Aaronic Priesthood

As the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of

Mormon, he found mention of baptism for the remission of

sins. On May 15, 1829, he and his scribe Oliver Cowdery went

into the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism. As

they prayed, “a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud

of light.” This messenger was John the Baptist, the prophet

who had baptized Jesus Christ centuries earlier. John the

Baptist, now a resurrected being, laid his hands on Joseph

and on Oliver and conferred upon each of them the Aaronic

Priesthood, which had been taken from the earth during the

Great Apostasy. With this authority, Joseph and Oliver were

able to baptize one another. (See Joseph Smith—History

1:68–72.)

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive

the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. They receive many

opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances

and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act

in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of

the gospel.

The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest,

teacher, and deacon. With the authorization of the presiding

priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president),

deacons pass the sacrament. They help the bishop or branch

president watch over Church members by giving service and

assisting with temporal matters such as gathering fast offerings.

Teachers may perform all the duties of deacons, and

they also receive other opportunities to serve. They prepare

the sacramental bread and water and serve as home teachers.

Priests may perform all the duties of deacons and teachers.

With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader,

they may also bless the sacrament, baptize, and ordain others

to the offices of priest, teacher, and deacon.

The Aaronic Priesthood is “an appendage to the greater,

or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14). It is often

called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder

serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the

Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the blessings of the temple,

to serve a full-time mission, to be a loving husband and

father, and to continue in lifelong service to the Lord.

See also Melchizedek Priesthood; Priesthood