General Church Administration
First Presidency
The President of the Church is the prophet, seer, and revelator. As the senior apostle and president of the Melchizedek Priesthood, he presides over the entire Church (see D&C 107:8, 65-67, 91-92). He is the only person on earth who may use (or authorize another person to use) the keys of the priesthood for governing the entire Church (see D&C 43:1-4; 81:2; 132:7). He is also the only person on earth who is authorized to receive revelation for the entire Church (see D&C 28:2; 132:7).
The President's counselors are also prophets, seers, and revelators. The President and his counselors form a Quorum of the First Presidency of the Church (see D&C 107:22).
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world" (D&C 107:23). They act under the direction of the First Presidency "to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations" (D&C 107:33). They "open the door [to the nations] by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 107:35).
The Twelve direct the calling of stake patriarchs (see D&C 107:39). They also "ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church" (D&C 107:58).
Along with the First Presidency, the Twelve are prophets, seers, and revelators and hold the keys of the kingdom of God on earth (see D&C 27:12-13; 110:11-16; 112:30-32).
Quorums of the Seventy
Members of the Quorums of the Seventy are "called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world" (D&C 107:25). They work "under the direction of the Twelve ... in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations" (D&C 107:34). In their quorums, the Seventy are presided over by the Presidents of the Seventy (see D&C 107:93-94).
Those who are called to the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy are designated General Authorities with jurisdiction throughout the Church. Those who are called to other Quorums of the Seventy are designated Area Authority Seventies with
jurisdiction limited to the areas in which they are assigned. Area Authority Seventies are assigned to quorums according to geographic location.
Presiding Bishopric
The Presiding Bishopric is the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood of the Church (see D&C 107:15). Under the direction of the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric administers the temporal affairs of the Church (see D&C 107:68).
Area Administration
An area is the largest geographic division of the Church.
Area Presidency
The First Presidency assigns an Area Presidency to preside over each area under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve. Area Presidents are assigned from the First or Second Quorum of the Seventy. Their counselors may be assigned from any Quorum of the Seventy.
Area Authority Seventies
Area Authority Seventies serve under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve, the Presidents of the Seventy, and the Area Presidency where they are assigned. Like other Seventies, they may be assigned to preside at stake conferences, create and reorganize stakes, set apart stake presidencies, and ordain and set apart bishops. They also may serve on area councils and as counselors in Area Presidencies. In addition, they may be assigned to tour missions and assist with training in stakes, missions, and districts. They may be given other responsibilities as needed.
Regional Administration
Areas of the Church are divided into regions for welfare purposes only. When creating or restructuring welfare regions, Area Presidencies obtain the concurrence of the Presiding Bishopric and the General Welfare Executive Committee.
Area Presidencies organize a regional welfare committee for each welfare region. The composition and responsibilities of this committee are outlined on pages 5l-52.