Called and Set Apart

It shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. Doctrine & Covenants 42:11

No one can preach the gospel as a missionary (“go forth to preach”) or serve or teach in any way in the Church (“build up my church”) without having first been called and ordained or set apart by the acknowledged authorities of the Church, sustained publicly by the membership, and then set apart appropriately (D&C 42:11). Secret ordinations or clandestine callings have no part in the Lord’s Church. This law protects the Saints both personally and institutionally. We can trust the authority and callings of those who have been ordained or set apart by the leaders of the Church. We are protected from imposters who seek to deceive Church members and lead the Church astray. For this reason, we regularly raise our arm in sustaining votes. We manifest our support of the priesthood authority of our leaders and all who are called to serve. We extend the hand of fellowship and support in behalf of those who are called. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 107)