Seeing the Full Tapestry: Covenant, Priesthood, and the Whole Community

Sometimes, when we’re studying the deep currents of Church history, the conversation can feel weighty. It can feel like wading through decades of assumptions and foundational structures. It’s the kind of subject that requires more than just reading a paragraph or two; it requires us to slow down, to listen, and to really *feel* the weight of the covenants being discussed.

As we continue in our calling to be Internet missionaries—to share the gospel wherever we are—we are constantly being asked to understand the *why* behind the *what*. And nothing is more central to the *why* than understanding the divine structure of our covenants. This week, I stumbled across a podcast episode that really illuminated this for me, and I immediately thought of our Rogue Disciples community.

The episode tackles the complex, beautiful, and sometimes challenging relationship between women and the priesthood. It’s not just a doctrinal deep dive; it’s a historical excavation. The scholars involved did a wonderful job of showing that this isn't a story of simple omission, but a story of evolving understanding, of women actively participating in and defining their roles within the covenant community.

What struck me most was the emphasis on the *power* and *authority* that women have always held, even when the historical narrative focused narrowly on specific lines of authority. Hearing scholars discuss the work of compiling decades of documents—from Relief Society minutes to early organizational histories—reminded me that the gospel story is far richer and more textured than any single chapter can capture.

A Reminder to Study the History

It’s a powerful reminder that to truly teach the gospel, we must be diligent students of the gospel itself. We can’t just rely on the CliffsNotes version of our faith; we have to dig into the source material. This is the kind of scholarly rigor that makes our testimonies so robust. It shows that the Lord’s plan is comprehensive, touching every aspect of our lives—our covenants, our families, and our service.

If you’ve been feeling that pull to dig deeper into the history of the Church, or if you're preparing for missionary discussions and want to be ready for the really thoughtful, nuanced questions, I highly recommend listening to the full episode. It’s a masterclass in how scholarship can illuminate doctrine with grace and depth.

Your Next Step as a Disciple

This topic, while scholarly, has immediate applications for us right now. It calls us to be more aware of the full scope of our participation in the work. It makes me think about the concept of being a disciple *anywhere, all the time*. Whether you are in the MTC, serving in your stake, or simply doing laundry in your own home, you are participating in the work.

For those of us who love digging into scripture and doctrine together, I wanted to point you toward our next Book Club session in HolyPlaces. We are diving into some foundational texts that speak to covenants and eternal belonging, and the discussion is shaping up to be rich with insight. It’s a wonderful place to practice those deep, thoughtful conversations that prepare us for the field.

If you don't have time for a Book Club right now, no worries! We have a free weekly Disciple Challenge waiting for you. It’s a low-pressure way to focus on a specific scripture passage or concept, and it’s a great way to keep the momentum going between our main gatherings.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary. Let’s keep asking those thoughtful questions and continuing to build up our knowledge so that when we do get to the field, we can answer those tough questions with confidence, guided by the Spirit and solid doctrine.