Church Government

(see also Churches)

Part of being YHWH’s Church, is to govern the church the way YHWH has told us to govern it and not false traditions of men nor laywers. We are to govern YHWH’s church by YHWH’s words found in the scriptures. When we are leaders in YHWH’s church, part of our duty is to search the scriptures on what YHWH has said how His church is to be governed. In Scripture Study 2025-05-19 a group of us go over what YHWH states verses traditions on how the church is to be organized.

The members of YHWH’s church are also to know how the leaders are to govern YHWH’s church, such that they can hold the leaders accountable for what they do and how they do it as YHWH has told the members to be watch dogs of the leaders.

D&C 1:25 And inasmuch as they [church leaders] erred it might be made known:

D&C 1:27 And inasmuch as they [church leaders] sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;

D&C (LDS 6:19) (RLDS 6) (1835 5) (1835 8) (1844 8)
A Admonish him [Joseph] in his [Joseph] faults,
B and also receive admonition of him [Joseph].
CA Be patient;
C-B be sober;
C–C be temperate;
C—D have patience,
C–C faith,
C-B hope
CA and charity.

D&C (LDS 42:10) (RLDS 42) (1833 44,47) (1835 13) (1844 13)
10 And again, I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office whereunto I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so. Amen.

D&C (LDS 107:32) (RLDS 104) (1835 3) (1844 3)
A And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness,
-B it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums,
-B which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church;
A otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.

D&C (LDS 107:81-84) (RLDS 104) (1835 3) (1844 3)
AA 81 There is not ANY PERSON belonging to the church
AB who is exempt from this council of the church.
-BA 82 And inasmuch as a PRIESIDENT of the HIGH PRIESTHOOD
-BB shall TRANSGRESS,
–CA he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church,
–CB who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood;
-BA 83 And their decision upon his head
-BB shall be an end of controversy concerning him.
AA 84 Thus, NONE shall be exempted
A-B from the justice and the laws of God [Elohim],
A-B that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him,
AA according to truth and righteousness.

D&C (LDS 112:12-15) (RLDS 105) (1844 112)
12 And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Admonish them [traveling twelve] sharply for my name’s sake, and let them [traveling twelve] be admonished for all their [traveling twelve] sins, and be ye faithful before me unto my name [character]. 13 And after their [traveling twelve] temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I [YHWH], the Lord [YHWH], will feel after them, and if they [traveling twelve] harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their [traveling twelve] necks against Me [YHWH], they [traveling twelve] shall be converted, and I [YHWH] will heal them [traveling twelve]. 14 Now, I [YHWH] say unto you, and what I [YHWH] say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins [repent], take up your cross, follow Me [YHWH], and feed My [YHWH] sheep. 15 Exalt not yourselves [traveling twelve]; rebel not against My [YHWH] servant Joseph; for verily I [YHWH] say unto you [traveling twelve], I [YHWH] am with him [Joseph], and My [YHWH] hand shall be over him [Joseph]; and the keys which I [YHWH] have given unto him [Joseph], and also to youward [Thomas B Marsh], shall not be taken from him [Joseph] till I [YHWH] come [Mighyt and Strong One].

Mark (JST 9:46) (KJV 9:47)
A And if thine eye [leader] which seeth for thee,
-B him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light,
-B become a transgressor and offend thee,
A pluck it HIM [leader] out.

There are two priesthoods, and two priesthoods only. Namely Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood is also known as the Levitical Priesthood. It is helpful to know that including is another way of saying “or”. While looking at the definitions below, please keep the following idea in mind. A comprehensive summary of a scholarly article covers everything that is written in the paper. When one reads the comprehensive summary of a paper it is as good as if one has read the entire scholarly article. This is why it is called a comprehensive summary because it contains all things that are in the article and is thus the same as the article. That which comprehends something is the same containing the same relevant information and benefits.

D&C (LDS 107:1,6) (RLDS 107) (1835 3) (1844 3)
1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
6 But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, INCLUDING:
participle present tense) Containing; comprising.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, COMPRISING:
participle present tense) Containing; including; comprehending.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, COMPREHEND:
verb transitive)
2) To imply

The Aaronic Priesthood is a subset of the Melchizedek Priesthood. And a worthy High Priest, which is someone who has the Melchizedek Priesthood, can perform the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood. You can see examples of this in the Old Testiment / Tanak, when Melchizekek Priesthood holders who were not of the tribe of Levi preforming duties that are attached to the Aaronic Priesthood.

