GENERAL CHURCH OFFICERS
INDEX
The laws of God cannot be changed
These policies, procedures and resolutions provide the means approved by the body, (the church) to implement the laws of God
INTRODUCTION
Policies Procedures and Resolutions
Of the
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
RESTORED 1830
The church is the instrument our Lord uses to implement His kingdom on earth. God has called men to serve in his Holy Priesthood from the beginning of time. Those who have thus been called are given the commission and authority to —BRING GOD TO THE PEOPLE— and —THE PEOPLE TO GOD.
This commission is fulfilled by the unending preparation and effort of each man holding and magnifying their various Priesthood offices. They are to function in their specific offices and callings in order to teach the fullness of the everlasting gospel of the kingdom in its pureness to all who will hear and obey.
People are brought to God through their acceptance of the everlasting gospel of the kingdom and by submitting their lives to the Holy Ordinances of the church which can sanctify and transform their lives.
In order for the Holy Priesthood and the church to successfully accomplish their role in the implementation of the kingdom, a PERFECT STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION of Godly design is required. This perfect structure and organization was revealed in scriptures that were delivered to the church through the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.
From the various priesthood offices and administrative offices, the total organization is designed to work together in a unity that takes on the identity of, “The Body of Christ.”
Within the General Church administration, there are the Presidency, the Twelve, the Seventy, the Bishopric, and the Patriarch with the responsibility to administer the total mission of the world church. The missionary function of this administrative body is responsible for taking the gospel into all the world, and for the orderly growth of the church in all areas of the world. This is accomplished by the establishment of:—Missions,— Branches,—Conference Areas— and Stake Organizations. When a Mission grows to an appropriate size— (approximately 25 Members)—then a Branch is established. When a number of Branches are in existence in a specific area, a Conference Area is organized. When the Conference Area matures to a place where Priesthood and Material support is present,—then a Stake Organization is formed.
The Order of Progression for Structure and Organization:
The Mission
The Branch
The Conference Area
The Stake
Stakes are for the strength of Zion and will provide much of the means and support for the establishment of the—City—New Jerusalem.
The great commission of the Lord to the Twelve Apostles has not been rescinded:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.” Mark 16:14,15
This great commission can only be carried out by an authorized priesthood working within a perfect structure and organization designed by our Creator. We must follow that pattern if we are to be successful in the task that has been given to send forth missionaries into all the world carrying the angel’s message of the FULLNESS OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO EVERY NATION—KINDRED—TONGUE—AND PEOPLE.
The Apostle John when given a vision of the unfolding of the future saw the everlasting gospel being restored to earth.
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, “ Rev 14:6
Inheritors of the Promises
We in the church become the inheritors of the promises, a part of the House of Israel, and the seed of Abraham.
“Behold, I say unto you, The redemption of Zion must needs come by power; therefore I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel, for YE ARE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND THE SEED OF ABRAHAM;” D&C 100:3d
We are instructed that:
“Neither, because they are all children of Abraham, are they the seed; but, IN ISAAC SHALL THY SEED BE CALLED. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but THE CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE ARE COUNTED FOR THE SEED” Romans 9:7,8
The promise
“And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”
Genesis 22:22
This promise was passed from Isaac to Jacob then to Joseph and to Ephraim each receiving the blessing of the FIRSTBORN.
The House of Joseph and the seed of Ephraim was given the world commission that the NATIONS THROUGH THEM MIGHT BE BLESSED. Moses prophesied this blessing concerning the House of Joseph, “His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns; with them HE SHALL PUSH THE PEOPLE TOGETHER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” Deuteronomy 33:17
God’s kingdom shall be on earth as it is in heaven and it will grow until it has filled the whole earth. In the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel gave this inspired interpretation,
“Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them; and THE STONE THAT SMOTE THE IMAGE BECAME A GREAT MOUNTAIN, AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.” Daniel 2:34,35
Joseph Smith Jr., received a revelation that identifies the stone that shall smite and destroy those idolatrous nations represented by the image,
“The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall THE GOSPEL ROLL FORTH UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, AS THE STONE WHICH IS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS SHALL ROLL FORTH, UNTIL IT HAS FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH;” D&C 65:1b
The very purpose and scope of this commission requires a well prepared and sanctified priesthood. His kingdom can only be firmly established and expanded upon principles of righteousness. This condition of righteousness can only be obtained when members and priesthood in sufficient numbers and of proper proportions shall gather into communities where they shall teach and bring the citizens of the community into a condition of sanctification and righteousness.
