For active Mormons, their church is more than just a place to worship. It is the cornerstone of their lives, the center of their communities, and the embodiment of their faith. They believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the only true church on earth, and led by modern-day prophets and apostles who receive direct revelation from God. In this blog post, we will explore the personal and organized approach to faith of active Mormons and the various ways the LDS Church shapes the lives and identities of its members.
Hierarchy of General Authorities
The LDS Church is highly organized from top to bottom, with a hierarchical structure of leadership. The highest governing body is the First Presidency, which consists of the prophet and his two counselors. They are followed by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are considered special witnesses of Jesus Christ and hold the same authority as the prophet. Beneath the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the Seventy, who are called to be special witnesses of Christ to the world. Each member of the Seventy oversees multiple stakes (groups of congregations) and areas of the world.
Authority to Act for God
LDS leaders at every level claim to have authority to act for God. This authority is called the priesthood, which is divided into two levels: the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Aaronic Priesthood is held by young men beginning at age 12, and it includes the authority to baptize and administer the sacrament (communion). The Melchizedek Priesthood is held by adult men and includes the authority to perform all other ordinances of the Church, such as blessing the sick and giving patriarchal blessings.
The Role of Local Wards
The LDS Church provides many avenues of involvement, mainly through the local ward, which shapes the life and identity of its members. A ward is a geographical congregation, usually consisting of several hundred members. Each ward has a bishop, who is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the members and the administration of the ward. The bishop is assisted by two counselors and a number of other leaders who oversee various programs and activities in the ward.
One of the unique aspects of the LDS Church is its emphasis on lay leadership. All local leaders are volunteers and are called to serve by the inspiration of local leaders and through revelation. This means that members of the congregation are actively involved in the administration of the Church, and many members have the opportunity to serve in leadership positions.
