Alright, let's talk about the Mormon Church 12 Apostles. If you're searching for this, you probably want the real scoop, not just fluffy stuff. Maybe you saw them on TV during General Conference, heard someone mention them at church, or you're just plain curious about how this whole leadership thing works in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormon Church). Whatever brought you here, I get it. The structure can seem a bit mysterious from the outside.

Honestly, when I first started digging into this years back, I found a lot of vague descriptions but not enough nuts and bolts. Like, how exactly are they picked? What power do they really have day-to-day? Do they get paid? Simple questions, but hard to find straightforward answers sometimes. So, let's break it down properly.

What Exactly is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?

Think of it like the core operational leadership team of the global LDS Church, right under the Prophet and his two counselors (that trio is called the First Presidency). The term "Quorum" just means a group with a specific purpose. These twelve men are considered apostles, just like Peter, James, and John were in the New Testament. Their primary job? To be special witnesses of Jesus Christ and to lead the church under the direction of the First Presidency.

Here’s a fundamental belief: Members of the church believe these men are called by God through revelation to the living prophet. It’s not an election, it’s not a popularity contest within church headquarters. That divine calling aspect is central to their authority in the faith. Without understanding that, the whole thing feels like just another corporate board to an outsider, but it’s much more than that to believers.

The Current Roster: Who Are Today's Mormon Church 12 Apostles?

Names change, people pass away, new ones are called. Keeping track matters. As of my last update (always double-check the official church website for the absolute latest!), here they are, listed in order of seniority. Seniority is a HUGE deal – it determines who becomes the next President of the Church when the current prophet passes away. The longest-serving apostle is always the next prophet.

A few things jump out looking at this list:

• Age Range: It spans several decades, from President Nelson (born 1924) to Elder Soares (born 1958). This brings diversity of life experience.
• Professional Diversity: Surgeons, pilots, lawyers, educators, businessmen, executives. They've lived in the "real world" before their call.
• Global Representation: While still heavily US-centric, the additions of Elder Gong (Chinese heritage) and Elder Soares (Brazil) signal a broader reach. People naturally wonder about the lack of women or more diverse ethnic representation at this level. It's a question worth asking, given the global membership.

I once attended a small meeting where one of the newer apostles shook hands with everyone. The sheer number of people wanting just a brief moment was staggering. They carry a visible weight.

How Seniority Dictates the Next Prophet

This is crucial and often misunderstood. When the President of the Church (the Prophet) dies, the entire First Presidency is automatically dissolved. The senior apostle (the one who has served the longest in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) immediately becomes the President of the Church. There is no election, no debate, no politicking.

He then selects his two counselors (usually from among the remaining apostles), reforming the First Presidency. The next apostle in seniority becomes the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This process ensures continuity and stability, rooted in the principle of apostolic succession.

How Does Someone Become One of the Mormon Church 12 Apostles?

Okay, this is where people get really curious. It's not like applying for a job. Here’s the typical process:

1. Vacancy Occurs: An apostle passes away or becomes President of the Church (leaving a vacancy in the Quorum).
2. Solemn Assembly: The First Presidency and remaining Quorum members meet in the upper room of the Salt Lake Temple. This is considered sacred ground.
3. Prayer and Revelation: They engage in fervent prayer and discussion, seeking divine revelation on who the Lord has prepared.
4. Unanimous Approval: The name is presented, and all present must feel a spiritual confirmation, leading to a unanimous vote.
5. The Call: The chosen individual (who has absolutely no idea this is coming) is contacted, usually by the President of the Church himself. Can you imagine that phone call? "Hello? Yes, this is President Nelson..."
6. Sustaining Vote: The new apostle is presented to the church membership at the next General Conference (held every April and October) for a sustaining vote. This is a public gesture of support, not an election.
7. Ordination: Following the sustaining vote, he is ordained to the office of Apostle by the laying on of hands by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The criteria aren't public or checklisted. It's believed to be based on faithfulness, spiritual maturity, character, and being prepared through lifelong service in the church. They typically come from the ranks of the General Authority Seventies or senior church leadership positions, but it's not a strict requirement.

What Do These Apostles Actually Do All Day?

It’s way more than just giving talks twice a year. Their responsibilities are vast and demanding:

• Global Ministry: Extensive travel to visit church members worldwide. Think multiple continents per month.
• Governance: Sitting on councils that oversee everything from church finances and investments (handled by the Presiding Bishopric under their direction) to humanitarian aid, education (BYU system, seminaries/institutes), temple construction, and missionary work.
• Doctrinal Stewardship: Interpreting scripture, defining doctrine (done collectively, led by the prophet), authorizing official church publications and policies. This is heavy stuff.
• Setting Apart Leaders: Ordaining stake presidents, mission presidents, temple presidents, and other general authorities. They personally interview many of these leaders.
• Counseling: Providing guidance to church members, local leaders, and each other. Though they can't meet personally with millions, their teachings provide this counsel broadly.
• Preaching: Preparing and delivering sermons during General Conference and other meetings. These talks form the core of modern LDS teaching.
• Temple Work: Regular participation in temple ordinances, including performing marriages (sealings). They dedicate new temples.

