The Leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The question of who leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a fundamental one. While many may immediately think of Joseph Smith, the answer is more complex and often points to the true architect and leader of this spiritual movement, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: The True Leadership

The primary leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not derived from any single mortal individual but rather from the guidance and direction of Jesus Christ. According to Mormon doctrine, Jesus Christ, under the direction of God the Father, appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove in 1820. This event is known as the First Vision and marked the beginning of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God instructed Joseph Smith to restore His Church, which had become corrupt in the centuries following the death and resurrection of Christ. It was through the authority of Jesus Christ that Joseph Smith was divinely called to be the first prophet of the latter-day dispensation.

The Prophetic Lineage

After Joseph Smith, the responsibility for leadership passed to subsequent prophets. Brigham Young was one of these leaders and served as the second President of the Church. The current leader of the Church is Russell M. Nelson, who was called to this position after being ordained as a senior apostle.

In the Church, the process of selecting the next prophet involves the senior apostle being chosen by the previous prophet. This order is determined by the date each apostle was ordained, not necessarily by their age. This ensures that leadership in the Church is passed to those who have been prepared through the Priesthood.

Understanding the Prophet

Prophets in the Church are seen as representatives of Jesus Christ and God the Father. They speak with the authority of these divine beings and guide the Church through ongoing revelation and inspiration. While Russell M. Nelson is recognized as the current prophet, there are some members who do not acknowledge his leadership. However, this minority does not change the official stance of the Church.

The role of the prophet is to lead the Church by preaching the Gospel, teaching the scriptures, and providing spiritual guidance to members. They also lead the Church through momentous decisions and events.

What the Intersection of Doctrine and Faith Means

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the true leader of their church, which helps to explain why he is considered the true architect of the restoration. This belief is part of a broader doctrinal framework that emphasizes the role of agency and personal revelation in one's own spiritual journey.

Those who have a clear testimony of Jesus Christ's involvement in the restoration have a responsibility to testify of this truth to others. This testimony can be as simple as sharing one's belief with friends and family, or as complex as participating in missionary work to teach others about the restored Gospel.

In summary, while Joseph Smith Jr. is the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the true leadership and architect of the restoration is Jesus Christ, under the direction of God the Father. This belief shapes the spiritual and organizational structure of the Church, guiding its members in their journey of faith.