The Sustaining of Church Officers
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Why is the sustaining of Church officers an important practice in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
- What roles do prophets, seers, and revelators play in the Church?
- How does the Church express gratitude for the service of its leaders?
- Who are some of the new leaders sustained in this General Conference talk?
- What is the significance of expressing opposition during the sustaining process?
Topics
Sustaining the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
President Uchtdorf proposes the sustaining of Thomas S. Monson as President of the Church, with Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf as his counselors. Additionally, he presents the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for sustaining. This practice underscores the members" support and acknowledgment of their divine callings.
It is proposed that we sustain Thomas Spencer Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Henry Bennion Eyring as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
It is proposed that we sustain Russell M. Nelson as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the following as members of that quorum...
- Who are the members of the First Presidency mentioned in this talk?
- What is the role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church?
- Why is it important for Church members to sustain their leaders?
- How do you personally sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in your daily life?
- What actions can you take to show your support for Church leaders?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the guidance of the prophets, seers, and revelators in your life.
Expressing Gratitude for Released Leaders
The talk includes expressions of gratitude for leaders who have completed their service, such as Elder Bruce D. Porter and the outgoing Relief Society General Presidency. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of those who have served faithfully.
We gratefully acknowledge the service of Elder Bruce D. Porter, our friend and associate, who passed away on December 28, 2016.
It is proposed that we release with heartfelt gratitude Sisters Linda K. Burton, Carole M. Stephens, and Linda S. Reeves as the Relief Society General Presidency.
- Who are some of the leaders released from their callings in this talk?
- Why is it important to express gratitude for those who have served in Church leadership positions?
- How does acknowledging the service of others contribute to the unity of the Church?
- Think of a Church leader who has made a significant impact on your life. How can you express your gratitude to them?
- How does recognizing the service of others inspire you to serve more diligently in your own callings?
- Write about a time when you felt appreciated for your service in the Church. How did it affect you?
Sustaining New Leaders
President Uchtdorf presents new leaders for sustaining, including General Authority Seventies and members of the Relief Society General Presidency. This process ensures that the Church is continually led by those called of God, maintaining the organization and effectiveness of its operations.
It is proposed that we sustain the following as new General Authority Seventies: Taylor G. Godoy, Joni L. Koch, Adilson de Paula Parrella, John C. Pingree Jr., Brian K. Taylor, and Taniela B. Wakolo.
It is proposed that we sustain Jean B. Bingham to serve as Relief Society General President with Sharon L. Eubank as First Counselor and Reyna I. Aburto as Second Counselor.
- Who are some of the new leaders sustained in this talk?
- What is the process for sustaining new leaders in the Church?
- Why is it important for the Church to have new leaders called and sustained?
- How can you support the new leaders sustained in this General Conference?
- What qualities do you think are important for Church leaders to have?
- Reflect on how you can prepare yourself for future leadership opportunities in the Church.
The Role of Prophets, Seers, and Revelators
The talk emphasizes the role of prophets, seers, and revelators in guiding the Church. Sustaining these leaders is an acknowledgment of their divine calling and the revelation they receive for the Church.
It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.
All in favor, please manifest it.
- What are the roles of prophets, seers, and revelators in the Church?
- How do prophets, seers, and revelators receive revelation for the Church?
- Why is it important for Church members to sustain these leaders?
- How do you seek and follow the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators in your life?
- What experiences have you had that confirm the guidance of prophets, seers, and revelators?
- Write about a time when following the counsel of Church leaders brought blessings into your life.
The Importance of Member Participation
The sustaining process involves the active participation of Church members, allowing them to express their support or opposition. This democratic element underscores the collective responsibility of the Church community in its governance.
Those in favor may manifest it.
Those opposed, if any, may manifest it.
- Why is member participation important in the sustaining process?
- What does it mean to sustain a Church leader?
- How does the process of sustaining leaders contribute to the unity of the Church?
- How do you participate in the sustaining process during General Conference?
- Reflect on the significance of your sustaining vote and how it impacts the Church.
- What can you do to ensure that you are informed and prayerful when sustaining Church leaders?
