“Elder,” Topics and Questions (2025)
Overview
Elder
Elder is an office of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is the higher priesthood (the lesser being the Aaronic Priesthood). It is also a title used when addressing male missionaries and most General Authorities of the Church.
As ministers of Jesus Christ, elders help administer spiritual matters in the Church. With the authorization of presiding priesthood leaders, elders can give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They can perform all the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood and can ordain other worthy men to offices in the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. They can also give priesthood blessings to family members and others.