Posted by:
hobblecreek
(
)
Date: February 19, 2012 07:19PM
Most Christian churches get their ideas on offices in the church from two sources, from reading the New Testament or from the historic Christian tradition. The NT mentions a lot of different potential ministries and can be interpreted in various ways. In the historic Christian church there is traditionally a three tiered ministry of bishop, presbyter, and deacon. The bishops and presbyters are considered to share in a common priesthood that is thought to be derived from the original apostles and is neccesary for offering the Eucharist.
Some churches try to go solely on the NT record, others follow the three tiered ministry, others some blend of the two. Joseph Smith started with the NT text, like many Protestants do, but then started to add his own unconventional spin on things.