These priesthood calls are approved after review by a Mission Center President and vote of a congregational conference.
[1]: 29 The Melchisedec Order includes the offices of Elder, Seventy, High Priest, Bishop, Apostle, President and Prophet.
However, numerous differences in belief about the duties, calling, authority and organization of priesthood have developed as the two denominations have taken divergent paths since 1844.
Part of the ministry of deacons is to watch over the church, visit the homes of members, to teach and preach, care for the physical and social well-being of the church, and to teach and advise people regarding the principles of Disciples' Generous Response.
A key attribute of a teacher is the ability to create friendship and to have knowledge of the families within a congregation.
Teachers are regarded as ministers of reconciliation with special responsibilities to share spiritual counsel and encouragement to members who are experiencing personal conflicts, however, they are not typically professional counselors or certified mediation specialists.
They share with the elders the responsibility to explain all things concerning the church to those who have been baptized but yet to be confirmed.
Elders are called to teach and preach and watch over the church and to visit the homes of members.
The scriptures suggest that the Seventy are in some way equal to the Council of Twelve Apostles, as indicated in Doctrine and Covenants 104:11e.
This eliminates a logistical issue that existed previously, as the seventy are called to work closely with the Council of Twelve Apostles.
The Apostles are regarded as the senior missionary team in the church, but the specific calling of the seventy and the quorums which they belong to, is also missionary work, and so, to some degree, they fall under the direction of the Apostles, however, as there were 11 fields, and seven quorums, there was always some overlap with global coverage which was not efficient.
It is desired that the pastor or presiding officer of a large well established congregation is a High Priest.
An Evangelist is a High Priest ordained for special ministries in evangelism and spiritual direction.
They give parental counsel and advice to the church and confer spiritual blessings.
The Evangelist is available to offer a sacred blessing which can assist persons to recognize and touch the divine nature of God that resides within them.
By responding to this divine presence, it nurtures and assures persons of their identity and ultimate and eternal worth before God.
This blessing is recorded in writing and stored in the archives of the church at its World Headquarters in Independence, Missouri.
[1]: 26 They are led by the Presiding Bishopric in providing support, training, and advocacy in empowering Aaronic ministers to respond to their call of ministry.
An interesting fact about the office of bishop is that there is evidence to suggest that it properly belongs to the Aaronic Order.
Section 68 of the Doctrine and Covenants states that a literal descendant of Aaron has the right to officiate in this office.
However, since it would be difficult to prove such lineage, it is also stated that high priests can be ordained bishops, as they have the right to officiate in all the lesser offices.
Individuals ordained as bishops are therefore always high priests, and are therefore considered part of the Melchisedec priesthood.
Because of the huge responsibility that is the burden of the Order of Bishops (that of financial administration), it is also, by necessity, generally not viewed as being lesser to the Quorum of High Priests.
They serve as assistants to the apostles, who are being called to lay down administrative responsibilities (as much as possible) in order to have more freedom to be missionaries of Jesus Christ.
Originally, high councilors were considered an office of priesthood, which is confirmed by Doctrine and Covenants Section 129:7b.
This clearly indicates that, contrary to current custom, perception, and terminology, the high councilor is most definitely an actual office of priesthood.
In April 2010, during the church's World Conference, it was announced that there would be now ten apostolic fields, with a second apostle having non-geographic based missionary responsibilities.
It is not entirely clear which (if any) of these three roles are derived from the other(s) but this is simply a question of theological curiosity, and has (thus far) never had any practical relevance as they are all, as stated, perpetually merged.
Thus, “Counselor to the Presiding Bishop” should be considered a full priesthood office, but on account of such a term being rather cumbersome, it is generally avoided.
Curiously, the 2004 edition of the Priesthood manual contains conflicting information regarding the Presidents of Seventy.