In a 19th June news statement the Mormon Church explained its purpose, structure and place in the world. In the Organisation section they state the following:
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized the same way that Christ organized His church in New Testament times. It is led by a prophet who serves as president of the Church. He has two counselors, and these three leaders constitute the First Presidency. The First Presidency is assisted by twelve apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Leaders called seventies assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and serve in various areas throughout the world. Local congregations are led by bishops. The main organization for women in the Church is the Relief Society, which was founded in 1842."
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized the same way that Christ organized His church in New Testament times. It is led by a prophet who serves as president of the Church. He has two counselors, and these three leaders constitute the First Presidency. The First Presidency is assisted by twelve apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Leaders called seventies assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and serve in various areas throughout the world. Local congregations are led by bishops. The main organization for women in the Church is the Relief Society, which was founded in 1842."
To claim that the Mormon Church is organised the same way that the Lord organised his church in New Testament times Mormons would have to find a clear biblical model of church and demonstrate that a faithful "latter-day" copy of that model had been "restored".
I challenge any Mormon to show me where in the Bible I can find a church president and two counsellors, three extra leadership roles above apostles, a woman's organisation of any kind, a description of the function of seventies as assistants to the twelve apostles as described in Mormonism, local congregations headed exclusively by bishops (in the NT they are led by bishops, elders, pastors etc.), twelve-year-old deacons, fourteen-year-old teachers, sixteen-year-old priests and eighteen-year-old elders, patriarchs, Area Representatives, High Counsellors, temples (plural), temple presidents, stake presidents, mission presidents.
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