Aaronic Priesthood

The Aaronic Priesthood is the order of the priesthood which contains the offices of deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. It is named after Aaron, the brother of Moses, from whose lineage came the ancient priests and high priests of Israel. In ancient Israel, only those of the tribe of Levi could be ordained to this priesthood (for this reason it is also referred to as the Levitical Priesthood). With the coming of Christ, however, the lineal restrictions were lifted and worthy men of any tribe could receive this priesthood. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church continues to operate in this manner, allowing any worthy man over the age of twelve to be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.

Offices and Functions

There are four offices within the Aaronic Priesthood. Each has specific duties and responsibilities associated with it. Once a man has progressed to the next highest office, they still retain all the power and authority of the lower office.

Deacons

Men can be ordained to the first office of the priesthood as deacons starting at age twelve. One of the duties of the deacon's quorumor group is to watch over the Church and its members. They are also to "warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ" (D&C 20:59). Deacons can also pass the sacrament to the congregation, collect fast offerings which are used to help those in need, assist the leaders of the ward or church unit known as the bishopric, serve as messengers, be baptized and confirmed for the dead in the temple for those whose genealogy is being done, speak in meetings, and care for the meetinghouse and grounds.

Teachers

Men can be ordained to the next office of the Priesthood as teachers starting at age fourteen. Teachers are to watch over and strengthen the Church as well as see that there is "neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking" (D&C 20:53-55). Teachers may also prepare the sacrament, serve as a home teacher whose responsibility includes visiting families in the ward which they have been assigned to at least once and being responsible for seeing that the ward leaders are aware of any needs of the family, reverently serve as ushers in ward meetings and stake conference, assist the bishopric, and participate in seminary classes where available to be instructed on the scriptures such as the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Priests

Men can be ordained as priests starting at age sixteen. The priest's quorum has the responsibility to "preach, teach, expound, exhort, ... and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties" (D&C 47 20:46-47). Priests can bless the sacrament. They can also baptize, though they do not have the authority to confer the Holy Ghost.

Bishop

The office of bishop is the highest office in the Aaronic Priesthood. The bishop is the president of the priest's quorum, the president of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the presiding high priest in the ward. Although the office of bishop is an Aaronic Priesthood office, men called to be bishops hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and hold the office of high priest so they can preside over the entire congregation.

Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood

The Aaronic Priesthood is also described as holding "the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances" (D&C 107:20).