Teacher

Generally, one who instructs, but also an ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The Book of Mormon explained that teachers were to be ordained “to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end.” According to the “Articles and Covenants” of the church, teachers were also to watch over the church and its members, “take the lead” of meetings when elders or priests were not present, and “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” Although teachers did not have the authority to baptize or administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, they could sign letters certifying the good standing of Saints who moved from one congregation to another, as well as assist elders in keeping current lists of members. A February 1831 revelation charged teachers to teach the principles of the gospel as found in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. In November 1831, a revelation directed groups of twenty-four teachers to be presided over by a president who would “sit in council with them—teaching them the duties of their office.” A September 1832 revelation stated that the office of teacher was an appendage to the lesser priesthood, later called the Aaronic priesthood. In 1835, teachers were designated “standing ministers of the church,” indicating they were to work with the church membership rather than focus on outward evangelization.