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Doctrine & Covenants 106-108 Part 2 • Dr. Brent Top • Sept 22-28 • Come Follow Me

Release Date: September 17, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Brent Top

Overview

In this episode, Hank and John continue their in-depth discussion with Dr. Brent Top on Doctrine & Covenants Sections 106–108, focusing on Church governance, priesthood organization, and the practical blessings of these principles in modern Latter-day Saint life. The conversation moves from early Church history to contemporary applications, exploring succession, unity in leadership, the evolving roles of quorums, and the spiritual significance of priesthood keys and ordinances.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Succession and Unity in Church Leadership

• Historical context of Quorum succession:
  • Revelations about Church governance weren't immediately clear to early leaders; clarity came with later experiences and Joseph Smith's direct teachings ([00:57]).
  • The mission of the Twelve to the British Isles was inspired preparation—teaching them to act independently and as a quorum, building unity and experience for leading after Joseph's death ([01:36]).
• Principle of unanimity:
  • Decisions by the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and Seventy require unanimous consent, not just a majority, ensuring divine power accompanies unified action ([02:12]).
  • "The principle of unanimity is not just consensus. The principle of unanimity is power. The Lord bestows power when his servants are unified." — Dr. Brent Top [03:54]
  • Leadership modeled on Christlike attributes—meekness, long-suffering—contrasts sharply with corporate or worldly infighting ([06:32]).
  • Spirited discussions and disagreement exist, but the Lord unites through process and patience ([07:52]).

Trust in Church Leaders Amid Modern Skepticism

• Addressing cultural distrust of authority:
  • Faith in Church leaders grows from personal experience with how the Lord works through them; it's not blind faith but faith in the system of keys and priesthood order ([10:29]).
  • "When I've held keys...the Lord honors keys more than He honors even competence." — Dr. Brent Top [11:37]
  • Leaders’ background competence is secondary to revelation and proper priesthood authority.

The Role and Evolution of the Seventy

• Modern importance of the Seventy:
  • With the Church’s spread, the Seventy act as "hands and arms and legs and feet" of presiding quorums ([12:36]).
  • Historic evolution from local missionary service to worldwide leadership and administrative roles.
  • Distinction between keys and delegated authority: Seventies receive specific assignments, but not keys of presidency ([16:05]).
  • Real-world delegation: Stake presidents and patriarchs are called and authorized through this priesthood structure (including direct stories about the calling of patriarchs, e.g., James Womack’s story with President Kimball, illustrating inspiration and the Lord's choice independent of outward "qualifications") ([25:01]).

The Office, Keys, and Delegated Authority

• Keys and leadership callings:
  • Distinctions between receiving priesthood keys and acting by delegation, both on general and local levels ([20:02]).
  • "When you were set apart as a bishop, same thing... you have the keys conferred upon you to administer..." — Dr. Brent Top [20:08]
  • The Twelve’s role in ordaining patriarchs has evolved but is still central; local leaders now ordain under delegated authority from the Twelve ([22:30]).

President of the High Priesthood & Gifts of God

• The role of the President of the Church:
  • Presides by holding all keys and all gifts of God for the benefit of Church members ([28:50]).
  • This understanding fosters trust and reverence for the President of the Church as God's chosen servant ([29:10]).

Aaronic vs. Melchizedek Priesthood

• Spiritual significance and temple symbolism:
  • The Aaronic priesthood is preparatory, focusing on outward ordinances and temporal affairs (e.g., baptism, sacrament) ([31:25]).
  • The Melchizedek priesthood holds keys to all spiritual blessings, communion with God, and temple ordinances ([34:00]).
  • Rich tip: The structure of early temples, such as pulpits and assembly rooms, reflected these priesthood organizations ([33:16]).
  • Dr. Top underscores that both women and men are prepared through the covenant path to receive all of God’s blessings ([36:34]).

Learning, Patience, and Imperfection in Leadership

• Allowing leaders to learn their duty:
  • The Lord allows for mistakes and progression in Church organization and personal development, paralleling familial and parental patience ([39:11], [41:16]).
  • "The Church is not infallible any more than the President of the Church is infallible. But what is infallible ... is the revelations and... the keys." — Dr. Brent Top [44:03]
  • Members and leaders, local and general, need patience as they "learn their duty" (Doctrine & Covenants 107:99) ([40:29], [45:42]).

