For the Strength of Youth
Why does the Lord have a Church?
For the Strength of Youth October 2025

To the Point

Why does the Lord have a Church?

young women

The purpose of Christ’s Church is “to enable individuals and families to assist God in fulfilling His work of salvation and exaltation.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps “to qualify [God’s] children for the highest degree of glory, which is exaltation or eternal life.”

“The Savior … commissioned [the Church] to accomplish His purposes—preaching His gospel, offering His ordinances and covenants, and making it possible for His power to justify and sanctify us.”

Members of the Church have access to Jesus Christ’s power and blessings through priesthood authority and keys, covenants and ordinances, prophetic guidance, scriptures, and a community of Saints.

The Church has also been commanded: “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5).

Church members strive to “shine forth” by living the gospel, inviting all to receive the gospel, uniting families for eternity, and caring for the poor and needy. This is God’s work of salvation and exaltation.