Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode on Doctrine & Covenants 12-17, JSH 1:66; Part 1

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Wendy Ulrich

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve deep into the early foundational events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) by exploring Doctrine & Covenants sections 12-17 and Joseph Smith History 1:66. Joined by expert guest Dr. Wendy Ulrich, the discussion centers around the restoration of the priesthood, the roles within it, and the profound themes that underpin these sacred texts.

Understanding Priesthood Power

Dr. Wendy Ulrich initiates the conversation by redefining the concept of priesthood power. Contrary to worldly notions of power associated with positions, authority, or control, Dr. Ulrich emphasizes that priesthood power is fundamentally about "inspiring and motivating by love" (00:03).

"When we're talking about power in the priesthood, we are not talking about position... We inspire and motivate by love." – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [00:03]

This perspective sets the tone for a deeper exploration of priesthood dynamics within the church.

Themes in Doctrine & Covenants

Dr. Ulrich identifies two central themes in the Doctrine and Covenants:

1. Individual Relationship with God:
   God’s actions are personalized, aiming to develop a unique relationship and covenant with each individual. This personal interaction ensures that every member can fulfill their divine purpose.

2. Institutional Groundwork:
   Parallel to personal revelations, there is a deliberate effort to establish a lasting organizational structure. This framework is designed to sustain the church's mission across generations, ensuring longevity and stability.

"God knows us individually... He is starting to create an organization to create a framework that will outlast all of those individual people..." – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [02:16]

The Restoration of the Priesthood

The episode highlights the pivotal moment in May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, when John the Baptist bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This event is portrayed as monumental, marking the restoration of priesthood authority after centuries.

John Bytheway reflects on the unexpected arrival of John the Baptist:

"What comes to mind? Just John the Baptist showed up... We don't get used to that idea. This is like, Wait, wait, wait. What? He came." – John Bytheway [01:39]

Dr. Ulrich underscores the dual nature of this restoration—personal revelations coupled with the establishment of a structured church organization.

Offices and Roles within the Priesthood

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the offices within the Aaronic Priesthood and the involvement of women. Dr. Ulrich elaborates on how women hold authority and power within the priesthood, albeit not through formal offices traditionally held by men.

"Women hold authority and power in the priesthood in this church. Not necessarily in the ways that might be obvious to even us or certainly to the world..." – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [17:58]

The hosts explore the responsibilities associated with various priesthood offices—deacons, teachers, priests, and bishops—and how these roles symbolize broader spiritual truths and realities.

The Power in Ordinances: Receiving vs. Performing

A profound insight shared by Dr. Ulrich distinguishes between the power derived from receiving ordinances and from performing them. While performing ordinances is a sacred responsibility, the true power lies in the transformative experience of receiving these ordinances.

"The power in the ordinances is in receiving them. It's not hard with those kinds of descriptions..." – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [46:43]

This distinction emphasizes personal spiritual growth over the mere execution of religious duties.

Organizational Power and Service

The conversation shifts to the organizational aspect of the priesthood, highlighting how the church's structure facilitates the continuation of Christ's teachings. Dr. Ulrich draws parallels between biblical church organization and the modern LDS Church, illustrating how organizational power ensures the enduring legacy of spiritual teachings.

"The organizational power that he put in place that has taken his teachings forward. So what about us? What does power look like in our lives?" – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [48:37]

John Bytheway and Hank Smith share personal anecdotes about priesthood responsibilities, reinforcing the theme that true priesthood power manifests through service, love, and relational influence rather than authority or control.

Notable Quotes and Insights

• Dr. Wendy Ulrich [00:03]:
  "We inspire and motivate by love. That's the power that we're looking for."

• John Bytheway [01:39]:
  "This is our story. This is what you and I live every day."

• Dr. Wendy Ulrich [08:20]:
  "Women hold authority and power in the priesthood in this church. Not necessarily in the ways that might be obvious to even us or certainly to the world..."

• Dr. Wendy Ulrich [46:48]:
  "The power in the sacrament is not in passing the tray around. The power in the sacrament is taking the sacrament."

• Hank Smith [48:48]:
  "That's such an insight. Receiving the ordinances, being baptized… More important than performing those passing the sacrament."

• Dr. Wendy Ulrich [60:56]:
  "When have you felt like you were exercising power in that priesthood?"

• John Bytheway [67:16]:
  "We grow in power by coming here and being weak."

Conclusion: Embracing Priesthood Power

The episode concludes with a reflection on the multifaceted nature of priesthood power—spanning personal spiritual growth, relational influence, and organizational strength. Dr. Ulrich and the hosts encourage listeners to view priesthood authority not as a source of worldly control but as a divine tool for fostering love, service, and lasting spiritual foundations.

"We inspire and motivate by love. That's the power that we're looking for." – Dr. Wendy Ulrich [00:03]

As the discussion wraps up, listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the priesthood's role in personal and communal spiritual development, highlighting the enduring legacy of these early restorations in today's church.

For more resources and show notes, visit followhim.co.