Personal Testimonies on Blessings of Church Leadership

• Impact of local and general leaders:
  • Personal, heartfelt testimonies of leaders’ influence—stories about how bishops, Young Men's leaders, and general authorities shaped the hosts’ and guest’s lives ([48:00]).
  • "I look back now, and in the 70s, I can't remember who won the Super Bowl... But I can remember my young men leaders. I can name every one of them and tell you things they taught me and sacrifices they made." — Hank Smith [48:00]
  • The impact of female Church leaders, often behind the scenes, is equally celebrated ([49:29]).
  • The priesthood structure—at every level—exists for the individual's blessing and growth ([38:37], [39:11]).

Church Structure Is For Blessing Individuals

• The hosts conclude by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the careful order in the Church—which ultimately blesses every member ([38:37], [54:52]).

Notable Quotes & Moments (Timestamps MM:SS):

• On Unanimity and Leadership Power:
  "The principle of unanimity is not just consensus. The principle of unanimity is power. The Lord bestows power when his servants are unified." — Dr. Brent Top [03:54]

• On Church Bureaucracy and Trust:
  "When I understand the doctrine of keys, when I understand the doctrine of presiding quorums, then I can begin to have that kind of trust." — Dr. Brent Top [11:05]

• On Priesthood Keys and Delegation:
  "When I was called and set apart as a mission president... The apostolic keys were exercised so that I was set apart as the mission president of a particular mission." — Dr. Brent Top [20:08]

• President Kimball & the Shreveport Patriarch:
  [25:01–28:01] - John shares President Monson's retelling of President Kimball's inspired selection of a patriarch with disabilities—emphasizing revelation and the Lord’s view over outward ability.

• Encouragement for All Members:
  "The most important office maybe that we have is as a member of the church, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, if I can be worthy and learn my duty, and I want to be counted worthy to stand at the last day." — Dr. Brent Top [38:37]

• On Christ-like Leadership & Personal Growth:
  "The Church is not infallible any more than the president of the Church is infallible. But what is infallible ... is the revelations and... the keys." — Dr. Brent Top [44:03]

• Blessing of Leaders in Personal Life:
  "I can name every one of them and tell you things they taught me and sacrifices they made. That's how the leadership has affected me from Aaronic Priesthood up until now." — Hank Smith [48:00]

• On Allowing Leaders and Members to Grow:
  "Let everyone learn their duty. Let them, let them learn... the Lord is going to allow individuals to make mistakes. We know institutions make mistakes and the Church is not infallible any more than the president of the Church is infallible." — Dr. Brent Top [45:42]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:57] – Was succession clear after Joseph Smith’s death?
• [02:12] – Quorum unity and need for unanimity
• [07:52] – Elder Bednar and the process of spiritual unity
• [10:29] – Trusting leaders in a skeptical culture
• [12:36] – The importance and evolution of the Seventy
• [20:08] – How priesthood keys are conferred; delegation of authority
• [25:01] – Story: President Kimball’s inspired choice of a patriarch
• [28:50] – President of the Church as the gift-holder for all
• [31:25] – Aaronic Priesthood’s role explained
• [34:00] – Melchizedek Priesthood and temple symbolism
• [39:11] – Blessings of Church structure for individuals and families
• [45:42] – Imperfection, lessons, and patience with all leaders
• [48:00] – Hosts’ personal reflections on Church leaders’ positive impact

Final Takeaways

• The Lord’s Church grows and adapts by revelation and practical experience; priesthood organization benefits every member, not just the leaders.
• Unity and humility among leaders unlock divine power—contentious leadership is antithetical to revelation.
• Every member can find comfort, hope, and personal blessing in the structure, progression, and ordinances of the Church.
• Even in imperfection, the Lord honors those who act within their calling and with the Spirit, extending grace and growth to individuals and leaders alike.
• Sustaining and supporting our leaders—general and local—fosters faith, gratitude, and personal discipleship.

[56:07] Dr. Brent Top: "Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ."