Community of Christ recognizes that all are called by their gifts and talents to ministry. Priesthood is seen as a particular expression of universal ministry to which all are called. In Community of Christ, both women and men can be ordained to the priesthood. All offices are seen as equal in importance, but the duties and responsibilities of each differ.

For a person to be called to the priesthood for the first time, his or her calling is typically discerned by the pastor of the local congregation. For certain offices of the priesthood the discernment will come through other church officials. Once the call has been administratively processed it is presented to the individual called. If that individual accepts the call and is sustained by a conference vote, he or she will be ordained to that office.

Priesthood Offices

In the Community of Christ the priesthood consists of two priesthoods, the Aaronic Order and the Melchisedec Order. The Aaronic Ministers are seen as ministers of presence, the Melchisedec Ministers as ministers of mission and vision.

Aaronic Order

The Aaronic Order consists of three priesthood offices. These offices are deacon, teacher, and priest. They hold the "key" to angelic ministry. The ministers of the Aaronic Order are seen as ministers of presence.

Deacon

A deacon models Jesus as comforter. Part of the ministry of deacons

Teacher

The teacher models Jesus as peacemaker. Teachers are called to strengthen the membership, see that the church meets often, preach and teach, reconcile those who have taken offense either at another person or the church, and lead people into paths of discipleship. A key attribute of a teacher is the ability to create friendship and to have knowledge of the families within a congregation. A teacher is a shepherd, one who recognizes the life problems that the members face each day. A teacher's relationship with others is one of redemptive love and concern.

Priest

A priest models Jesus as friend. Priests minister to families, preach and teach. They can also perform the Sacrament of Baptism, Administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and Solemize and perform the Sacrament of Marriage. They may also perform the sacrament of Ordination for those called to the office of deacon, teacher, or priest. They share with the elders the responsibility to explain all things concerning the church to those who have been baptized but yet to be confirmed.

Melchisedec Order

The Melchisdec Order consists of two main offices and several specialized offices within them. The offices are Elder and High Priest. At times elder is used to refer to all who are of the Melchisedec Order.

Elder

Elders are ministers of mission. Their ministry expresses the mission of the church. While their ministry is direct and tangible

Seventy

The Office of Seventy is a specialized function of the Office of Elder. Part of function of the Seventy is a missionary role and they work closely with the Apostle in charge of the field they are in to develop the strategies and resources to implement the missionary task of the church. They are organized into seven quorums, each quorum is presided over by a president. These presidents make up the Council of Presidents of Seventy.

High Priest

High Priests are ministers of vision. They can be called to serve in any of the offices of the priesthood and there are several specialized callings within this office. Collectively the High Priests are the Quorum of the High Priests. It is desired that the pastor or presiding officer of a large well established congregation is a High Priest.

Order of Bishops

The Order of Bishops or Bishopric guide the church in teaching the principles of Disciples' Generous Response along with the larger understanding of stewardship. They are lead by the Presiding Bishopric in providing support, training, and advocacy in empowering Aaronic ministers to respond to their call of ministry. The Presiding Bishop and two counselors who preside of the Order and are also the Presidents of the Aaronic Order. They also serve as judges in church court proceedings.

Order of Evangelists

This order is presided over by the Presiding Evangelist and are ministers of blessing. These High Priests that have been called to this order are free of administrative responsibilities and are to be responsive to the reconciling and redeeming influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all. They give parental counsel and advice to the church and confer spiritual blessings.

Council of Twelve Apostles

This council, also known as the apostolic quorum are the Second Presidency of the Church. They work with the First Presidency in leading the Community of Christ. They are primarily responsible for the church's missionary outreach. They are called to bear their personal witness of Christ and to enable the church to bear its witness as the fellowship of diciples of Christ. They administer the work of the Church in the Field and they work with the seventies in the area of missionary work.

First Presidency

Is the leading quorum of the Church made up of three High Priests. The First Presidency acts as both the president of the Church and president of the High Priesthood (Melchesedec Priesthood). The prophet-president of Community of Christ is the president of this Quorum, and chooses the other two members of the Presidency to serve as councilors. While all three are presidents of the church and high priesthood, the president has extra responsibilities as prophet, seer, and revelator of the church. This means the prophet-president bears the responsibility of bringing prophetic instruction to the church. The Presidency is to be the chief interpreters of the Word of God to the church.