The stake organization has been given for this very purpose. Stake leadership— in spiritual and temporal affairs of its citizens—will concentrate on preparing a dedicated priesthood — and missionaries— that will be physically, morally— and spiritually equipped to go forth on missionary assignments.
These Zionic stakes shall spread and grow in number until righteousness shall fill the whole earth as with a flood.
“And righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine own elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare; an holy city, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion; a New Jerusalem.”
Genesis 7:70
The holy city, New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering that shall take place due to this missionary outreach, preparation and effort.
“Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the Saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation;” D&C 83:2a
This booklet has been prepared as a guide in order for the church to clearly understand and be able to follow an orderly, approved process for building up the Organization and structure of the church and kingdom on the pattern which has been given in The Holy Scriptures. It is intended to clarify how we proceed to implement the commandments that have been given.
GOD COMMANDS AND MAN OBEYS. Man’s part in this contract [covenant] between God and man; His baptismal covenant, and his priesthood covenant, is to obey our Lord in an appropriate way.
Policies and procedures are given in order to guide or standardize man’s response to God’s commandments. The instructions contained here-in are based upon the requirements of scriptural commandments from God. MAN CANNOT GO BEYOND THE LAWS OF GOD. These instructions are for the sole purpose of implementing the commandments that have already been given.
OFFICERS
It is important that all members of the church of Christ understand the way that God has ordained that those who are to lead the church are Called, Chosen, and Appointed.
Basic laws for calling and setting in order General Church Officers:
How the First Presidency is Established
The First Presidency is chosen in one of the following ways: He must be nominated by one of the following; The High Priests Quorum, from the floor of a General Assembly, or from the floor of a General Church Conference. Only High Priests are eligible for nomination and appointment to the Office of the First Presidency. All nominations must be presented and approved by the body in order to fulfill the commandment requiring common consent in all things. See—D&C 25: 1b. Any High Priest in good standing in the church may be nominated. The commandment in the Doctrine and Covenants shall rule, “Of the Melchisedec priesthood, three presiding high priests, CHOSEN BY THE BODY, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, FORM A QUORUM OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH.” D&C 104:11b
Note: The First Presidency can only be set into order when a commandment from God is given to do so through the Acting Presidency.
How the Council Of Twelve Is Established
The Council of Twelve is initially called by a committee appointed by the Presidency to serve in that function. The first Twelve Apostles were called by the Lord at the beginning of His ministry. The Twelve in the latter day restoration however, were chosen by revelation designating the witnesses to the Book of Mormon as the committee for selecting the Twelve. See D&C Prefix to Section 16.
After the Council is established then members of the Quorum of Twelve by prayer, and inspiration shall fill any vacancy which may occur in their number by nomination and vote of the quorum, as it was done in the Book of Acts Chapter 1 Verse 16.
How the Quorums of Seventy are Established
The first Seventy were called by Moses in the wilderness as he followed the suggestion of his Father-in-Law Jethro. They were called to help in the overwhelming task of bringing judgment for the people. See Numbers 11:24.
The Sanhedrin, comprised of seventy elders in Jerusalem held court in the Hall of Un-hewn stones in the Temple. They were the High Court of Judah and met to judge grave matters in their day.
The Lord appointed other Seventy:
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face, into every city and place where he himself would come.” Luke 10:1
The first Seventy of the restoration were called and appointed by Joseph Smith Jr., at Kirtland, Ohio in 1835. They were selected primarily from those men who participated in Zion’s Camp who marched to Missouri in order to seek redress for the troubles the Saints had experienced in that area.
Authority to call Seventies is contained in the Doctrine and Covenants. Joseph received a vision concerning this calling:
“And it is according to the vision, showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have Seven Presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the Seventy, and seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six; and THESE SEVEN PRESIDENTS ARE TO CHOOSE OTHER SEVENTY besides the first Seventy, to whom they belong, and are to preside over them; and also other Seventy until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.” D&C 104:43a,b
How the Presiding Patriarch Is Established
The Presiding Patriarch is called by the Presidency through revelation;
“And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William be appointed, ordained, and anointed, as a counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum; that my servant Hyrum may take the office of priesthood and patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right, that from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people, that whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curseth shall be cursed;”
D&C 107:29a,b
“And unto my beloved servant Robert MacDonald: Though you have felt yourself unworthy many times, I say unto you, I have accepted your repentance and you have sufficiently humbled yourself before me and as a father and Presiding Patriarch in my church, your preparation will provide the fatherly wisdom that my children require. Continue in service to me and your reward is sure.”
