The Sixth Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declares, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” This statement reflects our belief in a divinely inspired pattern of church leadership established by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Just as the early Christian Church was guided by living apostles and prophets, we believe that Christ’s Church has been restored in our day with that same inspired structure.
Today, we are led by a living prophet who, like Moses and other ancient prophets, receives revelation from God to guide and direct His people. This continuity of prophetic leadership is a sign of God’s love and ongoing involvement in the lives of His children. Through the prophet and other church leaders, we receive counsel, direction, and encouragement to help us navigate the challenges of modern life while remaining firmly rooted in faith in Jesus Christ.
The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The living prophet today is President Russell M. Nelson, who also serves as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the senior apostle and ordained prophet, he is called to lead and guide the Church under the direction of Jesus Christ. He is supported by two counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, and President Henry B. Eyring, and together they form the First Presidency—the highest governing body of the Church. This inspired leadership ensures that revelation and guidance continue in our day, just as they did in ancient times.
President Russell M. Nelson
President Russell M. Nelson is the 17th prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was set apart as President of the Church on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Prior to this calling, he had been a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since April 7, 1984
Before his full-time Church service, President Nelson had a distinguished career as a world-renowned heart surgeon. He made significant contributions to the field of medicine and held prestigious positions throughout his career. He played a key role in the development of the artificial heart-lung machine, a life-saving technology that made open-heart surgery possible. He is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in Religion.
President Nelson was born on September 9, 1924. He and his late wife, Dantzel White Nelson, were blessed with 9 girls and 1 boy, 57 grandchildren, and more than 100 great-grandchildren. Dantzel passed away in February 2005. In April 2006 President Nelson married Wendy Watson, a former professor of marriage and family therapy. Together, they continue to exemplify love, devotion, and faith in their service to the Church and its members around the world.
President Dallin H. Oaks
President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, January 14, 2018. He has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since April 7, 1984
President Oaks was born in Provo, Utah, in 1932. He married his first wife, June Dixon Oaks, with whom he raised six children. June passed away on July 21, 1998. He later remarried Kristen M. McMain on August 25, 2000.
A distinguished legal scholar and leader, Dallin Oaks earned his degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Chicago Law School. He practiced and taught law in Chicago, gaining respect for his intellect and integrity. From 1971 to 1980, he served as president of Brigham Young University. Following that, he was appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, where he served until 1984 when he resigned to accept his calling as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Henry B. Eyring
President Henry B. Eyring has served as a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2007. He was first called to that role by President Gordon B. Hinkley and continued to serve under President Thomas S. Monson. He now serves as Second Counselor to President Russell M. Nelson. President Eyring has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since April 1, 1995. In addition to his apostolic service, he has also served in the Presiding Bishopric, the First Quorum of the Seventy, and as the Church Commissioner of Education.
Born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey, President Eyring is married to Kathleen Johnson Eyring. Together they are parents to six children- four sons and two daughters.
President Eyring earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Utah and went on to receive both a master’s and doctoral degree in business administration from Harvard University. He began his academic career as a member of the faculty at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Later, he served as the president of Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho, where he was known for his dedication to spiritual and academic growth among students.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The second key body in the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These twelve men are called and set apart as prophets, seers, and revelators, and they hold the sacred responsibility to witness of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Just as the apostles in the New Testament were chosen by the Savior to bear special witness of Him, so too are the modern apostles.
Each member of the Quorum of the Twelve is called to testify of Christ’s divinity, His atoning sacrifice, and His role as the Savior of the world. In addition to their role as special witnesses, they are also entrusted with leading the Church under the guidance of the First Presidency, receiving revelation for the Church and its members.
Seated from left to right: President Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Standing from left to right: Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder Ronald A Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Elder Dale G. Renlund, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Ulisses Soares,
I gathered this information from the Church’s official website and provided a summary. For more details on Church leadership, feel free to visit the leadership page.
Additionally, there are other individuals referred to as General Authorities, whose roles are also outlined on that page. Be sure to explore and learn more about their service as well.
Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints