Glossary of Terms
This glossary defines words used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that might not be familiar to those who are not members.
Sacrament
The formal blessing and administering of bread and water representing the body and blood of Christ to Church members, usually during a Sunday worship meeting. It is the equivalent of communion in many other Christian churches.
Sacrament Meeting
The term for a regular Latter-day Saint worship service, usually held each week on Sunday, where the sacrament (communion) is offered to the members of the Church. Sacrament meetings include music, talks, testimonies and prayers.
Saints
A generic term often used for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or for members of the New Testament church.
Sealing
A religious ceremony performed in temples whereby a husband and wife are joined together in marriage for all eternity. Children may be sealed to their parents for eternity. Sealings may also be performed by proxy on behalf of deceased people.
Seer
A prophet selected and appointed by God to have insights of things past, present and future that would otherwise not be known. The president of the Church and the Twelve Apostles are upheld by the membership as prophets, seers and revelators to the Church.
Seminary
A program to help Mormon youth become familiar with the scriptures and to apply scriptural principles and lessons in daily living.
Seventy
One of the ordained offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the higher order of the priesthood. Seventies have all the powers of elders, along with a special call and ordination to preach the gospel and serve as “special witnesses” of Christ to the world. Seventies, whose offices are mentioned in the New Testament, are also known as “traveling ministers.”
Spirit World
A place where the spirit goes after it is separated from the physical body at death. In the spirit world, people who did not have the chance to learn about Jesus Christ while on earth are taught His gospel. This spirit world serves as a waiting place until the resurrection. The term "spirit world" also refers to the place where the spirit children of God existed before coming to earth.
Stake
A geographical subdivision of the Church composed of several wards; similar to a diocese.
Stake President
The leader of a stake.
Standard Works
Four volumes of scripture regarded as the word of God by the Church. These are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.