Priesthood Letter
from President Stephen Veazey
To all priesthood members serving in Australia, British Isles, Canada, and the United States:
As I sign priesthood licenses authorizing individuals to represent Community of Christ in ministry, I recognize and appreciate all those who have accepted priesthood responsibility. Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, congregation, and the world.
While shaping the words that became Doctrine and Covenants Section 163, I was prompted by God to focus on the nature and potential of priesthood today. I invite you to explore prayerfully Doctrine and Covenants 163:6a–d. May this passage, through the power of the Holy Spirit, confirm your continued response and help you develop vision for enriching your ministry.
The First Presidency and the Priesthood Faithfulness Team are working on updated priesthood-faithfulness principles and guidelines to support priesthood in ministry. These principles include discernment, preparation, a plan for ministry, and commitment to lifelong learning and ministerial development. Fostering priesthood faithfulness includes guidelines, training, and support to help priesthood members discern and respond to specific giftedness and roles of ministry and leadership. When completed, we will share this material with the church.
As part of your continuing response, a set of affirmations about priesthood ministry and reflection questions are included with this letter. While it will be helpful to consider these questions personally, I urge you to discuss your answers with your pastor, mission center, quorum, order, or council leadership by the end of the year. Such conversation is an excellent way to explore how to focus and magnify your ministry further in light of community and congregational needs.
Once again, I am deeply grateful for your commitment to priesthood ministry in Community of Christ. I pray you will be blessed with insight, compassion, and inspired witness as you share the peace of Jesus Christ through your priesthood responsibilities. Also, may you find great meaning and joy in your continuing growth as a servant minister with Christ.
In the peace of Christ,
Stephen M. Veazey, president
To support your continued response, please prayerfully ponder these affirmations and questions:
1. Priesthood is a sacred gift from God, given through the responsibility and accountability of the church. Ultimately, priesthood faithfulness is the responsibility of the individual. Priesthood members serve in response to the needs and expectations of the community, the congregation, and the worldwide church.
What do you see as the growing relationship between your ministry and the current needs and expectations of the faith community?
2. Through the grace of God you have been gifted and called to ministry in a specific priesthood office. By focusing your ministry in areas of personal giftedness within your office, you will bring great blessings to those you serve.
What are your particular gifts, how are you developing them, and how are you focusing them in priesthood ministry?
3. An important aspect of priesthood faithfulness is upholding a wholesome physical, mental, spiritual, and relational lifestyle that typifies the ethical values of the gospel and the church. Priesthood, as a sacred covenant, includes expectations for standards of conduct that contribute to the overall well-being of everyone in the community, congregation, and creation, especially the most impressionable and vulnerable ones. Priesthood conduct is not just a matter of personal choice or current cultural trends. It is a stewardship of life that includes appropriate responsibility for the impact of one’s behavior on others.
How are your lifestyle choices contributing to your ministry and the overall well-being of the faith community and creation?
4. God’s grace and generosity revealed in Jesus Christ is at the heart of the gospel. We respond to God’s generosity by generously giving our time, talents, and finances to support the local and worldwide ministries of the church. Members of the church expect all priesthood to model generosity in many ways, including giving according to one’s true capacity to local and world ministries mission tithes.
How does your giving show your commitment to local and worldwide ministries?
5. Priesthood members should be informed about church life and priorities. Reading the Herald (subscribe in the USA at 1-800-767-8181 or www.HeraldHouse.org) and regularly viewing the World Church’s Web site are great ways to stay informed. Also, you can receive church news through our free e-subscriptions. If you do not have Web access, ask someone to help you get the information.
How are you using available tools to stay informed about church life so your ministry is current, relevant, and aligned with church priorities?
6. Inherent in priesthood ordination is the expectation that you will magnify your calling. You can do this through spiritual formation, continuing education, guidance from mentors, and gaining ministerial experience. Many Temple School courses and other educational materials are available from the church. (Contact Customer and Member Services at 1-800-825-2806 or your local mission-center leadership.)
How do you intend to magnify your ministry in the months and years ahead to expand your capacity to share the gospel witness with others?