Seventies Revelations March 31, 2003
Other Patriarch Evangelists are designated by revelation through the Twelve;
“It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation.” D&C 104:17
How the Presiding Bishop Is Established
The Presidency through discernment and prophecy, receives calls for the Office of Presiding Bishop. Bishops must be High Priests unless they are literal descendents of Aaron. The following was received by Joseph Smith Jr., February 4, 1831;
“And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge, and give a commandment, that he should be appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and spend all his time in the labors of the church; to see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him in my laws in the day that I shall give them.” D&C 41:3c
“It is my will that you set apart Forrest Alderman to serve me in the office of the Presiding Bishop of my church. He has prepared throughout his life to serve me and his preparation is acceptable before me.” Seventies Revelations March 31, 2003
How the Standing High Council Is Established
“This day a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, Jr., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents, as the case might require. This high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties, which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop's council, to the satisfaction of the parties. Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, were acknowledged presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, Sr., John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke Johnson, high priests, were chosen to be a standing council for the church, by the unanimous voice of the council.” D&C 99:1a—2a
Priesthood calls
FOR THE STANDING MINISTRY
Administrative Procedure for Processing Priesthood Calls
A candidate for ordination to priesthood responsibility must demonstrate a Godly expression of life which is a sign of repentance and express a sincere desire to be obedient to God’s commandments. He should have a consistent record of church attendance and participation, including prayer meetings. In all cases, the one being recommended for ordination must render accountability for his stewardship by leading a saintly life and by having filed his tithing statement.
Branch Responsibility
For ease of definition, any congregation formally organized, serving with a duly elected Branch President, and defined as a “Branch” by the General Church shall have the authority to conduct its business without direct oversight and supervision of the General Church Official assigned to that area. It must be recognized, however, that the church Presidency, or those authorized to act on its behalf, are ultimately responsible for all actions of recognized bodies of the church.
Note: Men are called to the Office of High Priest by the Presidency the Twelve or Seventy assigned to their area. High priests should be in charge of large Branches when possible.
Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons
Recommendations for ordination to the offices of Elder, Priest, Teacher, and Deacon should be initiated by the Branch President— where the candidate’s membership is listed. For Missions established by a Branch, the Branch President will process calls and forward a record of ordinations to the Seventy or Apostle in charge of their missionary area. Where a congregation (group) exists outside the direction of a founding Branch, or in isolated situations the Seventy or Apostle-in-charge will be responsible for processing priesthood calls. In cases when the Branch President appears to be unwilling, has received no insight, or is inordinately cautious in calling priesthood, the missionary assigned to that area may receive the call. There may be cases where the Apostle, or Seventy assigned to the area, deems it wisdom to initiate such calls. It is required, if these situations arise, that communication be made with the Branch President prior to, during, and after this action.
All other missions and congregations (groups) will continue to receive ministry of leadership in developmental and expansion areas from the Apostle or Seventy in charge of the those areas. Thus, presidents of all other missions or congregations (groups) will be expected to be in consultation with the Seventy or Apostle for approval prior to ordination. Correspondence recording ordinations shall be forwarded to the Church Recorder at Church Headquarters within two weeks from date of ordination. This correspondence is to be used to keep accurate records and for gathering statistical data.
Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons may be called by the President of the Branch and when their call is properly processed and accepted by the candidate, their names shall be placed before the Branch or local conference in which they are a member for a confirming vote.
Presidents, Apostles, High Priests, Seventies, Patriarchs, and Bishops who are called by those who have been given that authority and responsibility, shall be presented before a Church Conference or General Assembly for confirmation by the body.
Branch Organization
Branches may be organized by the authority of the Presidency, by a member of the Council of Twelve having jurisdiction within a specific area, or by a member of the Quorum of Seventy assigned to the area. A Branch should have the capacity to provide resources for operation. To be considered for Branch status, the prospective group should have a minimum of twenty-five (25) members and at least one High Priest, Elder or Priest. It is preferred that one of them holds the office of Elder or High Priest. As time and circumstance dictate, this criterion shall be further refined and defined.
All groups that have not been designated as “Branches” and which are not sponsored by a Branch, shall continue to be under the direction and administration of the Apostle or Seventy assigned to their missionary area.
Missions and congregations (groups) are to be considered forerunners of “Branches” and are thereby initiated under the same general principles as branches, in consultation with the Apostle or Seventy in the area and with the Presidency.
