PA212 High Priests: 
Ministers of Vision

The Quorum of High Priests has prepared a new Temple School course, High Priests: Ministers of Vision (PA 212), which was compiled by David Schaal. This course is a result of a special meeting of thirty-two high priests from around the world. They met to “catch a vision” of what the work and ministry of the high priest is to be. As a result of that weekend, a revisioning of the quorum’s ministry began to emerge.

It is important that we honor the past as we envision the future. We are called to share the gospel in a modern world which is very much in need of the good news. New understandings of our ministries and approaches may be necessary in order that the gospel may be shared in the most faithful, relevant ways possible in the current world climate. Out of the study, four basic areas of ministry emerged as very important to the ministry of high priests.

• Bridging cultures and people is of primary importance. Many differences separate people from one another and from God. Cultures, age differences, race, religion, sex, and other differences separate us. When we build bridges, we can use them to interact with one another. When we build bridges, we can pass over them.
  
• Enhancing leadership effectiveness is a significant issue for all ministers. High priests are called to recognize the gifts resident in persons and seek to help persons develop those gifts. All ministers need mentoring, support, and opportunities for growth through new experiences.
  
• Standing for peace and justice is a major concern for high priestly ministry. High priests give more than lip service to ideas; they put their beliefs into action. High priests are called to be where Christ is active in those situations that need peace and justice in a world that is often unfair and hostile.
  
• Fostering spiritual growth and wholeness in individuals and in our world is crucial. The spiritual thirst apparent in the world needs to be quenched. Fostering spiritual growth will draw people closer to God and help them become whole.

As high priests, we also need to develop and build support systems with others of similar ministries. Leadership roles can often cause the leaders themselves to over-extend themselves. When this occurs, a support system of others who are in similar ministerial positions nee to be provided for the support of one another.

This Temple School course is just the beginning of a process of revisioning of the ministry of the high priest. High priests are encouraged to take the course. Other interested persons are invited to study along with the high priests. May God continue to bless all who strive to develop their ministries by “study and also by faith.”