The purpose of meeting together as the church is not to fulfill some scriptural obligation. It is not something to keep us busy and bored on a Sunday. No. The purpose of gathering together as the church is to commune with our local community of believers in Christ. In doing this we increase the strength of our social bonds, we support and strengthen one another, and we experience spiritual gifts together.

There are branches of the various sects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that meet in places all over the world. The United Church of Jesus hcrist of Latter Day Saints movement encourages memebrs to meet together in home groups as a way to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the community of believers that may not be met at corporate Church meetings. To find a meeting of any one of the various sects of the church click here and then find the contact information for the sect.

As more local home groups being meeting we will list their locations here so you can find one in your area.

How to Meet

If you are a member of the church you can start meeting together with other members in your area. The scriptures provide the pattern by which you can meet together.

When you meet together you should do so according to the Spirit. This means that you shouldn't have a set pattern of doing things. When the Spirit says to sing then you sing. When the Spirit says to pray then you pray.

Meetings are a time to allow the Spirit to flow and for members to commune together. They are a time to allow the gifts of the Spirit to edify your group. Gift of the Spirit are words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

Because meeting should be operated by the Spirit any sermons should not be prepared before hand. If a person feels inspired to speak then they should speak.

General meetings can be done by any community of believers. However if a group wishes to baptize or administer the sacrament they will need priesthood officers to administer those ordinances.

All groups should read the scriptures, especially Doctrine and Covenants Section 20, to learn how to operate church meetings.

Deacons are the servants of the church, they are standing ministers which mean they remain in their group and administer to their needs. Deacons can are to assist Teachers in their duties. However they cannot baptize, lay on hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, nor can they administer the sacrament.

Teachers are to edify the church, they are also standing ministers. They can take the lead of meetings when an elder or priest is not present. Like Deacons they cannot baptize, lay on hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, nor can they administer the sacrament.

Priests are to administer to the members. Priest may be standing ministers or the may assist Elders by traveling. This means that they may go to different areas where there are no church groups organized or where there are no church groups that have priesthood officers. Priests can administer the sacrament and take the lead of meetings only when an elder is not present.

Elders may be standing or traveling ministers. They can baptize and administer the sacrament. The can ordain other officers and lead meetings by the Spirit.

Bishops help administer in the temporal affairs of the church. They help administer communal property. Literal descendants of Aaron have a legal right to the office of Bishop. However High Priests can administer in this office when no descendant can be found.

High Priests can administer all other offices.

These descriptions are not meant o be definitive. The scriptures are the final word for these offices. Members should consult the scriptures to learn the precise nature and duties of these officers.

If you have any notable experiences as you meet together with your local community of believers please share them with us at community@ucjclds.org.