Every person who receives the Melchizedek priesthood is simultaneously ordained to the office of elder; this may be done to male members who are at least 18 years old.
In order to be ordained, the member must be determined to be worthy by his local bishop and stake president.
[1] Ordination is accomplished by the laying on of hands and with the stake president's approval; it may be performed by any holder of the Melchizedek priesthood.
"[2] Elders have the authority to administer to and bless the sick and afflicted, to "confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost",[3] to baptize and give others the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthoods as directed by priesthood leaders, and to take the lead in all meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit.
"[5][6] After a mission has been served, the returning male missionary's title, "Elder", is replaced by the common usage of "Brother".