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As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand the sacred nature of the priesthood and its role in our lives. One of the greatest blessings that comes with holding the priesthood is the opportunity to be part of a quorum. Today, I’d like to share why every priesthood holder, regardless of his situation, benefits from a strong quorum.
1. Strength in Numbers
The principle of strength in numbers is as old as the gospel itself. When the Lord organized His church, He did so with the understanding that we are stronger together than we are apart. In Doctrine and Covenants 107:85-86, we read about the purpose of quorums: to “to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another, as it is given according to the covenants.”
This divine organization allows us to amplify our individual strengths and support each other in our weaknesses. When we come together as a quorum, we create a synergy that can accomplish far more than we could individually. For example, a quorum working together can more effectively serve widows in the ward, organize community service projects, or support missionary efforts.
Moreover, the diversity within a quorum—in terms of age, experience, and background—creates a rich tapestry of perspectives and skills. This diversity allows us to learn from one another and grow in ways we might not have imagined on our own.
2. Spiritual Growth
A strong quorum provides a fertile ground for spiritual growth. Regular quorum meetings offer opportunities for shared testimonies, gospel discussions, and spiritual insights that can deepen our understanding of the gospel and strengthen our faith.
In these settings, we can explore doctrinal topics in depth, share personal experiences that have strengthened our testimonies, and learn from the spiritual journeys of our fellow quorum members. This collaborative learning environment often leads to new insights and a deeper appreciation for the gospel.
Furthermore, as we serve together in our quorum, we have the opportunity to see the gospel in action. Whether it’s helping a fellow member move, providing service to the community, or supporting missionary work, these experiences help us internalize gospel principles and grow in our discipleship.
3. Support in Times of Need
Life is full of challenges, and having a strong support system is crucial. A well-functioning quorum acts as a brotherhood, ready to offer help, comfort, and encouragement during difficult times.
This support can take many forms. It might be providing meals to a family dealing with illness, offering emotional support to a member going through a divorce, or helping someone who’s lost their job with networking and job search assistance. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or personal emergencies, quorum members can mobilize quickly to provide needed assistance.
The support offered by a quorum extends beyond just practical help. It also includes spiritual support through prayers, priesthood blessings, and words of encouragement. This network of support can be a lifeline for members going through trials, reminding them that they’re not alone in their struggles.
4. Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities
Quorums naturally create mentorship opportunities due to the mix of ages and experiences among their members. Younger members can learn valuable life lessons from older, more experienced members who have navigated similar challenges. This mentorship can cover a wide range of topics, from career advice to parenting tips to spiritual guidance.
Leadership opportunities abound within quorums as well. Serving in quorum presidencies provides valuable experience in leading, organizing, and ministering to others. These leadership roles help members develop skills that are valuable not only in church service but also in their personal and professional lives.
Even outside of formal leadership positions, quorum members have opportunities to lead by example, organize activities, teach lessons, and take initiative in service projects. These experiences help members grow in confidence and develop their leadership abilities.
5. Missionary and Activation Work
A united quorum can be a powerful force for good in spreading the gospel and activating less-active members. When quorum members work together, they can more effectively reach out to those who have drifted away from the Church.
Quorums can organize “rescue missions” to reach out to less-active members, offering friendship, support, and gentle invitations to return to Church activity. They can also support full-time missionaries by providing referrals, accompanying them on teaching appointments, and helping new converts feel welcome in the ward.
Moreover, a strong quorum can be attractive to investigators and new members. Seeing the brotherhood and support within the quorum can help them understand the blessings of Church membership and motivate them to become more involved.
6. Fulfillment of Priesthood Duties
A strong quorum helps its members better fulfill their priesthood duties. This includes ministering to families, administering ordinances, and serving in various church callings.
When quorum members support each other in these responsibilities, the load becomes lighter for everyone. For example, experienced members can offer guidance on how to give effective priesthood blessings or provide tips for successful ministering visits. Quorum meetings can include training on how to perform various priesthood ordinances, ensuring that all members feel confident in their ability to serve.
Furthermore, a strong quorum culture encourages members to take their priesthood duties seriously. When we see our fellow quorum members faithfully fulfilling their responsibilities, it motivates us to do the same.
7. Personal Growth and Development
Beyond spiritual growth, quorums can foster personal development in many areas of life. The diverse experiences and skills within a quorum create a wealth of knowledge that members can tap into.
This might include career networking and advice, with members in various professions sharing insights about their fields. It could involve workshops on personal finance, time management, or other life skills. Some quorums organize book clubs or discussion groups to promote continuous learning and intellectual growth.
Physical health can also be a focus, with quorums organizing sports activities, fitness challenges, or health education sessions. These initiatives not only promote personal well-being but also strengthen the bonds between quorum members.
Unity is Final
The strength of a quorum lies in its unity and the active participation of its members. As we strive to build strong quorums, we create a powerful support system that benefits every priesthood holder, regardless of his individual circumstances.
Let us remember the words of President Harold B. Lee:
“All priesthood quorums are ‘commanded’ [by the Lord] to marshall their forces and, under the spirit and power of the Priesthood, to see to it that every person who is in distress is assisted by his quorum to become self-sustaining”.
I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to strengthening our quorums. Whether it’s through regular attendance, active participation, reaching out to less-active members, or volunteering for service opportunities, every effort makes a difference. As we do so, we’ll not only experience personal growth and blessings but also become more effective instruments in the Lord’s hands to bless the lives of others and build His kingdom on earth.
