How The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Organized

I wrote this a few years ago to answer a friend's question.

Here is a quick overview of how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized.

We believe that the same gospel and church organization which the Lord established in his mortal ministry has been restored again to the earth. This is why the name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (to distinguish us from the former or early saints).

We believe that the Lord guides his people today just as he always has, through a prophet and twelve apostles. These men have a few assistants to help them provide leadership to a large area of the world. Since these men devote their entire time to furthering the work of the Lord, they are paid a modest maintenance salary. These are the only paid clergy in the church.

Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, men and women are full equal partners both in the home and in the church. Men are given Priesthood responsibilities to provide spiritual leadership, and women have the natural responsibilities of Motherhood to nurture, teach, and lead. As we work together in complementary roles we all benefit.

I have watched my sons grow as they have been given Priesthood responsibilities a little at a time. At 12 a worthy young man can be ordained a Deacon and pass the Sacrament, collect fast offerings, and help keep up the church building. At 14 a worthy young man may be ordained a Teacher. His duties include those of a deacon plus they serve as home teachers; visiting families in the ward (local church group) and helping them. They also prepare the bread and water for the sacrament. At 16 a worthy young man may be ordained a Priest. He then has the authority to do all that a Teacher does plus he may baptize, and administer the sacrament. At 19 our oldest son was ordained an Elder. He had had four years of seminary during high school and was an official ordained minister as he served a two year mission in Ohio.