The Difference Between Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum Structure

A concise overview of how these two priesthoods in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are organized and why their structures differ.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 8, 2026

Branched from How Quorum Presidencies Are Called and What Qualifications Leaders Look For

Quick take

Aaronic Priesthood quorums are organized by age and office (deacon, teacher, priest).
Melchizedek Priesthood quorums are organized primarily by office (Elders Quorum for all adult men).
Aaronic Priesthood focuses on preparatory ordinances and youth leadership development.
Melchizedek Priesthood focuses on spiritual leadership, higher ordinances, and pastoral care.

Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood quorums are organized groups of male members in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold specific priesthood offices. Their structures differ primarily based on the responsibilities, age groups, and scope of authority associated with each priesthood, designed to foster spiritual growth and facilitate service within the church.

The Aaronic Priesthood: Preparation and Age-Based Quorums

The Aaronic Priesthood is often called the preparatory priesthood. It is conferred upon worthy male members beginning at age 12. Its quorums are organized specifically by age and the office held within that priesthood, providing a structured environment for young men to learn leadership skills, serve others, and perform foundational ordinances.

Deacons Quorum: For 12- and 13-year-olds, holding the office of Deacon. Typically led by a quorum president and two counselors from among its members, with an adult adviser.
Teachers Quorum: For 14- and 15-year-olds, holding the office of Teacher. Also led by a quorum presidency from its members and an adult adviser.
Priests Quorum: For 16- to 18-year-olds, holding the office of Priest. This quorum is unique in that the bishop of the ward (congregation) presides over it, with two assistants from the quorum members.

These quorums focus on duties like passing the sacrament (communion), collecting fast offerings, and caring for the meetinghouse, all while developing leadership and service skills.

The Melchizedek Priesthood: Spiritual Leadership and Broader Scope

The Melchizedek Priesthood, also known as the higher priesthood, is typically conferred upon worthy male members aged 18 and older. Its quorums are organized differently, reflecting a broader scope of spiritual responsibility and service to the ward and community.

Elders Quorum: This is the primary Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in each ward. It includes all male members 18 and older who hold the offices of Elder or High Priest (unless they are currently serving in a stake presidency, bishopric, or as a patriarch). It is presided over by an Elders Quorum president and two counselors.
High Priests Quorum (Stake Level): While the ward High Priests Group was integrated into the Elders Quorum in 2018, a High Priests Quorum still exists at the stake level. This quorum consists of the members of the stake presidency and any patriarchs called within the stake, presided over by the stake president. All other High Priests in the ward are members of the Elders Quorum.

Melchizedek Priesthood quorums focus on administering spiritual ordinances like healing the sick and giving blessings, teaching doctrine, providing pastoral care, and leading the ward in various initiatives.

Understanding these distinct quorum structures is key to appreciating how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organizes its male members for service, leadership development, and spiritual growth. The Aaronic Priesthood structure provides age-appropriate learning and responsibilities, preparing young men for greater duties. The Melchizedek Priesthood structure unifies adult men in their efforts to bless families, strengthen the church, and serve the community, ensuring a comprehensive framework for spiritual administration and support across all ages.

Key Differences at a Glance

Aaronic Priesthood: Age-based quorums (Deacons, Teachers, Priests), focus on preparatory ordinances and service, youth leadership.
Melchizedek Priesthood: Ward Elders Quorum for all adult men, stake High Priests Quorum for specific leaders, focus on spiritual leadership, higher ordinances, and pastoral care.

Can a young man be in a Melchizedek Priesthood quorum?

No, a young man typically receives the Melchizedek Priesthood and becomes a member of the Elders Quorum at age 18, or sometimes earlier if he is married and worthy. Before that, he serves in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums.

Why are Aaronic Priesthood quorums presided over by youth, but Melchizedek quorums by adults?

This structure is designed for progressive leadership development. Young men in Aaronic Priesthood quorums learn and practice leadership skills in age-appropriate settings, under the guidance of adult advisers. Melchizedek Priesthood quorums require more mature spiritual leadership for broader responsibilities within the church.

What happened to the High Priests Quorum in the ward?

In 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints restructured Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. All adult male members in a ward, regardless of whether they hold the office of Elder or High Priest, are now members of the Elders Quorum. The ward High Priests Group was discontinued, and its functions merged into the Elders Quorum. A Stake High Priests Quorum still exists, comprising stake presidency members and patriarchs.

What are the main responsibilities of each type of quorum?

Aaronic Priesthood quorums focus on temporal duties, service, and preparatory ordinances like administering the sacrament. Melchizedek Priesthood quorums focus on spiritual duties, administering higher ordinances (like temple ordinances and blessings), teaching doctrine, and providing spiritual guidance and care to ward members.

Sources

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Chapter 8: Aaronic Priesthood Quorums; Chapter 7: Elders Quorum)
Russell M. Nelson, “Opening the Heavens for Help,” General Conference, October 2018 (regarding quorum restructuring)