in the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints (lds church), the largest latter day saint denomination, the melchizedek priesthood is one of two governing priesthoods, which is typically given as a matter of course to worthy male members 18 years and older. no exact rule exists about how much time a man must be a member first; he may receive this priesthood as soon as local church leaders feel he is prepared. ordination is based on the recipient's age and worthiness and does not require any specific training or aptitude. a candidate for this ordination is interviewed and often counseled to study the 84th, 107th, and 121st sections of the doctrine and covenants to begin to understand the "oath and covenant of the priesthood", the covenant a person makes with god when he receives the melchizedek priesthood. the candidate is also usually asked to stand in a gathering of the members of the church to be publicly accepted as being worthy of ordination. for male latter-day saints, receiving the melchizedek priesthood is considered to be a saving ordinance of the gospel.