The Office of Bishop in Latter-day Saint Traditions
An in-depth, academic exploration of the historical development, theological underpinnings, and practical administration of the bishopric across various Latter-day Saint denominations.
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Introduction: The Bishopric in Context
A Priesthood Office of Distinction
Within the framework of the Latter Day Saint movement, the office of bishop represents the apex of the Aaronic priesthood. It is typically held by an individual who also possesses the higher Melchizedek priesthood, specifically the office of high priest. This ecclesiastical structure and the specific functions of a bishop diverge significantly from the roles and responsibilities attributed to bishops in many other Christian denominations. In certain respects, the Latter Saint bishop's role bears a closer resemblance to that of a pastor or a parish priest, emphasizing pastoral care and congregational leadership.
The Bishopric: A Council of Support
The bishop does not serve in isolation; rather, he presides with two counselors. This tripartite leadership council, known as a bishopric, forms the administrative and spiritual core of a local congregation, referred to as a ward. The collective responsibilities and authority vested in the bishopric are central to the governance and spiritual welfare of the ward members.
Denominational Variations
It is essential to recognize that the precise duties and operational scope of a bishop can exhibit variations across the different denominations that emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement. While these variations exist, they all stem from a shared historical origin and foundational principles regarding priesthood governance.
Historical Trajectory of the Office
Foundational Appointments
The formal institution of the bishopric within the early Latter Day Saint church commenced on February 4, 1831, with the calling of Edward Partridge. His initial mandate was to oversee the temporal affairs and financial stewardship of the nascent church, particularly through the implementation of the Law of Consecration. Partridge served as the bishop for the church in Missouri, acting under the direction of Joseph Smith. Concurrently, Newel K. Whitney was appointed as a bishop to manage the temporal responsibilities in Kirtland, Ohio, reflecting the church's early organizational structure.
Ward Organization and Growth
As the church established its headquarters in Nauvoo, Illinois, the membership was geographically organized into distinct administrative units known as "wards." Each ward was assigned a bishop responsible for its temporal administration. Edward Partridge continued his role, presiding over the "Upper Ward," while Newel K. Whitney led the "Middle Ward," and Vinson Knight oversaw the "Lower Ward." This structure facilitated localized oversight and management of congregational resources.
Evolution of the Presiding Bishopric
The establishment of a "Presiding Bishop" role marked a significant development in the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Edward Partridge is retrospectively recognized as the church's "First Presiding Bishop," although contemporaries did not necessarily perceive him as holding authority superior to other bishops of that era. Following the succession crisis of 1844, the roles of the bishop and the Presiding Bishop evolved independently within the various denominations that subsequently formed.
The Levitical Provision
Scriptural Basis and Interpretation
Latter Saint scripture delineates a specific provision concerning the office of bishop. It suggests that a bishop need not necessarily be a high priest, nor require counselors, if he is a literal descendant of Aaron, thus belonging to the tribe of Levi. Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith clarified this provision, positing that it applies specifically to the Presiding Bishop of the Church, rather than to bishops presiding over individual wards.
Contemporary Application
The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recognizes its Presiding Bishop, W. Kevin Romer, as a literal descendant of Aaron, holding the title of Aaronic High Priest. This instance highlights a denomination that adheres more directly to the scriptural provision for Levitical lineage in its episcopal leadership.
The Bishopric in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Calling and Service
In the LDS Church, bishops are selected from among the membership of a local congregation, or ward. This calling is typically served for a period of four to seven years, though the duration can vary. A bishop must be a worthy holder of the Melchizedek priesthood and is generally expected to be married. The bishop functions as the presiding high priest within the ward and simultaneously serves as the president of the Aaronic priesthood and the priests quorum therein.
The "Father of the Ward"
Often referred to as the "father of the ward," the bishop is the priesthood leader most intimately connected with the individual members of his congregation. This role emphasizes pastoral care and guidance. All leadership positions within the LDS Church operate on a lay ministry basis, meaning members volunteer their time without monetary compensation. The bishopric, comprising the bishop and his two counselors, works collaboratively to fulfill the ward's spiritual and temporal needs.
Leadership Structure
The immediate ecclesiastical superior to a bishop is the stake president, who provides direction, training, and counsel to the bishops within his geographical jurisdiction (stake). New bishops are nominated by the stake president but are formally sustained and called in writing by the First Presidency of the Church. Furthermore, the proposed ordination of a bishop must be accepted by common consent from the members of the ward he is to serve.
Core Responsibilities of a Bishop
Presiding Over Services and Priesthood
The bishop holds ultimate responsibility for the ward's spiritual and temporal well-being. This includes presiding over and conducting Sunday worship services, notably the sacrament meeting. He selects speakers and oversees the monthly fast and testimony meeting. As president of the Aaronic priesthood, he guides the priests quorum, prepares young men for missionary service and temple participation, and oversees baptisms and missionary efforts within the ward.
The Role of a "Judge in Israel"
Bishops serve as spiritual judges, interviewing members for temple recommends and addressing serious transgressions through confession and repentance processes. They may preside over church membership councils, determining outcomes that can range from informal guidance to formal membership restrictions or withdrawal. Bishops also provide counsel on spiritual matters and mediate disputes among ward members, typically deferring to civil law when matters are taken to secular courts.