Conference Areas
The Conference area is an administrative tool of the Seventy or Apostle for promoting church growth and for doing church business. The primary purpose of a Conference area is to administer the work of the church in local areas and build the church with the future objective of establishing Stake organizations. Branches that form conference areas will gather quarterly or as often as the conference desires to do the business of the church. The conference will elect its Moderator and Recorder.
After stake organizations are fully implemented, missionary objectives will have been accomplished, and the missionary shall leave the Stake to the care and administration of the standing ministry. Standing ministers are comprised of; High Priests, Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons.
This will free the general authorities, and leave them at liberty to push the Word of God and the kingdom into new fields.
Stakes shall be organized by the authority of the Presidency and set in order by an Apostle or Seventy assigned to that area. It is to be noted that when a Stake is in the process of being organized, the Conference Area that is affected shall have the right to vote on such organization.
The stake organization is made up of:
? A Presiding High Priest and two Counselors
? A presiding Bishop and two Counselors
? Twelve High Priests to form a Stake High Council
? Quorums of High Priests’; Elders’; Priests’; Teachers’; Deacons’; and Members.
Before the organization of a Stake the following should considered:
There must be church strength and material resources to support a Stake. This will require approximately six (6) large Branches.
There must be sufficient numbers of Priesthood with leadership skills to provide the spiritual and administrative leadership required.
The ultimate goal of the church is to establish a Zionic condition for all of its members throughout the world. The Stake organization is part of that ultimate goal. Stake establishment can only move forward when the members who will participate in the stake can support this goal with qualified priesthood, sufficient members, and sufficient material resources. As the church and kingdom must roll through all the earth, and since most of the tithes remain in the local developmental areas, the local areas must do the building and financing of Branches and Stakes.
RELATIONSHIP TWELVE & SEVENTY
The twelve and seventy have a unique relationship. The Lord called his Twelve and Seventy “Especial” Witnesses. Each member of these two quorums play a similar role that combines their efforts. “The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ, in all the world; thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. AND THEY FORM A QUORUM EQUAL IN AUTHORITY AND POWER TO THE THREE PRESIDENTS of the First Presidency.”
See D&C 104:11d
The Twelve are assigned to cover all areas of the world and are responsible for missionary efforts conducted in their respective areas of responsibility.
The Twelve when necessity requires, shall call upon the
Presidents of Seventy are to coordinate efforts and find Seventies who are able and willing to supplement the Twelve in their missionary responsibility.
The Seventy when directed by the Twelve into areas where the Twelve are not available to go, carry the authority of an Apostle as “One Sent” and can perform all functions that the Twelve can perform. See D&C 120: 3d
“The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world - thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling; and THEY FORM A QUORUM EQUAL IN AUTHORITY TO THAT OF THE TWELVE especial witnesses, or apostles, just named.” D&C 104: 11e
When coming together in a quorum setting, the quorum of Twelve, and the quorum of Seventy have equal authority with the First Presidency. In missionary duties, the Twelve are directed by the First Presidency, and the Seventy are directed by the Twelve.
“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, agreeably 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 104:12
The twelve under the supervision of the First Presidency and the Seventy under the supervision of the Twelve, have world missionary responsibilities and specific responsibility to:
Build up the church in all the world
Regulate all the affairs of the same
First unto the Gentiles
Secondly unto the Jews
All must be done agreeably to the institution of heaven.
“The twelve being sent out, holding the keys to open the door by proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and first unto the Gentiles, and then unto the Jews” D&C 104: 13b -
“The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the twelve, or traveling high council, in building up the church, and regulating all the affairs of the same, in all nations; first unto the Gentiles, and then to the Jews.” D& C 104:13a
And further direction is given— “It is the duty of the traveling high council [Twelve] to call upon the seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel, instead of any others.” D&C 104: 16
The twelve and seventy have dual responsibilities, First to provide checks and balances as members of the presiding councils, and secondly to be concerned with outreach and numerical growth of the church and kingdom.
After a stable organization is in place in local areas with the local priesthood organized, the twelve and seventy should then move on to other areas of missionary endeavor.
Missionary goals and objectives for the church shall be determined by The Joint Council. This council is made up of the First Presidency, the Twelve, the First Quorum of Seventy and with the Presiding Patriarch and Presiding Bishop as advisors.
After the goals are established, resources are available and priorities set, The First Presidency shall make the missionary assignments for the Twelve by coordination with the Twelve. The Twelve in turn, shall coordinate with the Presidents of Seventy who with their brothers of the Seventy shall fill missionary assignments.
