Who runs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints?

Quick answer: Jesus Christ runs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Long answer: He runs the church through His prophet and apostles. Before Jesus Christ was born, He directed His gospel through prophets; Adam, Noah, Moses, and Malachi are a few. When Christ was on the earth, He ordained apostles to preach the gospel and lead His church. "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach" (Mark 3:14). After Christ's death and resurrection, Peter became the prophet. When Peter and the rest of the apostles were killed, the authority to act in Christ's name was taken from the earth.

The priesthood was restored to the earth through Joseph Smith. Acting under the authority of Peter, John the Baptist appeared as an angel and ordained Joseph Smith with the Aaronic Priesthood. Later Peter, James, and John ordained Joseph to the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Our Fifth Article of Faith is "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." That is how authority and leadership is passed on in our church. The ordained leaders pray to know the will of God in who should serve. They then issue the call and by the laying on of hands, give the authority to preach and administer. While women are not given direct authority, they act under the direction of the priesthood. Recently I was called to be the Relief Society President in my ward or congregation. The bishop of our ward prayed and fasted to know the will of God. He received spiritual confirmation that I should serve as the Relief Society President at this time. He then met with me and my husband and asked if I would be willing to serve. I said yes even though I was scared of the responsibility. Later, the bishop along with other priesthood leaders, laid their hands on my head and set me apart as the Relief Society President in my ward. I now have the duty and privilege to serve the women in our congregation and administrate the needs of the Relief Society organization.

That is how all responsibilities are taken care of in our church. Each adult member has a specific calling or responsibility to serve. From the newest baptized member to the current President of our church, President Thomas S. Monson, we each do our part under the authority of the priesthood. Jesus Christ communicates with the prophet and other apostles for the administration and teachings of the church. "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (Doctrine & Covenants 1:38). Christ runs the church through revelation to his leaders and we are His hands on earth to carry out His will.