How the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Function

Understand the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative dynamics of the highest governing bodies in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from The Role of Prophets and Apostles in Latter-day Saint Faith

Quick take

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the highest governing bodies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The President of the Church, who leads the First Presidency, is chosen by seniority from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Both bodies work together through counsel and unanimous consent to administer the global church and declare doctrine.
Their combined function ensures stability, unified direction, and continuing revelation for Latter-day Saints worldwide.

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the two highest governing bodies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They hold the highest priesthood authority and are responsible for leading the global Church, interpreting doctrine, and overseeing its worldwide administration and spiritual welfare.

The First Presidency: Overall Administration and Doctrine

The First Presidency consists of the President of the Church and two Counselors. The President of the Church is the most senior apostle, determined by the date he was ordained an apostle. Upon the death of a President, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles automatically becomes the presiding body, with the senior apostle among them becoming its President. He is then sustained as the new President of the Church and selects two counselors, who may or may not be members of the Quorum of the Twelve at the time. This body serves as the supreme presiding council of the Church, providing overall direction, doctrinal interpretation, and spiritual guidance.

Their responsibilities include issuing official statements on Church policy and doctrine, overseeing all departments and operations, and serving as the chief spiritual and temporal administrators. They are considered prophets, seers, and revelators, meaning they are believed to receive divine guidance for the Church.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Witnesses and Global Oversight

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles consists of twelve men who are ordained apostles. Their primary calling is to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. They travel extensively, teaching the gospel, strengthening Church members, and overseeing the establishment and growth of the Church in different regions.

Within the Quorum, the most senior apostle (who is not in the First Presidency) serves as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. When a vacancy occurs in the Quorum (due to a death or an apostle being called as a Counselor in the First Presidency), a new apostle is called by revelation and sustained by the Church. These apostles are responsible for overseeing specific geographic areas of the Church, managing missionary work, and administering various Church programs and initiatives under the direction of the First Presidency.

Working Together: Unity and Unanimous Consent

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles function as a united body. They meet regularly, often weekly, to counsel together on all significant matters affecting the Church. Major decisions, such as changes in policy, doctrine, or the calling of new General Authorities, require unanimous consent from both bodies. This process of extensive discussion, prayer, and seeking consensus is central to their function, ensuring that decisions are seen as divinely inspired and represent the unified will of the Lord. The President of the Church presides over these councils, but all members are encouraged to express their views freely and openly.

This collaborative structure provides stability and continuity in Church leadership. It ensures that the Church is governed by experienced spiritual leaders who are believed to be guided by revelation, offering a consistent direction for millions of members worldwide. Their combined efforts are crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity, fostering spiritual growth, and expanding the Church's global reach.

How is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chosen?

The President of the Church is always the most senior apostle, meaning the one who has served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles the longest. Upon the death of a President, the senior apostle automatically becomes the presiding officer of the Church and is sustained as the new President.

What is the difference between the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?

The First Presidency, composed of the President of the Church and two Counselors, holds the ultimate administrative and doctrinal authority. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, consisting of twelve apostles, primarily serves as special witnesses of Christ to the world and oversees the global operations and growth of the Church, under the direction of the First Presidency.

Do all major decisions require unanimous agreement?

Yes, for significant decisions pertaining to Church doctrine, policy, or major organizational changes, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles operate on a principle of unanimous consent. This ensures unity and is believed to confirm divine approval.

How long do members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve serve?

Members of both the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serve for the remainder of their lives. This lifelong commitment provides continuity, deep experience, and long-term vision for the Church's leadership.

Are they considered prophets?

Yes, all members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are sustained by Church members as prophets, seers, and revelators. They are believed to receive divine guidance and revelation for the Church and its members.

Sources

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Official Website (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) - 'First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles' sections.