The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows the same pattern as the church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry, restored in modern times. He remains the head of the Church and directs His chosen servants as they lead.
The leaders of the worldwide Church are known as General Authorities and General Officers. General Authorities include the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authority Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. General Officers include the General Presidencies of the Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, and Young Men organizations.
The First Presidency is the highest governing body of the Church. Along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, members of the First Presidency are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They seek the Lord’s guidance as they oversee the affairs of the Church.
General Authorities, General Officers, and other Church leaders likewise seek divine guidance as they love and serve specific groups of Church members throughout the world.
View or download a chart of General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.
General Church Leadership
First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
First Presidency
Jesus Christ leads His Church through a prophet, who acts as the President of the Church, and two or three Apostles who are called to be the prophet’s counselors. This group is known as the First Presidency, and it is the highest governing body of the Church.
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest presiding body in the government of the Church. Its members travel the world as special witnesses of the name of Christ and serve under the direction of the First Presidency.
The Seventy
Presidency of the Seventy
The Presidency of the Seventy is a group of seven General Authority Seventies called as presidents by the First Presidency to preside over all members of the Seventy. One of the Seven Presidents is chosen to preside over the other six (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:93–94). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
General Authority Seventies
General Authority Seventies are Church leaders called by the First Presidency to be “especial witnesses” and to assist the Twelve in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” throughout the world. Some General Authority Seventies serve in the Presidency of the Seventy; others serve in Area Presidencies. Many Seventies live near Church headquarters and assist in directing important Church efforts from there.
Quorums of the Seventy
Members of the Seventy, including Area Seventies, are organized into quorums. The Presidency of the Seventy presides over these quorums.
General Officers
Relief Society General Presidency
The Relief Society General Presidency is called to lead the Relief Society, the Church’s organization for women, which has millions of members worldwide. The presidency is composed of a president, who is called by the President of the Church, and two counselors. These three women travel around the world to visit, teach, and minister to the women of the Church. They also counsel with other general Church leaders to strengthen the women of the Church and their families.
Young Men General Presidency
The Young Men organization promotes growth and development in young men through Sunday instruction and weekday activities. The Young Men General Presidency, which directs this organization for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three men are responsible for supporting young men ages 12 to 18 in the Church as they serve in the Aaronic Priesthood. Members of the Young Men General Presidency travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world and to strengthen the young men of the Church.
Young Women General Presidency
The Young Women organization promotes growth and development in young women through Sunday instruction and weekday activities. The Young Women General Presidency, which directs this organization for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three women are responsible for supporting young women ages 12 to 18 as they serve in the Church and prepare to make temple covenants. Members of the Young Women General Presidency travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world and to strengthen the young women of the Church.
Primary General Presidency
The Primary is an organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years. It teaches them about the gospel of Jesus Christ and helps them build faith. The Primary General Presidency, which directs the Primary for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three women work to strengthen children and families throughout the Church. Members of the Primary General Presidency travel frequently to meet with and teach Primary leaders and children throughout the world. They counsel with other general and local Church leaders to teach, serve, and watch over the children and families of the Church.
Sunday School General Presidency
The Sunday School General Presidency is responsible for religious instruction in the Church. The presidency consists of a president and two counselors who travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world, helping them improve religious teaching in Church meetings and in the home. They also work to strengthen members’ commitment to personal and family scripture study and help them increase their faith in Jesus Christ.
Area Leadership
Area Presidency
In each area, a General Authority Seventy is assigned by the First Presidency to serve as the Area President. Two counselors, who are General Authority Seventies or Area Seventies, are assigned to assist the president.
Area Seventies
Area Seventies are Church leaders called by the First Presidency to be “especial witnesses” and to assist the Twelve in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” in their assigned areas. They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.