Handbook 2:
Administering the Church

 

19.4 Setting Apart Officers and Teachers

Members who are called to most Church positions should be set apart before they begin serving. The Chart of Callings indicates who is authorized to perform a setting apart. Presidents are set apart before their counselors.

Under the direction of the presiding authority, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in a setting apart, including a worthy father or husband (see 20.1.2). These brethren place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the priesthood holder who acts as voice:

  1. 1.

    Calls the person by his or her full name.

  2. 2.

    States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

  3. 3.

    Sets the person apart to the appropriate office in the stake, ward, quorum, high priests group, or class.

  4. 4.

    Confers keys if the person is entitled to receive them. (In stakes and wards, only stake presidents, bishops, and quorum presidents receive keys of presidency when they are set apart. The word keys should not be used when setting apart counselors, high councilors, high priests group leaders, presidents of auxiliary organizations, the bishop’s priests quorum assistants, or teachers in an organization.)

  5. 5.

    Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.

  6. 6.

    Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

A setting apart is an opportunity to give a blessing. Detailed counsel and instruction are normally provided when a person is taught his or her duties rather than during the setting apart.

A setting apart should not be expanded into a formal meeting. It is not necessary to have prayers, testimonies, or instruction when someone is set apart.