This is a partial list of Terms and Phraseology unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of these definitions are off the top of my head, so if anyone sees something that needs to be adjusted, please leave a comment. Thank you!

Aaronic Priesthood: This is the authority to act in the name of God, with limits, that is generally given to, or conferred upon, young men at as young as 11.

Area Presidency: An Area in the LDS Church is presided over by Area Presidencies consisting of a President and two counselors. The Area Presidencies are the link between the General Leadership of the Church and local leadership. Area Presidencies preside over all Stakes, Missions and Temples within their boundaries.

Bishop: The ecclesiastical or spiritual leader of a Ward. A Bishop is not paid, but is a lay leader called from the body of the Ward. In the past a Bishop could serve almost indefinitely. The Church has now changed that and tries to limit this type of service to no more than 5 years, though it can be longer in some circumstances.

Deacon: An “office” in the Aaronic Priesthood to which a young man who is entering into the year wherein he turns 12 is brought into (or ordained to), giving him certain authority to bless the people in the Ward. It is also the title he is given. A Deacon’s main responsibility is to serve the Sacrament to the members of the Ward each Sunday. 

Celestial Kingdom: The LDS Church’s doctrine concerning heaven is different from other religions. Heaven is not a single place wherein all who are righteous end up. Instead, it is comprised of three separate kingdoms: the Celestial Kingdom, or highest level, the Terrestrial Kingdom, level two, and the Telestial Kingdom, the lowest of the three kingdoms. Within the Celestial Kingdom there are three more levels. The highest level of the Celestial Kingdom is where all that is promised can be given is received. For an official, concise explanation of the doctrine, click HERE. For a more in-depth look at it, click HERE.

Eternity: In the theology of The Church, Eternity goes both directions and we, as individual entities, have always existed in some form and will continue to exist without end.

He is, she is, they are LDS: I may use this to denote a member of The Church.

Melchizedek Priesthood: The authority to act in the name of God that is given to, or conferred upon, adult males.

Mormon: Also used to denote a member of The Church.

Patriarch: Patriarch is an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood. This office comes with its own very specific calling, or area of service, in the Church. There is one Patriarch called per Stake and it falls on him to give every worthy member who has the desire, to receive a special laying on of hands and blessing called a Patriarchal Blessing. Patriarch’s generally serve in the this capacity from the time they are called until their death or until they are no long able to physically and/or mentally able to do what it requires of them.

Patriarchal Blessing: This is a blessing given to any worthy Church member who requests it. Given by the laying on of hands, it is a blessing given once in each person’s life and contains guidance and direction to help its recipient throughout mortality. For more information on Patriarchal Blessings, click HERE.

Priest: An office in the Aaronic Priesthood to which a young man who is entering into the year wherein he turns 16 is brought into (or ordained to), giving him certain authority to bless the people in the Ward. It is also the title he is given. A Priest’s main responsibility is to break the bread and bless the Sacrament each Sunday that is then served to the members of the Ward.

Prophet: The President, or leader, of the Church is believed to be a prophet of God in the same way Moses and Noah were prophets of God.

Relief Society: Founded in 1842, the Relief Society is the women’s organization of the Church for women 18 years old and older. The main purposes are service, fellowship and spiritual enrichment. The organization is similar to the Priesthood in that there is a General Presidency with a President and two counselors, a General Relief Society Board that assists the Presidency and presidencies that serve at the Stake and Ward levels. The presidents at the Ward level work closely with the Bishop to care for the health and welfare of Ward members. The mission has changed over the years and much is still left to the local leaders. In Blog 2 I mention the Homemaking and Enrichment programs. In our ward growing up these monthly meetings were held on weeknights and generally focused on something to do with home life and at times tended to be a craft night.  For more information on the Relief Society, click HERE.

Sacrament: This refers to the ritual of breaking bread and then blessing and serving it with wine to symbolize the sacrifice Christ made of his body and blood for us so that we may be forgiven of our sins. The Church uses water instead of wine. While worthy adult men holding the Priesthood can administer the Sacrament, it is generally prepared, blessed and passed by young men from 11-17.

Scout Leader: in The Church, the Scout Leader is not only the leader of the Boy Scouts ages 12-15 in each Ward, but also is supposed to be a spiritual guide and mentor of the 12-13 year olds. He is responsible for teaching the ins and outs of Scouting on one weekday a week as well as a spiritual lesson on Sunday.

Sealed in the Temple: A main doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the belief in Eternal Marriage. When couples are Sealed in the Temple the are sealed together for “Time and all Eternity”. In other words, the promise is that if they are faithful their marriage will last in Heaven forever.

Stake: A geographical area that may contain as many as 16 Wards, but generally have between 5 & 10. The leaders of a Stake are: President and 2 counselors and a High Council consisting of 12 men. For more information on how LDS congregations are organized, click HERE.

Teacher: An office in the Aaronic Priesthood to which a young man who is entering into the year wherein he turns 14 is brought into (or ordained to), giving him certain authority to bless the people in the Ward. It is also the title he is given. A Teacher’s main responsibility is to prepare the Sacrament prior to being blessed and given to the members of the Ward each Sunday.  

Temple: To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Temple is a very sacred place where Church members can draw closer to God and where sacred ceremonies (ordinances), like marriages (or sealings) are performed. They are not open on Sunday, but, depending on the location, some are open as long as 15 hours Tuesday-Saturday. Much learning, prayer and service happen in each temple. Currently there are 160 Temples in operation, 8 under renovation, 35 currently under construction and another 35 announced. Click HERE to learn more.

The Church, LSA Church, Church: The names that I will use in reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because the name is long and I don’t want to get carpal tunnel from typing it over and over.

The Gospel: A term used to describe the doctrine and theology of The Church.

The Twelve Apostles: These Twelve men work in concert with the Prophet and preside over the World-wide Church.

Ward: The LDS Church’s signification of a single congregation. Wards are denoted geographically and a phrase often heard among Church members is “what Ward do you live in?”  In other words, if a dwelling exists within a certain geographical boundary, those living there would attend the Ward assigned to that area. Most LDS Church buildings have more than one Ward that meet there. One Building can have as many as 5 wards attending it, though most house 1-3.