The Twelve and Seventy in their missionary responsibilities, shall concentrate on opening the work in new areas setting in place stable leadership and organization and then moving on to new areas of missionary labor.
The Spirit of Ministry to be evidenced by both the Twelve and Seventy should always reflect their desire to serve the Lord and build up His kingdom.
Each man has the responsibility to learn his responsibilities and opportunities pertaining to his ministry.
“Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.” D&C 104:44 a, b
Administrative Policy Governing the Calling of the Seventies
The Presidents of Seventy have the specific responsibility to call other Seventy.
“The presidents of Seventy are instructed to select from the several quorums of elders such as are qualified and in a condition to take upon them the office of Seventy, that they may be ordained unto the filling of the first quorum of Seventy.” D&C 120: 10a
They are to do this in consultation with the several quorums [of Elders] before selecting. See D&C 120:10b
The procedure shall be that when the Presidents of Seventy have received “Light” on an Elder in that he should be called as a Seventy, the Presidents of Seventy shall sit in council together with their brethren of the Seventy, and after consideration among themselves and in harmony with scriptural counsel, should sustain or reject the call. If the call is sustained by the Presidents of Seventy and their brethren of the Seventy then the Presidents of Seventy will contact the candidate or candidates and give them the opportunity to accept or reject the call. Upon acceptance, arrangements for ordination shall take place by notifying the Presidency and Twelve of the quorum’s decision. It is a matter of courtesy to notify the Presidency and Twelve of these proceedings but not required by scriptural law.
During the process of selection, the name or names of the proposed candidate or candidates should be kept confidential in order to protect them. After the candidate or candidates have accepted the call, they will be presented to a General Assembly or a General Conference for an acceptance vote. After Assembly or Conference action, if approved, the ordination will take place during the General Assembly or General Conference session. In some special instances an ordination may take place, with consideration at the next regularly scheduled General Assembly or General Conference.
The calling of God for a man to enter into the Holy Priesthood must be respected and these callings are eternal. “And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever, with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.”
No man or council of men may remove a man from his office and calling without just cause. Any charges made against a member of the church must be substantiated and brought before a tribunal recognized and ordained of God as a judicial body within the church of Christ.
Priesthood is forever and there is no such thing as involuntary release, other than from due cause, as stated above.
THE JOINT COUNCIL
The Joint Council
The Joint Council is an administrative council made up of the three presidencies of the church; the First Presidency, The Twelve, and the First Quorum of Seventy. The Presiding Patriarch and Presiding Bishop are advisors to this Council. The primary purpose of The Joint Council is administrative and is to share, deliberate, develop and execute plans for the best and most efficient use of all church resources ( material, priesthood, and financial).
Convening of The Joint Council
The Joint Council shall regularly convene annually. It may convene more often if needed. The authority to call a Joint Council rests with any one of the three quorums which make up the council. Any one of the three quorums may, by meeting in quorum session and with a minimum of fifty percent of its members present, and by achieving a simple majority vote of those present, may call for the convening of The Joint Council.
These joint council sessions shall meet to share, present, deliberate, and debate matters for the good of the work and the promotion of the goals of the church. After debate has ended, the respective quorums shall separate to their respective quorums for final deliberations wherein they shall attempt to obtain a consensus and a vote upon the issues.
The three quorums realize that a majority vote taken in their respective Quorums shall determine their vote and shall be reported as being unanimous.
“And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other.” D&C 104:11f
The three quorums shall then meet jointly and each Presidency shall cast its vote with each quorum casting one vote. The count of the three votes shall settle the issue.
All administrative policies and changes to administrative policies and procedures shall be brought before The Joint Council of the church. After acceptance and approval by the church, these policies and procedures shall be binding on the church for its governance until rescinded or changed. The Presidency shall implement, administer and enforce the approved policies and procedures.
Res. No.
Appointing the Missouri Valley Conference
Church Acceptance of Priesthood and Members
Recording of Membership
Accepted Scriptures of the Church
Punitive Actions against Members
Establishing Tarkio as Temporary Church Headquarters
Common Consent
Church Corporation Sole
Ordination of Priesthood
Eliminating Conflict of Interests
Filing of Tithing
Use and Administering of Tithing
Disposition of Properties
Distribution of Tithing
The Joint Council
Declaring Christ as King
The Gathering of Israel
Building up the Kingdom
The Church of 1830 in Continuation
Selection of Apostles
Initiating the Selection Process for Apostles
APPROVED
RESOLUTIONS
Implementing Resolutions
The laws of God contained in commandments cannot be changed by man. We observe all his commandments if we are to build up Zion. Rules and resolutions are necessary instructions on how the commandments of God shall be implemented and followed. God has formed a partnership with his people in the process of bringing forth His kingdom upon the earth. Our part in this partnership is to put these principles of the kingdom into use in a way that God has intended for us to use them. This requires our unity in the use of our agency to agree upon these rules (resolutions). If there are errors, they can be corrected by bringing a particular resolution back before the body. Resolutions by necessity must not conflict with the revealed word of God. It follows however, that that which is not forbidden by the word and is, by the determination of the body to be good and useful can be adopted for governing the body.
