Priesthood and Church Organization

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defines “priesthood” as the authority to act in the name of God. The same authority which existed in the original Church founded by Jesus Christ also exists in the Church of Jesus Christ today. The Church is guided and led by it.

All male members of the Church, who have prepared, and are worthy, receive the priesthood (possible from the age of 12) in order to help lead the Church and serve others. A man who holds the priesthood can serve, for example, in the following ways:

• By leading a Church unit
• By performing sacred ordinances, such as baptism, blessing the sacrament, confirmation.
• By blessing the sick

The Church of Jesus Christ is led by the Lord Jesus Christ through a living prophet. The prophet is assisted by two counselors. Together they form the First Presidency. These three men are assisted by a Quorum of Twelve Apostles and several quorums of Seventies. Apart from that, there are further area and local leaders. The basic unit of the Church is the family. All the programs and efforts of the Church are designed to assist and strengthen marriages and families.

Leadership and Organizational Structure