Study Guide for "The Lord Leads His Church"

In his General Conference talk, President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, addresses the profound and reassuring ways in which the Lord leads His Church on earth. He emphasizes the faith required to believe in the divine guidance provided through imperfect human leaders and the importance of sustaining these leaders through our faith. President Eyring shares personal experiences and scriptural examples to illustrate the principles of revelation, leadership, and faith in the Lord's chosen servants.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are the fundamentals of how the Lord leads His Church according to President Eyring?
Why is faith essential in believing that the Lord calls imperfect people into positions of trust?
How can the faith of the people influence the effectiveness of their leaders?
What lessons can we learn from President Eyring’s personal experiences with revelation and leadership?
How did King Benjamin lead his people to repentance, and what role did faith play in that process?

Topics

Recognize Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church

President Eyring begins by affirming that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and leads it through revelation given to prophets. This divine guidance has been consistent throughout history and continues in the present day.

First, Jesus Christ is the head of the Church in all the earth.

Second, He leads His Church today by speaking to men called as prophets, and He does it through revelation.

Who is the head of the Church according to President Eyring?
How does the Lord lead His Church today?
How can you strengthen your testimony that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church?
Reflect on a time when you felt guided by revelation. How did that experience strengthen your faith in the Lord’s leadership?

Have Faith in Imperfect Leaders

President Eyring discusses the necessity of having faith in the leaders called by the Lord, despite their imperfections. He emphasizes that the Lord knows their capacities and potential, and our faith in them can help them receive the revelation needed to lead effectively.

It takes faith to believe that He calls imperfect people into positions of trust.

My purpose tonight is to build your faith that God directs you in your service to Him.

Why is it important to have faith in the leaders called by the Lord?
How can our faith influence the effectiveness of our leaders?
Think of a leader in your life who you know is imperfect. How can you better sustain and support them?
How can you develop greater faith in the Lord’s ability to guide His Church through imperfect leaders?

Understand the Role of Revelation in Leadership

The talk highlights the role of revelation in leadership within the Church. President Eyring shares personal experiences and scriptural examples to illustrate how revelation is received and acted upon by those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom.

You have the capacity to receive revelation and to act on it fearlessly.

The faith of the people we serve, sometimes more than our own faith, brings us revelation in the Lord’s service.

How does revelation play a role in the leadership of the Church?
What can we learn from President Eyring’s experiences with revelation?
Reflect on a time when you received personal revelation. How did you act on it?
How can you cultivate an environment that encourages revelation in your family or Church responsibilities?

Sustain Leaders with Full Faith

President Eyring emphasizes the importance of sustaining Church leaders with full faith, despite their human weaknesses. He shares examples from Church history and personal experiences to illustrate the blessings that come from sustaining leaders.

We ... need to support and sustain our local leaders, because they ... have been "called and chosen."

There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service.

Why is it important to sustain our leaders with full faith?
What are the consequences of not sustaining our leaders?
How can you better sustain your local Church leaders?
Reflect on a time when you sustained a leader despite their weaknesses. What blessings did you observe?

Learn from Historical Examples of Faith and Loyalty

The talk references historical examples, such as Brigham Young's unwavering support for Joseph Smith, to illustrate the importance of faith and loyalty in Church leadership. These examples serve as a model for how we should sustain our leaders today.

Joseph was a Prophet, and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased; they could not destroy the appointment of the Prophet of God.

It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called.

What can we learn from Brigham Young’s support of Joseph Smith?
How do historical examples of faith and loyalty apply to us today?
Reflect on a historical example of faith and loyalty that inspires you. How can you apply that example in your own life?
How can you show greater faith and loyalty to your current Church leaders?