Ward (LDS Church)

[1] As with all local LDS Church leadership, the bishop is considered lay clergy and as such is not paid.

After the Mormon Exodus to Utah, this same terminology was preserved in the establishment of communities throughout the western United States.

Voting districts of several Utah communities still follow the historical boundaries of their original LDS Church congregations.

A stake, the next highest level of organization, may be created if there are at least five ward-sized branches in adjacent areas.

Beginning in 2024, the LDS Church unified standards worldwide for creation of wards as shown in table below.

[5] Generally, if both geographic divisions are in a reasonable distance of the meetinghouse, they will meet at the same building, but at different times.

Individuals can find out what ward they reside in by either talking to a local LDS leader or by using the meetinghouse locator tool on the church's webpage.

There are some exceptions to this rule (see below), but for the most part members are discouraged from "shopping" for a different ward that is more convenient for them, or that they might attend with friends or relatives, or that has a more likeable leader.

Older single adult members typically attend their family (standard) ward.

These wards provide LDS singles the opportunity to serve in offices of the church.

Members are taught the same principles of the gospel as a traditional ward, while receiving attention particular to their spiritual needs.

Much like a singles ward, and with administrative approval, wards may be established in geographic areas which contain a high population of church members whose native language is different from the local language (such as adjacent to U.S. military bases in foreign countries, or in metropolitan areas which have larger numbers of immigrant/second-language users).

The offices of the lesser, or Aaronic, priesthood (typically males 11 to 18 years of age) are organized and overseen by the bishop (or branch president).

Offices of the higher, or Melchizedek, priesthood (including elders and high priests), within individual wards and branches are advised by, and counsel with, the bishop but are overseen by the stake president.