Current President and Role
As of 2025, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is Russell M. Nelson. He serves as the church’s president and is regarded by members as a prophet, seer, and revelator. The president is sustained as the church’s leader through a formal process involving member votes at general conference. This article explains how church leadership is organized, how the president is called, and the responsibilities and context of the current presidency.
Leadership Structure of the LDS Church
The LDS Church is organized into a lay clergy model, meaning members serve without pay and typically continue in their secular careers. Key leadership roles include the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are regarded as prophets. When a president dies or resigns, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles selects the next president, typically the most senior apostle. This orderly process emphasizes continuity and stability in church leadership.
First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve
The First Presidency consists of the president and two counselors, while the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles governs the church under the direction of the president. Members of the Quorum are accepted by the church as apostles during general conference. Succession follows a clear line of seniority within the Quorum to minimize confusion and ensure continuity.
Call and Sustainment Process
New church presidents are called by the existing First Presidency and announced during the April or October general conference. During the sustainment session, members of the church are asked to vote to sustain the new leadership. This process underscores the communal recognition and support for the new president. Leaders typically serve until death or until they are released, providing long-term stability in church governance.
Russell M. Nelson’s Background and Service
Russell M. Nelson was called as the 17th president of the LDS Church in January 2018. Before his calling, he was a respected cardiac surgeon and leader in the church, serving in various leadership roles, including as an apostle since 1984. As president, he has focused on global outreach, doctrinal clarity, and guiding members through modern challenges while emphasizing unity and faith.
Key Priorities and Teachings
Nelson’s presidency has emphasized family, temple work, missionary efforts, and doctrinal instruction. He has encouraged members to deepen their understanding of core beliefs and to strengthen their personal and family relationships. Under his leadership, the church has continued to adapt its administrative structures while preserving its core teachings and practices.
Historical Context and Precedents
The LDS Church has a documented succession process rooted in its history, starting with Joseph Smith and continuing through a clear line of leaders. Each president is uniquely called by revelation to lead the church at a specific time. This approach has allowed the church to maintain a stable direction across more than a century of global growth and change.
Comparative Overview of Recent Church Presidents
| President | Years Served | Background | Notable Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Smith | 1830–1844 | Founder | Restoration and foundational organization |
| Brigham Young | 1847–1877 | Pioneer leader | Western expansion and settlement |
| Thomas S. Monson | 2008–2018 | Long-term apostle and leader | Global growth and member services |
| Russell M. Nelson | 2018–present | Cardiac surgeon and apostle | Doctrinal emphasis and global outreach |
Clarifying Common Misunderstandings
Some members of the public confuse the LDS Church with other religious groups or misunderstand the role of the president. The president is not a monarch and does not hold sole authority; he operates within a system of councils and shared leadership involving the Quorum of the Twelve and other governing bodies. His role is primarily doctrinal, administrative, and pastoral rather than political.
Responsibilities and Expectations
The president oversees global church operations, including missionary work, education, worship services, and humanitarian efforts. He is expected to provide guidance during times of uncertainty, issue official statements on doctrine, and model Christian living. These duties require a balance of spiritual focus, administrative skill, and public communication.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Under Nelson’s leadership, the LDS Church has continued to expand its humanitarian initiatives, strengthen local congregations, and engage in interfaith dialogue. Future challenges may include maintaining unity amid cultural changes, addressing historical questions with transparency, and reaching younger members in a rapidly evolving digital environment. The church’s long-term stability relies on its consistent governance model and the sustained commitment of its leaders.