Chapter 12 - Organization in Quorums and Relief Societies

Introduction

  • The chapter discusses why members of the Church are organized into quorums and Relief Societies.

  • The author, called as Relief Society general president in 2007, felt the need to understand more about the Relief Society and its essential work.

Historical Context

  • The Prophet Joseph Smith's Teaching: The Relief Society is a restoration of an ancient pattern, emphasizing women's invitation to labor alongside the Lord.

  • Four and a Half Years of Study: Author immersed in prophetic teachings about Relief Society, Melchizedek Priesthood quorums, and their parallel work.

  • Thesis Presentation: The findings were summarized and presented at a Brigham Young University devotional on January 17, 2032.

Recent Changes in Organization

  • April 2018 General Conference: Significant adjustments announced for the organization of Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and the replacement of home teaching and visiting teaching with a ministering effort focused on individual care.

Principles of Leadership and Care

  • Historical Example: Author’s father presiding over a mission in Brazil where there were no stakes or wards, yet began organizing branches and leadership structure for future growth.

  • Structure Established: Priority given to calling a branch president, elders quorum president, and Relief Society president.

  • Priesthood and Relief Society Relationship: Organized under the priesthood, providing women with official responsibilities in the restored church.

    • Joseph Smith's directive about organizing the Relief Society under priesthood patterns.

Understanding Quorums and Relief Societies

  • Definition Misconceptions: Common misunderstanding that quorums or Relief Societies are simply classes or meeting spaces on Sunday.

  • Membership as Citizenship: Membership is likened to a “steady sustaining citizenship”, emphasizing responsibility.

  • President Boyd K. Packer's Statements: Quorums viewed as selected assemblies of brethren for conducting the Lord's business.

    • The Latin term "Quorum Vols Unum" translates to "Of Whom We Will That You Be One".

  • President Spencer W. Kimball on Relief Society: Relief Society complements the priesthood training for men, fostering sisterhood within the church.

Purposes of Relief Society and Quorums

  • Primary Purposes of Relief Society:

    • Increase faith and personal righteousness.

    • Strengthen families and homes.

    • Provide relief for those in need.

  • Primary Purpose of Quorums:

    • Serve others and build unity.

    • Instruct members on doctrines and watch over the Church.

Lifelong Engagement

  • Extended Engagement: Being part of these organizations is seen as a lifelong commitment, rather than a temporary association.

  • Service Across Church Assignments: Members drawn from quorums and Relief Societies serve across various church assignments.

  • President Packer’s Insights: Service strengthens priesthood and Relief Society, showcasing devotion to membership.

Role of Groups in Spiritual Growth

  • Personal vs. Group Achievement: Argument against individualistic approaches; community enhances spiritual growth as taught by President David O. McKay.

  • Divine Organization for Mutual Aid: Groups promote the principle of support and fellowship among members, vital to effective discipleship.

Five Reasons for Organizational Structure

  1. Organization Under Priesthood:

    • God’s order is emphasized; modeled through wards and stakes with bishops overseeing spiritual and temporal needs.

    • Bishops and leaders are seen as undershepherds, magnifying the Lord's care for members.

  2. Focus on the Work of Salvation:

    • Discipleship responsibilities include assistance in salvation, missionary work, and nurturing church members.

    • Relief Society emphasizes relief of women’s diverse needs - poverty, illness, ignorance.

  3. Helper to Bishops:

    • Quorums and Relief Societies help manage the Lord's storehouse (resources for community assistance).

    • Leaders are responsible for seeking out needs and assisting bishops.

  4. Defense and Refuge:

    • Quorums and Relief Societies exist as protective entities against worldly influences.

    • Sisterhood and brotherhood serve as a source of strength and refuge.

  5. Strengthening Family Roles:

    • Unique responsibilities highlighted for sons and daughters of God in both family and church settings.

    • Promotes righteous living, covenant-keeping, and preparation for eternal life.

Support Within Quorums and Relief Societies

  • Encouragement to Help One Another: Elevating roles in families and church, teaching important spiritual duties.

  • Covenantal Support Dynamics: Recommend prayer, tithing, and covenant renewal as community practices.

  • Women’s Role Definition: Emphasis on godlike qualities and responsibilities assigned to Relief Society members to elevate community.

Council Dynamics in Leadership

  • Coordination between Quorums and Relief Societies:

    • Emphasizes authority and teachings from Joseph Smith about organized group efforts.

  • Inclusion of Relief Society Presidents: Important for holistic discussions, especially regarding welfare and sensitive matters.

Conclusion and Call to Action

  • Strength in Organized Efforts: Active participation in quorums and Relief Societies is crucial for spiritual growth and communal strength.

  • Future Vision: Call for revitalization in quorums and Relief Societies to fulfill their divinely inspired purposes.

  • The Lord's Work is Ongoing: Members are called to prepare as essential parts of God's work while acknowledging divine organization as a guiding force for engagement and service.