Study Guide for "Behold! A Royal Army"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses the significant changes announced by President Russell M. Nelson regarding the organization of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. Elder Rasband emphasizes the divine inspiration behind these adjustments and the blessings that will follow as members faithfully implement them. He draws upon his extensive experience in various Church units worldwide to illustrate the hand of the Lord in guiding His work and highlights the unity and strength that will come from these inspired changes.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What significant changes to the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums were announced by President Russell M. Nelson?
How does Elder Rasband describe the process of receiving inspiration for these changes?
What are some of the expected benefits of combining high priests groups and elders quorums at the ward level?
How does Elder Rasband illustrate the unity and strength of the priesthood through his experiences?
What specific roles and functions will the stake high priests quorum continue to have?

Topics

Implementing Inspired Changes in the Priesthood

Elder Rasband discusses the significant changes announced by President Nelson regarding the organization of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. He explains that these adjustments were made after much prayer and consideration to seek the Lord's will and strengthen the quorums.

The changes announced this evening are the will of the Lord.

This is a matter that has been prayerfully discussed and considered by the senior Brethren of the Church for a long time.

What was the main purpose behind the changes to the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums?
How did the senior Brethren of the Church seek the Lord's will regarding these changes?
How can you personally support and sustain the new changes in your ward or stake?
What experiences have you had that confirm the importance of seeking the Lord's will in Church decisions?

Strengthening Unity and Coordination

The changes to the priesthood quorums aim to harmonize the work of elders quorums and Relief Societies, simplify coordination with the bishopric and ward council, and allow bishops to focus more on their primary duties.

These adjustments will help elders quorums and Relief Societies harmonize their work.

They will also simplify the quorum’s coordination with the bishopric and ward council.

What are the expected benefits of harmonizing the work of elders quorums and Relief Societies?
How will these changes simplify coordination with the bishopric and ward council?
In what ways can you help improve the coordination between your quorum and the ward council?
How can you support your bishop in focusing on his primary duties?

Role and Function of the Stake High Priests Quorum

Elder Rasband clarifies the continued role of the stake high priests quorum, which will consist of high priests currently serving in specific leadership positions. He outlines the adjustments in meetings and responsibilities for these brethren.

Stake presidencies will continue to serve as the presidency of the stake high priests quorum.

The stake presidency meets with members of the high priests quorum to counsel together, to testify, and to provide training.

Who will be members of the stake high priests quorum under the new changes?
What will be the primary role of the stake high priests quorum?
How can you support the stake high priests quorum in its new role?
What can you do to contribute to the training and mentoring efforts within your quorum?

Blessings of the Quorum Restructuring

Elder Rasband testifies that the inspired quorum restructuring will bring numerous blessings, including increased priesthood resources for the work of salvation, stronger quorum membership, greater diversity of gifts, and more flexibility to meet needs.

We will see a multitude of blessings.

There will be a greater diversity of gifts and capacities within the quorum.

What are some of the blessings Elder Rasband mentions that will come from the quorum restructuring?
How will the restructuring impact the work of salvation and the strength of quorum membership?
What specific blessings have you seen or do you anticipate seeing from the quorum restructuring?
How can you contribute to the diversity of gifts and capacities within your quorum?

Living Righteously to Access Priesthood Power

Elder Rasband reminds brethren that real priesthood power comes through righteous living. He urges members to reflect and improve their lives to better align with the Lord's will and deserve the blessings He has promised.

Real priesthood power, the power to act in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, can come only through righteous living.

Let us each use this opportunity to reflect and improve our lives to better align with His will.

What is the difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power?
How can members access real priesthood power?
In what areas of your life can you improve to better align with the Lord's will?
What steps can you take to live more righteously and access greater priesthood power?