In this final section of the series on the Mormon Church, otherwise known as the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints, we focus on the organization on the Church and who leads it.
Jesus Christ is, and always has been, considered the leader of the Church. Jesus appointed Joseph Smith as the new prophet, and he was the one to whom the Book of Mormon was revealed. Since the death of Joseph Smith, the organization of the Church has evolved to the following:
The Leader
The First Presidency
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Area Presidencies
Stake Presidencies
Bishop / Branch President
The Family
The leader is Jesus Christ. The President and his two Counselors are called the First Presidency, and they are considered prophets, seers, and special witnesses for Jesus Christ. They are assisted by the Twelve Apostles.
The current President and prophet is Thomas S. Monson. In February 2008, he became the 16th President to serve the Church. A bishop at the age of 22, he was well-known for taking excellent care of his congregation, especially the elderly widows. For three decades, he was on the board of the Boy Scouts of America, and went to great lengths to protect and serve American youth.
The Area Presidencies are also known as the Seventies. They help the Apostles with mission work all over the world. Stake Presidents, the Bishop and the Branch Presidents are all responsible for taking care of the LDS church where they reside.
There are five clear organizations in the LDS church that serve various functions. They are the Relief Society, the Young Women, the Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School. The purpose of the Auxillary organizations is to take the word of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church to others, thus helping the Church grow and spread the word of Jesus Christ.