office and strength.
As previous presiding leaders return to share their experience with the quorum of elders, a stronger quorum membership will result.
There will be a greater diversity of gifts and capacities within the quorum.
There will be more flexibility and availability to meet current and urgent needs within the ward and quorum and in fulfilling our various ministering assignments.
There will be an increase in mentoring and unity as a new elder and an experienced high priest share experiences, side by side, in quorum meetings and assignments.
Bishops and branch presidents will hopefully be liberated to magnify their callings to shepherd their flocks and to minister to those in need.
The Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration:
“Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up elders and send unto them.
“Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.”
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