Quorum
General Authorities
Jesus Christ leads His Church through a prophet, who acts as the President of the Church, and two 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. This quorum is also known as the Council of the First Presidency.[1][2]
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest leadership body of the Church. Each Apostle holds all the keys of the kingdom and exercises those keys under the direction of the President of the Church.
The office of Seventy in the Melchizedek Priesthood is referenced in both the Old and New Testaments. There are General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies. They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Members of the Seventy, including Area Seventies, are organized into quorums. The Presidency of the Seventy, composed of seven members of the Seventy, are called as presidents to preside over all members of the Seventy. One of the seven presidents is chosen to preside over the other six. The number of members of the Seventy and quorums of Seventy may increase with the growth of the Church.
Ward and Stake Quorums
High Priests quorum meets on a ward basis, but its leaders are called by the stake. Since a man must become a high priest in order to serve in a bishopric or stake presidency, most members of high priests quorums are experienced in church service and may be advancing in age.
Elders quorum consists of the elders, or men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. If a ward elders quorum becomes too large, a second quorum is established.
Priests quorum is made up (on a ward level) of Aaronic Priesthood holders.
Within their quorums, men and young men receive lessons on gospel subjects in priesthood classes. They participate in projects for the welfare of the Saints as directed by the bishop, and they organize certain ward activities. They manage the preparedness and self-reliance of the saints in their areas, especially to prepare for possible emergencies. They also perform acts of needed service for individuals and families in need, often through the Ministering program.