D&C (LDS 107:5) (RLDS 107) (1835 3) (1844 3)All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood.

Here are the offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood or in otherwords those who are High Priests.

D&C (LDS 20:63) (RLDS 17) (1833 24) (1835 2) (1844 2) The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders , by VOTE of the [local] church to which they belong, or from the conferences.

D&C (LDS 20:65) (RLDS 17) (1833 24) (1835 2) (1844 2) No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the VOTE of that church [members];

Presidency of the High Priesthood / First Presidency
- Bishops
  - D&C (LDS 68:15,20)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): First Presidency appoints / ordains
  - D&C (LDS 68:22)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): Only First Presidency judges bishops
- Melchizedek Priesthood Holders
  - D&C (LDS 68:22)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): Only First Presidency judges those who have the Melchizedek priesthood
High Council over the whole church
- D&C (LDS 42:34)(RLDS 42)(1835 44,47)(1835 13)(1844 13)
- D&C (LDS 107:37,78)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3)
- D&C (LDS 107:82)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3): common council of the church
Standing High Councils of the Stakes of Zion
- High Councils are to have twelve members
- There is no Stake president mentioned in the scriptures. What is mentioned is how councils are to have a president. Stake president is a perversion of the president of the High Council for the Stake.
- D&C (LDS 107:36)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3)
Elder / High Priest

Here are the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Bishop
- D&C (LDS 68:15,20)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): First Presidency appoints / ordains
- D&C (LDS 68:15-21)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): Firstborn of Aaron have right to be bishop if worthy
- Bishops are paid from tithing
  - Numbers 18:21: Levites are paid for their service
  - Deuteronomy 14:29: Give tithing to Levites
  - D&C (LDS 51:14)(RLDS 51)(1835 23)(1844 23): Bishop are paid from tithing
- Declairing you have given tithing
  - Deuteronomy 26:12-14: thou shalt say I have given tithing
  - Numbers 18:25-32: Levites are to declare to the believers they have paid their tithing
  - D&C (LDS 42:32)(RLDS 42)(1833 44,47)(1835 13)(1844 13): bishop receives testimony concerning tithing
- D&C (LDS 68:22)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): Judged only by the First Presidency
Priest
Teacher
Deacon

Women can be Deaconess’ in the Aaronic Priesthood. Emma’s ordination to the office of a deaconess shows us that women can be deaconess. In addition the duties that Emma was told she had by YHWH Elohim in D&C (LDS 25) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:4) (1835 9) (1844 9) with her calling, which also applies to other women, matches the duties of a deacon.

Deacon
- SJR Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a ~~servant~~ [G1249: deaconess] of the church which is at Cenchrea:
- D&C (LDS 25:5) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:4) (1835 9) (1844 9): given to Emma
  - office which is of the priesthood
- D&C (LDS 25:8) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:7) (1835 9) (1844 9): given to Emma
  - laying of hands to office which is of the priesthood
  - writing [expounding, teaching, exhorting, warning]
  - learning much
- D&C (LDS 25:10) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:10) (1835 9) (1844 9): given to Emma
  - seek for the things of a better world [Messiah and Zion] (duties of deacons)
- D&C (LDS 25:7) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:6) (1835 9) (1844 9): given to Emma
  - Emma was ordained which is of the priesthood
  - expound scriptures [teach] (duties of deacons)
  - exhort the church [warn] (duties of deacons)
- D&C (LDS 20:59) (RLDS 17) (1833 24) (1835 2) (1844 2): duties of deacons
  - warn
  - expound
  - exhort
  - teach
  - invite all to come unto the Messiah
- Elect Lady, this is the president of the all deaconess’
  - 2 John 1:1
  - D&C (LDS 25:3) (RLDS 24) (1833 26:2) (1835 9) (1844 9)
  - The 2d Epistle of John, 1st verse, was then read to show that respect was then had to the same thing; and that why she was called an Elect lady is because, elected to preside.
    Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, Mar. 17, 1842
  - I gave much instruction. read in the New Testament & Book of Doctrine & Covenants concerning the Elect Lady & Shewed that Elect meant to be Elected to a certain work &c, & that the revelation was then fulfilled by his Sister Emma’s Election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures.
    Journal, December 1841–December 1842, p. 91

Members themselves have duties that they need to perform in the church.

Members

The missionary arm of the church of YHWH has no authority in the church, but has the same authority in the unorginized branches, or in other words groups of people who have not been orginized as a branch as part of the church, or in other words to make the church bigger or to build up the church. The church trail of Joseph Smith, connected with Zion’s camp, is a historical example, showing that the traveling quorum of the twelve apostles have no authority in the church see Scripture Study 2025-06-25.

D&C (LDS 107:33) (RLDS 104) (1835 3) (1844 3) The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and secondly unto the Jews.

D&C (LDS 20:66) (RLDS 17) (1833 24) (1835 2) (1844 2) But the presiding elders [Presidency of the Church], traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests [Melchizedek holder with no office], and elders [Melchizedek holder with an office], may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.

Traveling Apostles / Traveling High Council
- D&C (LDS 68:1)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): in the congregation of the wicked
- D&C (LDS 68:2)(RLDS 68)(1835 22)(1844 22): apostles are to go forth to the wicked
- D&C (LDS 112:27)(RLDS 105)(1844 104): not to be concerned about the affairs of the church
- D&C (LDS 107:35)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3) sent out
- D&C (LDS 107:33-34)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3): are the Traveling High Council
Traveling Seventies / Evangelical Ministers
- D&C (LDS 107:39)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3): evangelical ministers
- D&C (LDS 107:97)(RLDS 104)(1835 3)(1844 3): are traveling ministers
Traveling Bishop
- D&C (LDS 20:66)(RLDS 17)(1833 24)(1835 2)(1844 2)

An important part of church government is the fact that the members who are to receive the leadership or the services, are themselves to be voted for, not sustain, the candidates into those offices.

There are many scriptures and quotes that state that we are to vote in our church leaders, which is different than sustaining them. Before we look at these scriptures and quotes, lets look at definitions of different words and phrases that also mean vote.

There are multiple definitions of “voice” in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary that litteraly state that voice can and does mean vote.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, VOICE:
noun)
3) A VOTE; suffrage; opinion or CHOICE EXPRESSED. Originally voice was the ORAL UTTERANCE OF CHOICE, but it now signifies ANY VOTE HOWEVER GIVEN.
verb transitive)
3) To VOTE.

The next phrase “common consent” means the “public agreement” which is expressed through voting. Or as the idiom “common consent” is officially defined as “agreement by everyone” and you determine this by voting.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, COMMON:
adjective)
2) Belonging to the public; having no separate owner. The right to a highway is common
5) Public; general; frequent; as common report.
6) Usual; ordinary; as the common operations of nature; the common forms of conveyance; the common rules of civility.
verb intransitive)
1) To have a joint right with others in common ground.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, CONSENT:
noun)
2) Accord of minds; agreement; unity of opinion.
3) Agreement; coherence; correspondence in parts, qualities, or operation.
vert intransitive)
1) Literally, to think with another. Hence, to agree or accord. More generally, to agree in mind and will; to yield to what one has the power, the right, or the disposition to withhold, or refuse to grant.
2) To agree.
3) To assent.

Merriam Webster Dictionary, idiom: common consent:
agreement by everyone
– He was chosen as the leader by common consent.

The word “chosen” means someone who was selected from a group of people for an office. Which selection is done by voting.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, CHOSEN:
1) Selected from a number; picked out; taken in preference; elected; predestinated; designated to office.
2) Select; distinguished by preference; eminent.

Another word that points be vote is election which is done by the choosing of the people who that office will be over.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, ELECTION:
noun)
1) The act of choosing; choice; the act of selecting one or more from others. Hence appropriately,
2) The act of choosing a person to fill an office or employment, by any manifestation of preference, as by ballot, uplifted hands or viva voce; as the election of a king, of a president, or a mayor.
4) Power of choosing or selecting.
7) The public choice of officers.
8) The day of a public choice of officers.
9) Those who are elected.

“Appoint” also shows by the voice of the people which is done by voting in that is appointments are determined by agreement.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary, APPOINT:
verb transitive)
6) To settle; to fix, name or determine by agreement; as, they appointed a time and place for the meeting.

Without any further ado, here are the scriptures that I know of from the Doctrine and Covenants and a quote from church history, that state that church offices of the branches (ward is not in the Doctrine and Covenants) are to chosen by the members of the body who they will serve by voting.

D&C (LDS 20:63-66) (RLDS 17) (1833 24) (1835 2) (1844 2)
63 The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by VOTE of the church [members] to which they belong, or from the conferences. 64 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate [proof] from him at the time, which certificate [proof], when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license [permission], which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it from a conference. 65 NO PERSON is to be ORDAINED to ANY OFFICE in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, WITHOUT the VOTE of that church [members]; 66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church [members] that a VOTE may be called.

D&C (LDS 26:2) (RLDS 25) (1833 27) (1835 49) (1844) And all things shall be done by COMMON CONSENT [VOTE] in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen.

D&C (LDS 28:10) (RLDS 27) (1833 30) (1835 51) (1844 51) Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference; and my servant Joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by the VOICE [VOTE] of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell.

D&C (LDS 28:13) (RLDS 27) (1833 30) (1835 51) (1844 51) For all things must be done in order, and by COMMON CONSENT [VOTE] in the church, by the prayer of faith.

D&C (LDS 38:34) (RLDS 28) (1833 40) (1835 12) (1844 12) And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the VOICE [VOTE] of the church;

D&C (LDS 41:9) (RLDS 41) (1833 43) (1835 61) (1844 41) And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge; and I give a commandment, that he should be appointed by the VOICE [VOTE] of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church;

D&C (LDS 51:12) (RLDS 51) (1833 23) (1844 23) And this shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the VOICE [VOTE] of the church.

D&C (LDS 53:1) (RLDS 53) (1833 55) (1835 66) (1844 67) Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and ELECTION [VOTE] in the church, which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days.

D&C (LDS 54:7) (RLDS 54) (1833 56) (1835 67) (1844 68) Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and APPOINT [VOTE] whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you.

D&C (LDS 58:49) (RLDS 58) (1833 59) (1835 18) (1844 18) And let there be an agent appointed by the VOICE [VOTE] of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive moneys to purchase lands in Zion.

D&C (LDS 102:5-6) (RLDS 99) (1835 5) (1844 5)
5 The number composing the council, who VOTED in the name and for the church in appointing the above-named councilors were forty-three, as follows: nine high priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and thirteen members. 6 VOTED: that the high council cannot have power to act without seven of the above-named councilors, or their regularly appointed successors are present.

D&C (LDS 102:8-9) (RLDS 99) (1835 5) (1844 5)
8 VOTED: that whenever any vacancy shall occur by the death, removal from office for transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of any one of the above-named councilors, it shall be filled by the nomination of the president or presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of high priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the name of the church. 9 The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the VOICE [VOTE] of the church.

D&C (LDS 102:19) (RLDS 99) (1835 5) (1844 5) After the evidences are heard, the councilors, accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve councilors to sanction the same by their VOTE.

D&C (LDS 107:22) (RLDS 104) (1835 3) (1844 3) Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests [First Presidency], CHOSEN [VOTE] BY THE BODY [MEMBERS OF CHURCH, NOT YHWH ELOHIM], appointed and ordained to that office, and UPHELD BY THE CONFIDENCE, faith, and prayer of the church [members], form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.

Joseph presided over the church by the VOICE [VOTE] of the Church [Members]. Perhaps it would make some of you stumble, were I to ask you a question–Does a man’s being a prophet in this Church prove that he shall be president of it? I answer, no! A man may be a prophet, seer and revelator, and it may have nothing to do with his being the president of the Church. Suffice it to say that Joseph was the president of the Church, as long as he lived. The people CHOSE [VOTE] to have it so. He always filled that responsible station, by the VOICE [VOTE] of the people [members]. Can you find any revelation appointing him the president of the Church? The keys of the priesthood were committed to Joseph, to build up the Kingdom of God of the earth, and were not to be taken from him in time or in eternity; but when he was called to preside over the Church, it was by the VOICE [VOTE] of the people [members]; though he held the keys of the priesthood independent of their VOICE [VOTE].
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 1:133, Contributor 10:3

Posts:

MUCH vs ALL in LDS D&C 132:40: Quotes from top LDS / Brighamite leaders stating the next president is not by vote but by who has been an apostle the longest.
Bishops are JUDGEs of Israel: Bishops are JUDGEs of Israel and they are to judge according to YHWH’s laws using witnesses. Bishops are not judges of worthiness. Bishops are not needed for repentance including serious sins.

Resources:

Inclusive Time: Important because it shows Hebrews count years differently than Greeks, which deals with when people can have offices and can be baptized.

Scripture Studies:

Seeking YHWH

3 Nephi (LDS 23:14) (RLDS 11:1) And now it came to pass that when Jesus had expounded all the scriptures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they should teach the things which he had expounded unto them.

Church Government

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