A typical week likely involves international travel, high-level administrative meetings in Salt Lake City, preparing talks, studying, and ministering individually. It's a relentless schedule well into their 80s and 90s for some.

Do they get paid? Yes, they receive a modest living allowance from the church. It's not based on their previous earnings and is designed to cover essential living expenses so they can dedicate themselves fully. The exact figure isn't public, but it's understood to be comparable to a mid-level professional salary, not corporate executive level. They don't personally benefit from church financial holdings. Financial audits are rigorous.

Why Should I Care About the Mormon Church 12 Apostles?

Fair question. If you're not a member of the LDS Church, why does this matter?

• Understanding a Major Religion: The LDS Church is a significant global faith. Its leadership structure is unique and central to its identity.
• Current Events: Their teachings influence millions on topics like family, morality, service, and ethics.
• Historical Context: The succession process has shaped the church's history from its founding.
• Decision Making: If you're researching the church, understanding its leadership is key to grasping its direction and policies.

For LDS members, this isn't just academic. Belief in modern apostles is a core tenet of faith. They are seen as essential channels for divine guidance in a world seen as increasingly complex and challenging. Their teachings provide practical and spiritual direction for daily living.

I've spoken with members who describe profound spiritual experiences listening to a particular apostle's words at a moment of crisis. That personal connection, even from afar, is real for them.

Common Questions People Ask About the Mormon Church 12 Apostles (FAQ)

Digging Deeper: History and Evolution

The original Quorum of the Twelve was organized in 1835 in Kirtland, Ohio, with Thomas B. Marsh as President. Key moments:

• Succession Crisis (1844): Joseph Smith's martyrdom triggered a major crisis. Brigham Young, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve, successfully led the majority of saints west based on the principle of apostolic seniority.
• Administrative Growth: As the church grew globally, the role evolved from frontier missionaries to global administrators overseeing a complex organization.
• Lifelong Calling: The shift from apostles sometimes being released to it becoming a lifelong calling solidified.
• Professionalization: Backgrounds shifted from mostly tradesmen and farmers to include more businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and educators as the church's operational needs grew.

Navigating Controversies and Criticisms

No discussion is complete without acknowledging areas of scrutiny. The Mormon Church 12 Apostles operate within a faith that has faced historical and ongoing criticism. Understanding involves looking at these perspectives:

• Historical Policies: Past doctrines/policies regarding race (priesthood and temple restrictions lifted in 1978) and polygamy are frequent points of historical critique.
• Lack of Transparency: Financial details (though independently audited) and the specifics of the decision-making process are not public. Some critics view this as problematic.
• Political Influence (Perceived/Actual): Especially in Utah and the Mountain West, the potential political influence of the church leadership is sometimes debated, particularly on social issues. Church leaders maintain they speak on moral, not partisan, issues.
• Gender Issues: The all-male priesthood structure, excluding women from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other highest councils, remains a significant point of discussion and dissent for some.
• Doctrinal Evolution: Changes in practice (like ending polygamy, lifting racial restrictions) lead some to question the nature of revelation versus societal pressure. Church leaders affirm revelation guides all major changes.

Resources for Following the Mormon Church 12 Apostles

Want to hear them directly? Here's where to look:

• Official Church Website (ChurchofJesusChrist.org): Biographies, news releases, official talks (text, video, audio). The absolute primary source.
• General Conference: Held semi-annually (April & October). Broadcast live globally via satellite, internet, TV, radio. All apostles speak. Archives are vast.
• The Gospel Library App: Free app containing all General Conference talks, scriptures, manuals – searchable by speaker or topic.
• BYU Speeches: Many apostles give significant addresses at Brigham Young University events, archived online at speeches.byu.edu.
• Social Media (Church Accounts): The church's official accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) frequently share content featuring the apostles.

Avoid unofficial sources claiming sensational insights or private revelations. Stick to official channels for accurate representation.

Understanding the Mormon Church 12 Apostles is key to understanding the LDS Church itself. They embody its doctrine of continuing revelation and priesthood authority. Whether you're a member seeking deeper faith, a researcher studying religion, or just someone curious about influential figures, grasping their role, selection, and responsibilities provides essential insight. It's a unique system, demanding immense dedication from those called.

So, next time you see one listed in the news or hear a quote, hopefully, this gives you a much clearer picture of who they are and the structure they operate within. It's complex, human, and deeply rooted in faith.