Presidency (theology)

Presidency is a religious, organizational concept loosely based on The Trinity, where leadership resides in a head (commonly called the "President") supported by two (or more) assistants with unique duties and responsibilities. This structure is prominent in Christianity, where the idea of a Godhead is pronounced, with Christ acting in the supporting role of Savior, and the Holy Spirit taking over the responsibility of Witnessing. This idea is also present in other religions.

=Biblical Presidencies=

The Christian Church

Christ in his mortal ministry organized the Christian church, but his leadership was apparently not restricted to his lifetime, but stretched throughout human history. This presidency appears to be referred to in the Transfiguration on the Mount, when Peter said "Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias" (Matthew 17:4).

Christ was President and Head of the Church. Specifically he established an organization with the responsibility to minister to the people so that they could become "perfect" (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Moses, the Great Lawgiver, would be the 1st Assistant in this earthly church. Similar to his actions during his mortal lifetime, he is most likely responsible for the dissemination of the code of conduct for the Christians of the world, the Ten Commandments.

Elias (Elijah), the great prophet known as the Champion of the Lord, defended the Israelite religion of his time against the inroads of paganism, particularly the idolatry of Jezebel. His ongoing duty as Christ's 2nd Assistant appears to be to insure that a spiritual legacy is passed from generation to generation, in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. (See Malachi 4:5-6.)

Some theologians feel that the significance of The Transfiguration was that the Presidency of the overall Church (Christ, Moses and Elijah) called Peter, James and John to be the (new) Presidency for the period of time in which they lived.

Old Testament Presidencies

When Moses led the Children of Israel through the wilderness, he was likewise supported by two assistants, Aaron (his older brother) and Hur (Exodus 24:14). (See also Exodus 17:12. Note the symbolism of Aaron and Hur "supporting" the arms of Moses.) At their deaths, Joshua and Caleb (leaders from the tribes of Ephraim and Judah, respectively) became Moses' assistants.