One through five—conference approved 5 April 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 1 APPOINTING CONFERENCE AREA
This resolution is for the purpose of selecting a name for the quarterly conference that at present includes the following areas; Independence, Tarkio and Ivy Bend. Other areas will be added in the future.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
We be known from hence forth as the “Missouri Valley Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830”
RESOLUTION NO.2 ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBERSHIP
This resolution is for the purpose of establishing the requirements for acceptance of members and priesthood of those wishing to affiliate with the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
All persons who apply for membership who have been baptized and confirmed by one having authority and have not broken their covenants will be accepted into the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830. It is further resolved that those holding priesthood who apply and have been baptized, confirmed and ordained by one having authority will be recognized in their callings by the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830.
RESOLUTION NO. 3 RECORDING OF MEMBERSHIP
A record of persons accepted into and baptized and confirmed into the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 shall be kept by an elected Church Recorder/Historian.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
All persons who are accepted and have been baptized and confirmed into the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 shall have their names entered into a record referred to as, "The Book Of Names"
RESOLUTION NO. 4 ACCEPTED CHURCH SCRIPTURES
God’s word is eternal. We are commanded that we shall live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. We find these words of God in the three standard books of the church. One principle must be kept in mind when studying these scriptures. God does not make mistakes and he does not contradict himself. If we should find a scripture that appears to conflict with a previous one, one of two things has happened. Either we do not understand the meaning of what we have read or someone brought forth that which is not of God. If our understanding is at fault we need to pray to gain light as to the meaning. If the one bringing forth that which is in conflict has brought that which is not of God, we need not give it weight. All new scripture must be compared and must agree with all scripture that has gone before.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
We, as The Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830, accept the Holy Scriptures known as the Inspired Version of the Bible; The Book of Mormon in it’s entirety and the Doctrine and Covenants up to and including section 144 as the word of God. We also accept those sections in the appendix that are scripture.
RESOLUTION NO. 5 PUNITIVE ACTIONS
Punitive action shall not be taken against any member of the body or priesthood member without due process of a church court. The term ”Silencing” is not found in the scriptures. Administrative silence was not used in the church during Joseph Smith, Jr., the founding prophets leadership. If any member of the Church of Jesus Christ transgressed the laws or commandments, they were immediately brought before a church court to determine the issue. If confronted with the offense, the charged person admitted offense and repented. Often he was forgiven and allowed to continue in the church. However, if the person charged did not admit guilt, and was proven guilty by the mouth of two or more witnesses, he was cast out of the church and his name blotted out of the records, until such time as he repented. In this case he could re-apply for membership.
We as The Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 believe that all valid priesthood calls are from the Lord.
“And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” Hebrews 5:4.
We further believe that what God has bestowed upon a man, cannot be removed by any other man. We understand that as a priesthood member magnifies his calling and qualifies himself for a greater stewardship, he may be called to even greater responsibility. However shifting of priesthood offices for political reasons is contrary to the gifts and callings of God. If each quorum functions according to the law, political shifting will not take place. In other words a High Priest cannot call an Apostle to be a Patriarch. High Priests through discernment of the Spirit, may call other High Priests; Apostles through discernment of the Spirit, may call other Apostles; Presidents of Seventy, through discernment of the Spirit, may call other Seventies etc. This is not to be confused with the power and authority to ordain to an office. Any priesthood holder may ordain candidates to offices that are under him as prescribed in the Scriptures.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
The church make no legislation allowing leadership to take punitive actions against anyone in the church, be they priesthood or member, without lawful due process in one of the church courts.
The laws of God designating those who shall have power and authority to choose priesthood for the various offices and quorums shall be observed at all times.
Six through twelve —conference approved 2 Aug. 2003.
RESOLUTION NO. 6 CHURCH HEADQUARTERS
It is necessary to establish an address and location for the General Church to carry on administrative activities. At the present time it is prudent to designate "The Missouri Valley Conference", that meets at Tarkio, Missouri, as the temporary seat of the church government.
Future General Conferences of the whole church will be held in or around this location if suitable locations are available. Other areas may be designated for General Conferences if deemed necessary by the church.
An address shall be established for regular mail and e-mail addresses for inquiries about the church.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
We, as the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 designate Tarkio, Missouri and the "Missouri Valley Conference," as the temporary location for legislating and administering church affairs. This does not prohibit conducting administrative duties in other locations as resources and qualified personnel may require.
When conditions and resources permit, church headquarters will be re-located to the center place in Jackson County.
RESOLUTION NO. 7 COMMON CONSENT
We declare common consent for all legislation that shall govern the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830: This resolution contains the process for approving/modifying/disapproving of any and all legislation proposed for the orderly governing of God’s church.
“And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith; for all things you shall receive by faith.” D&C 25:1b
“Neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants, for all things must be done in order and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.” D&C 27:4c
“The Scriptures and the church articles and covenants, with the rules adopted by the church, shall govern in procedure.” D&C 122:10c
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
All proposed legislation to include rules, resolutions, policies and procedures shall be brought before "The Joint Council", (The First Presidency, Twelve and First Quorum of Seventy when these quorums are organized and set in order), prior to going to the body for their action.
Until the quorums of First Presidency, Twelve and Seventy are set in order, the Acting Presidency, Presiding Bishop and Presiding Patriarch shall review all legislation prior to going to the body for action.
All members shall be given sufficient time to review the material to be considered prior to the commencement of the next Conference. All rules and resolutions shall be brought before the body assembled, and each proposed rule or resolution, policy or procedure, shall be read, debated, (if needed), and voted upon individually. A simple majority of fifty-one percent is required for passage of a rule, resolution, policy or procedure, and a two-thirds majority shall be required to modify or to rescind the same.
Resolution no. 8 CHURCH CORPORATION SOLE
All civilized peoples have adopted and accepted rules of law and order that they might enjoy the days of their probation upon the face of the earth in relative peace and security.
This resolution is brought forth for the purpose of restating the position of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored – 1830, found in Section 112, of the Doctrine and Covenants, as it relates to the institution of lawful governments and the need to be obedient to the legitimate laws of the land. The Church ratified this section when the General Assembly of 1835 approved it for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
“We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man, and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, either in making laws or administering them, for the good and safety of society.” D&C 112:1
Further, the Scriptures state that we should:
“Render therefore unto Caesar, the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things which are God's.” Matthew 22:21
A Corporation Sole is an ecclesiastical organization based on the purpose of ministry. It is one of a number of methods available for incorporating religious organizations, and is being used by this organization for the purpose for which it was designed, that is the holding and passing of the titles of properties belonging to a church organization. As such, this organization may acquire and possess by donations, gifts, bequests; and to hold and maintain property, real, personal and mixed; and to grant, sell, convey, rent or otherwise dispose of this property as may be necessary to carry on or promote the objects of the Church corporation. A corporation sole is not under the statutory jurisdiction either on a state level or a federal level. The corporation sole functions in the jurisdiction of Ecclesiastical or Canon law. What does that mean for the church? It means that there is a true separation between the church and the state.
There are those who have used such methods as Corporation Sole, in an effort to avoid taxes or under the guise of asset protection use these types of methods to protect their proceeds. These individuals tout the Corporation Sole as a vehicle or method to provide asset protection and tax freedom to ordinary citizens. They are using the Corporation Sole provisions designed for legitimate churches, religious societies, or charitable organizations, as a means to avoid their civic responsibilities as citizens.
While morality is considered something that is intensely personal and, by and large, is left to the individual – except in cases where others may be harmed. When these actions defraud their fellow Saints, or other persons, or unfairly shifts their share of the burden of governmental support onto their fellow citizens, they are causing them harm. Thus, the question of morality plays a very real and very important role in the Body of Christ and His Holy Priesthood.
"The spirit of speculation, the exhibition of greed for gain is unseemly in the Saints and officers of the church, and should be avoided. It has the appearance of evil." D&C 127:7c.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
We, the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830, wish to make it perfectly clear that our use of the provisions of Corporation Sole is designed to provide maximum latitude for the Church to do the work of the ministry and is not being used for the purpose of individual tax avoidance or evasion.
All members and priesthood officers within the body of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830, should not advocate, encourage, condone, or participate in the use of any unethical or immoral activities, including such actions that would dishonestly take away the worldly goods of others, and then under the guise of religion attempt to protect those goods to avoid civil or criminal responsibilities.