Temporal Stewardship and Welfare
A significant duty involves overseeing the collection and accounting of tithes and offerings. Bishops are authorized to disburse fast offerings to assist the needy within the ward and can provide "in-kind" assistance, such as food and goods from the bishop's storehouse. They evaluate the needs of individuals and families, allocating available resources accordingly.
Organizational Leadership
The bishop is responsible for calling and setting apart leaders for the ward's various organizations, including the Sunday School, Relief Society, Young Men, Young Women, and Primary. He approves recommendations for counselors, secretaries, and instructors within these organizations, ensuring efficient management of member contributions of time and talent.
Branch Presidents: Leadership in Smaller Congregations
Similarities and Differences
In smaller congregations, termed branches, a Melchizedek priesthood holder is typically called as the branch president. This role mirrors many of the bishop's responsibilities, including presiding and providing spiritual and temporal leadership, assisted by two counselors. However, a branch president does not need to be a high priest and is not ordained to the office of bishop.
Exceptional Callings
In rare circumstances, where no suitable Melchizedek priesthood holder is available, a priest from the Aaronic priesthood may be called as a branch president. While branch presidents and their counselors may or may not hold the office of high priest, they do not receive the ordination specific to the bishopric.
The Presiding Bishopric
Centralized Temporal Oversight
The LDS Church also maintains a Presiding Bishop, who holds a central administrative role. This office is responsible for overseeing the temporal affairs of the entire church, including its welfare services. The Presiding Bishop provides guidance, instruction, and support to bishoprics worldwide, ensuring consistency and adherence to church policies in temporal matters.
Historical Role of Traveling Bishops
Early Utah Period
During the formative years in Utah, roughly from the 1850s to the 1880s, the calling of "traveling bishop" was significant. These individuals were not assigned to a specific congregation but were tasked with visiting various wards and branches. Their primary function was to supervise and manage temporal matters across these dispersed communities, ensuring financial stewardship and administrative oversight in areas where permanent bishoprics were not yet established or fully functional.
Bishops in the Community of Christ
Stewardship and Finance Focus
In the Community of Christ, the role of the bishop largely retains its historical character as it existed prior to the death of Joseph Smith. Bishops function primarily as financial officers and ministers of stewardship, rather than as congregational pastors or branch presidents. While the theoretical possibility of a literal descendant of Aaron holding the office exists, all current bishops are members of the high priesthood, as any high priest is qualified to serve in lesser offices.
Jurisdictional Administration
Bishops in the Community of Christ are organized within an Order of Bishops, presided over by the Presiding Bishopric. Although all members are associated with a home congregation, bishops are not strictly congregational officers. Instead, they preside over larger administrative jurisdictions, managing finances for areas such as mission centers or, historically, stakes. This makes the office of bishop relatively uncommon, with multiple bishops sometimes appointed within a single mission center to support various stewardship ministries.
Support and Mentorship
Some bishops are appointed as "field bishops" to assist members of the Council of Twelve Apostles. The Presiding Bishopric also holds responsibility as the presidency of the entire Aaronic priesthood. Consequently, bishops are often viewed as valuable resources for providing support and mentorship to local members of the Aaronic priesthood.
Scholarly Notes
Clarifications and Context
The following points offer additional context and clarification derived from the source material:
Scholarly References
Source Materials
- Hartley, William G. "Bishop, History of the Office." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, 119โ122. 1992.
- Doctrine and Covenants 68:14โ21.
- "Section 68: Scripture Is the Will, Mind, Word, Voice, and Power of God unto Salvation." Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Manual. Church Educational System, 2002.
- "Remnant Doctrine and Covenants Section 161." The Remnant Church.
- General Handbook, 6. The Bishopric.
- Ensign, October 1990, "What callings are open to single members of the Church?".
- Pearson, Don M. "Bishop." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, 117โ118. 1992.
- Packer, Boyd K. "The Bishop and His Counselors." Ensign, May 1999.
- Bradford, David C. "Bishopric." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, 122โ123. 1992.
- Ballantyne, Verfon W. "Aaronic Priesthood: Powers and Offices." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, 1โ3. 1992.
- "Branch Presidency." Branch Guidebook. LDS Church, 2001.
- Pace, D. Gene. "Changing Patterns of Mormon Financial Administration: Traveling Bishops, Regional Bishops, and Bishop's Agents, 1851โ88." BYU Studies 23, no. 2 (1983): 183โ195.
- Pace, Donald Gene. Commodities, Cash, and Clerics: Economic Priorities and Administrative Strategies in Nineteenth Century Utah. AuthorHouse, 2009.
- Ludlow, Daniel H., ed. Encyclopedia of Mormonism. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1992. ISBN 0-02-879602-0. OCLC 24502140.
Further Exploration
The Joseph Smith Papers
For deeper insights into the historical context and early administration of priesthood offices, including the bishopric, the archives of The Joseph Smith Papers offer invaluable primary source material. Their glossary provides definitions and historical context for key terms and roles.
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References
References
- Doctrine and Covenants 68:14รขยย21.
- General Handbook, 6. The Bishopric
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