The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is poised for a historic leadership transition as a new First Presidency will be announced today, shaping the future of the 17-million-member global faith.

Following the April 2025 General Conference where 16 new General Authority Seventies were sustained, this announcement marks another milestone in the Church’s orderly succession process. The incoming leaders’ backgrounds and doctrinal approaches will influence Latter-day Saint communities worldwide.

With President Russell M. Nelson at age 100, speculation about succession highlights the unique seniority-based system that has guided the Church since 1847. All eyes now turn to the senior apostles who may comprise the next First Presidency.

Next Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Revealed: New First Presidency Members and Their Backgrounds

Historic Leadership Transition for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is undergoing a significant leadership transition as a new First Presidency is set to be announced. This marks a pivotal moment for the global faith community, with members eagerly awaiting the revelation of their new spiritual guides. The announcement follows the April 2025 General Conference, where 16 new General Authority Seventies and a Young Men General Presidency were sustained.

The selection process for the First Presidency is a sacred tradition dating back to the early days of the Church. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will determine the new leadership, maintaining the Church’s long-standing succession process. This system ensures continuity and divine guidance in the Church’s administration.

Mr. Owl: “While some may question the age of LDS leaders, their decades of service provide invaluable institutional memory that guides the Church through changing times.”

Potential Candidates for the New First Presidency

Based on apostolic seniority, these are the most likely candidates for the new First Presidency:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, as the senior apostle after President Nelson, is the presumptive next President of the Church. His distinguished background in law and education, combined with his extensive experience in Church leadership, makes him uniquely qualified for this sacred calling.

Mr. Owl: “The orderly succession plan prevents power struggles and maintains doctrinal purity, though some wish for younger voices to address modern challenges.”

The Church’s Leadership Succession Process Explained

The process for selecting a new First Presidency follows a clearly defined pattern:

1. The senior apostle automatically becomes President of the Church
2. The new President selects two counselors (typically from the Quorum of the Twelve)
3. The entire Quorum sustains the new Presidency

This process has remained unchanged since Brigham Young’s time and ensures a smooth transition of authority. There is no campaigning or political maneuvering – the mantle of responsibility passes naturally to the most senior apostle.

Mr. Owl: “Some wonder why younger apostles aren’t considered, but seniority provides the wisdom needed to guide a global religion through complex challenges.”

Recent Leadership Changes in the April 2025 General Conference

The April 2025 General Conference introduced significant leadership developments that may foreshadow future transitions:

• Sustaining of 16 new General Authority Seventies
• Calling of Elder Kevin R. Duncan to the Presidency of the Seventy
• Five General Authorities granted emeritus status

These changes represent the largest group of new Seventies called in decades, possibly preparing for future apostolic vacancies. The simultaneous release of emeritus leaders provides opportunities for new voices in Church leadership.

Understanding the Ages of LDS Church Leaders

The current leadership demographic reflects the Church’s emphasis on experience and long-term service:

• Average age of the First Presidency: 97
• Average age of the Quorum of the Twelve: 81
• Longest-serving apostle: M. Russell Ballard (47 years)

While the advanced age of leaders sometimes draws criticism, Church members generally value the wisdom and stability offered by leaders with decades of experience. The system has maintained doctrinal consistency and organizational stability throughout the Church’s history.

Mr. Owl: “The longevity of LDS leaders allows them to witness multiple generations of change, equipping them to guide the Church through both continuity and adaptation.”

Historical Patterns in LDS Leadership Transitions

Examining past presidencies reveals consistent patterns in leadership transitions:

President Nelson’s seven-year tenure (as of 2025) follows modern patterns of 8-15 year presidencies. Significant policy changes often occur within 3 years after a new President assumes leadership, allowing time for the new Presidency to establish their direction for the Church.

Mr. Owl: “The Church’s leadership succession mirrors its emphasis on order and divine inspiration – predictable yet capable of responding to contemporary needs through modern revelation.”