RESOLUTION NO. 9 ORDINATION OF PRIESTHOOD
"Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him.
The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time, as said conferences shall direct or appoint; and said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time.
The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences.
Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate, when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling; or he may receive it from a conference.
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; 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, that a vote may be called. Every president of the high priesthood, bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council, or General Conference." D&C 17:12a-17
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
Authority to ordain resides in the priesthood member who receives the call through the power of the Holy Ghost within him. When a priesthood member receives this confirmation of a call, he shall present the name of him who is called to their organized branch of the church or to their local church conference for conference action. If branch or conference action is approved, ordination may take place.
If a person is called in an unorganized area, high priests traveling elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, and local elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church, that a vote may be called.
The priesthood member who receives the call is responsible for assuring that a license is secured and that ordinations are properly recorded and furnished to the bishops or bishop’s agents.
RESOLUTION NO. 10 CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
This resolution is presented to the body for the purpose of eliminating conflicts of interest between church and businesses. It is understood that many of our priesthood members are required to work at a trade or profession in order to provide for their personal and their families welfare. It is also true that many of these priesthood members donate their private resources for church purposes. It is only proper that Saints support business and use the services provided by other church members when this is appropriate.
The purpose of this resolution is to assure that priesthood members do not personally solicit other church members to do business with them. Members trust the priesthood, and may enter into business transactions out of a feeling of obligation. As not all business transactions turn out well, such as investments that suffer a loss, it is believed that priesthood should not solicit members for business. This does not preclude advertising or passing out cards etc. or generally informing members of the availability of their products or services.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
As a code of honor, priesthood members shall not solicit business, or use their priesthood office to enter homes to conduct personal business unless the request is initiated from the member.
Resolution no. 11 Filing of tithing
The law of tithes and offerings is contained in our books of scripture. These laws are not negotiable but given of the Lord for the benefit and growth of his Church. Our Lord leaves the methods of implementation to his church. This implementation requires rules or resolutions in order for the church to exercise the best stewardship possible over these contributions.
In the past many faithful Saints contributed their resources as required in the law only to see the church drift into apostasy. They witnessed the fact that their donated resources did not accomplish the longed for desire of their hearts to see Zion become a reality. It was the policy of the heritage church administration to make loans to local congregations for the purpose of purchasing or building houses of worship. All the while the Saints were paying off their loan to the general church by collecting funds, (often called a building fund), they were still sending their tithes and offerings to the Presiding Bishop to be administered by the general church. This central control of tithes and this use of tithes has failed to establish or build up Zion.
God's people, by good conscience, left the church when it drifted into false teachings and as a consequence they lost the use of those houses of worship that were purchased by their local contributions over and above their tithes. Some of these congregations had completely built their own houses of worship with volunteer labor out of funds contributed locally. If there was a loan outstanding to the general church, they would pay off the loan and then be required to relinquish the deed to the general church. When they raised their voices in objection to the direction the church leadership was taking them, they became subject to having their houses of worship taken from them by civil law.
In order to keep history from repeating this injustice to God’s people, we therefore acknowledge that although all tithing accounting statements must ultimately be filed with the Presiding Bishop, we find precedent in scripture to pay our tithing to the bishop in organized stakes, or to a bishop's agent in an appointed conference area. In this way those local members can see the results of their obedience to God's law of tithing and offerings in the appropriate use of their contributions such as; activation of a store house and in locally acquiring houses of worship and infrastructure. In this way a local conference can grow in strength and temporal means to mature eventually into the goal of stake status. All tithes collected in the general church area (in and around the center place) by those who have and will gather to the central area, and those Saints living in isolated locations such as one family in one city etc., should obey the law by sending up their contributions to the Presiding Bishop of the general church. These tithes will be retained in the center place for the use of the general church and for the building up of the city of Zion. We believe that the stewardship of tithes and offerings can best be administered locally whether it be in the center place, in a stake, or in a conference area.
WE HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:
The presiding quorum of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 will appoint conference areas and stakes as church growth permits and as directed by the Spirit. These units, (conference areas and stakes), shall be appendages to the general church. Each member’s tithes and tithing statement shall be forwarded to their stake bishop or to their conference bishop's agent in their respective area, or to the Presiding Bishop in the center place. The stake bishop or conference area bishop's agent shall forward a copy of the members tithing accounting statement to the Presiding Bishop of the general church for recording and statistical purposes. Tithes paid shall remain in the general church, stakes, and conference areas for general church, stake and conference use. Those isolated families are to send their accounting to the presiding bishop of the gener