In the School of the Prophets, the role of a Teacher may feel very different from what many people are used to in traditional religious settings. Instead of focusing on strict rules or telling people exactly what to believe, the Teacher helps guide others in learning how to seek God for themselves. In many religious traditions, teaching can sometimes rely on fear, fear of being wrong, fear of punishment, or fear of questioning. The Fellowship takes a different approach. Here, the goal is faith over fear. We want to replace that culture of fear with a real relationship with God that leads to discernment. In simple terms, this means helping people learn how to listen, think, pray, and discern truth for themselves.
Restoration and Relationship
Within the broader Latter Day Saint movement and the idea of the “restoration of all things” (tikkun olam in Mormon Kabbalah), the Teacher acts as a bridge. Their role is to connect ancient scripture and spiritual wisdom with the real, everyday lives of people today. Rather than focusing on man-made creeds, the Teacher helps individuals build a real, lasting relationship with God.
This is why the role of the Teacher matters so much. A Teacher is not there to tell people what to think, but to help them learn how to think spiritually. They encourage personal revelation, helping each person grow in their own connection with God. To understand how this works, it helps to see how the Teacher fits within the broader priesthood structure.
Priesthood Authority and Equality
The office of Teacher belongs to what the Lord has called the “Low Priesthood of Life.” This includes the Levitical (Aaronic, and Miriamic) tradition. The word “low” does not mean less important, it merely describes its role. The Low Priesthood focuses on preparing and strengthening life on earth. It prepares the Earth for High Priesthood of Eternal Life (Melchizedek and Magdalen), which focuses on bringing heaven into the world (Levitical Priesthood 1:5-6). Both priesthoods are considered equal in the Lord. Together, they are part of the same divine authority, described as the “Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God” (DoS 119:24).
Another important idea in the Fellowship is equal authority. Instead of strict hierarchies, different groups (called quorums) are meant to work together as equals. This follows a pattern seen in early Restoration teachings, where leadership groups shared authority rather than competing for it (DoS 5b:17, 30, 45-46, 54). In the Low Priesthood, the quorums of Deacons, Teachers, and Priests/Priestesses are equal. They are meant to support one another and avoid pride or division (Levitical Priesthood 1:3). This spirit of equality shapes how Teachers live, serve, and interact with their communities.
Primary Duties and Spiritual Care
One of the Teacher’s main responsibilities is to “watch over the School and the Church” (Levitical Priesthood 1:22). This doesn’t mean control, it means care. Teachers look after the spiritual well-being of the community, helping keep people on what is called the “Path of Light,” or the journey back to God. Their work includes both protecting the community and helping it grow. In this role, they focus on awareness of spiritual struggles or tension, gently addressing harmful behaviors like lying, gossip, or unkind speech. The are to encourage honesty, humility, and kindness, strengthening unity and trust among members. This helps the community grow, teaching and sharing the gospel through the Spirit.
While many see the role of the teachers and merely explaining and discussing scripture, their deeper role this is to encouraging and uplifting others, inviting all people to come closer to Christ. And all of this is grounded in their calling (Levitical Priesthood 1:22). Teachers help create an environment where people feel safe, supported, and spiritually nourished. This responsibility becomes especially important in the School of the Prophets.
The School of the Prophets
The School of the Prophets has been mentioned a few time now, but what is it? The School of the Prophets is a nondenominational online seminary focused on spiritual learning and growth. This school is designed to be open and welcoming. Instead of enforcing strict doctrines, it encourages exploration, study, and personal revelation. Teachers play a key role in helping students understand scripture, develop spiritual awareness, and prepare for ministry.
The school is overseen by the Council of Fifty, which ensures that Teachers are in place to guide learning and help people understand sacred ordinances (Levitical Priesthood 1:19-20). The school has a focus on openness. We want to encourage people to deeply explore the scriptures. To do this, Teachers are formally called and set apart for this role (Levitical Priesthood 1:21).
Living the Principles: Altruism and Inclusion
At its heart, the role of a Teacher is about helping people move from self-centered living (egoism) to Christlike love (creative altruism). Drawing on the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Fellowship teaches that we can choose between “creative altruism” and “destructive selfishness” (Tearing Down Social Walls). Teachers help others recognize the divine worth within themselves and within every person.
The role of the Teacher is both simple and profound. It is about guiding, not controlling; encouraging, not demanding; loving, not judging. By helping individuals grow in their relationship with God, and by strengthening the community as a whole, the Teacher helps fulfill one of the greatest spiritual goals: that we might become one in Christ, caring for one another with love, kindness, and acceptance.
