Understanding the LDS Priesthood: Structure, Authority, and Roles

The priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's power and authority, enabling worthy male members to serve, lead, and perform sacred ordinances.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from Latter-day Saint Worship Services: Structure, Purpose, and Scriptural Foundation

Quick take

The LDS Priesthood is divine authority given to worthy male members to act in God's name.
It's structured into the Aaronic (preparatory) and Melchizedek (higher) Priesthoods, each with various offices.
Priesthood holders perform ordinances like baptism and the sacrament, and lead the Church.
It's a lay ministry, not a paid clergy, focused on service to others and the community.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the priesthood is the power and authority of God, which He delegates to worthy male members to act in His name. It's not a profession or a title of honor, but a sacred responsibility to serve others, administer divine ordinances, and govern the affairs of the Church.

The Two Priesthoods and Their Offices

The priesthood is organized into two main divisions: the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Aaronic Priesthood is often called the preparatory priesthood. It is typically conferred upon worthy young men starting at age 11 or 12 and includes the offices of Deacon, Teacher, and Priest. These offices focus on ministering to the congregation's temporal needs and assisting with essential ordinances. The Melchizedek Priesthood, also known as the higher priesthood, is generally conferred upon worthy adult men. Its offices include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. This priesthood holds the authority to direct the spiritual affairs of the Church, administer all saving ordinances, and preside over congregations.

Priesthood Divisions at a Glance

Aaronic Priesthood: Held by young men (ages 11-18) and new adult male converts. Focuses on ministering, temporal service, and preparing the sacrament.
Melchizedek Priesthood: Held by adult men. Focuses on spiritual leadership, administering all ordinances, and presiding in the Church.

Receiving and Exercising Priesthood Authority

Priesthood authority is not inherited or assumed; it is received through a formal ordination. A worthy male member is ordained by the laying on of hands by someone who already holds the appropriate priesthood authority. This ordination bestows the specific office and its associated duties. The power of the priesthood, however, is exercised only in righteousness. It's meant for blessing others, not for personal gain or control. Humility, love, patience, and kindness are essential for effectively exercising this divine power.

Priesthood Roles in Church Services

During weekly worship services, priesthood holders perform vital roles. Aaronic Priesthood holders, specifically Priests, bless the sacrament (bread and water representing Christ's body and blood), while Deacons and Teachers prepare and pass it to the congregation. This ordinance is central to Latter-day Saint worship. Melchizedek Priesthood holders often lead the meetings, offer prayers, teach from the scriptures, and provide spiritual guidance. They also administer blessings of comfort, healing, and counsel to individuals and families as needed, both within and outside of formal services.

The priesthood is fundamental to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it enables God's power to be manifest on earth. It ensures that essential ordinances, such as baptism, confirmation, and temple covenants, are performed with divine authority, connecting individuals to God. It provides a framework for leadership, teaching, and service, allowing the Church to function worldwide as a lay ministry where members care for and strengthen one another. Through the priesthood, members are empowered to bless their families, homes, and communities, making it a cornerstone of daily Latter-day Saint life and worship.

Can women hold the priesthood in the Church?

No, the priesthood is conferred only upon worthy male members. However, women serve in leadership, teaching, and ministering roles, and exercise priesthood authority in temple ordinances and when called to serve in positions under the direction of priesthood leaders.

Is priesthood authority inherited or bought?

Neither. Priesthood authority is received through ordination by the laying on of hands from those who already hold it. It is never bought, sold, or inherited; it is a gift from God based on worthiness and service.

What is a 'quorum'?

A quorum is an organized group of priesthood holders of the same office, such as a Deacons Quorum or an Elders Quorum. Quorums provide opportunities for training, fellowship, and coordinated service.

Are Latter-day Saint clergy paid?

No. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a lay ministry. All priesthood leaders, from local bishops to the President of the Church, serve voluntarily without pay. This principle applies to all callings within the Church.

Sources

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ChurchofJesusChrist.org