Study Guide for "Introductory Remarks"

In his "Introductory Remarks," President Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses the brethren with gratitude and a sense of purpose. He acknowledges the recent loss of President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Robert D. Hales and emphasizes the ongoing mission of the Church. President Nelson announces a significant restructuring of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums, combining high priests and elders into one elders quorum in each ward. This adjustment aims to enhance the capacity and ability of priesthood holders to serve others more effectively. He assures that these changes are inspired by the Lord and will strengthen the Church's efforts in ministering love and support to its members.

Before Reading

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

What recent changes in the Church leadership does President Nelson mention?
What is the primary reason for restructuring the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums?
How does President Nelson describe the purpose of the priesthood holders?

Topics

Announcing Priesthood Quorum Restructuring

President Nelson announces a significant restructuring of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum. This change is intended to enhance the capacity and ability of priesthood holders to serve others more effectively. The stake presidency will continue to preside over the stake high priests quorum, but its composition will be based on current priesthood callings.

Tonight we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively.

In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum.

What are the key changes announced by President Nelson regarding the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums?
How will the composition of the stake high priests quorum be determined?
How can you support and welcome prospective elders into the new elders quorum?
What steps can you take to enhance your capacity to serve others within your quorum?

Strengthening Priesthood Quorums

President Nelson emphasizes the need to strengthen priesthood quorums to improve the way members are cared for and supported. This restructuring is intended to provide greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints.

We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members and report our contacts with them.

To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints.

Why does President Nelson feel a pressing need to improve the way members are cared for?
How will strengthening priesthood quorums help in ministering to members?
What can you do to help strengthen your priesthood quorum?
How can you contribute to the ministering of love and support within your ward?

Inspired Adjustments by the Lord

President Nelson assures that the adjustments being made to the priesthood quorums are inspired by the Lord. He expresses confidence that these changes will make the Church's efforts more effective than ever before.

These adjustments are inspired of the Lord.

As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have ever been previously.

Why does President Nelson believe these adjustments are inspired by the Lord?
What does he expect the outcome of these changes to be?
How can you seek confirmation that these adjustments are inspired by the Lord?
In what ways can you help implement these changes effectively in your ward?

The Role of Priesthood Holders

President Nelson highlights the role of priesthood holders as representatives of the Savior. He emphasizes that they are to speak, act, and bless others in the name of the Lord, thereby increasing faith on the earth.

He wants all of His ordained sons to represent Him, to speak for Him, to act for Him, and to bless the lives of God’s children throughout the world.

To the end that faith also might increase in all the earth.

What responsibilities do priesthood holders have according to President Nelson?
How can priesthood holders increase faith on the earth?
How can you better represent the Savior in your daily interactions?
What specific actions can you take to bless the lives of others through your priesthood service?

Continuing the Work of the Lord

Despite the recent loss of beloved leaders, President Nelson encourages the brethren to continue pressing on in the work of the Lord. He expresses gratitude for each man who bears the holy priesthood and their role in fulfilling the Redeemer's desires.

Dear brethren, we deeply miss President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Robert D. Hales. Yet we “all press on in the work of the Lord.”

I am very grateful for each man who bears the holy priesthood.

How does President Nelson suggest the brethren should respond to the loss of Church leaders?
What is the significance of continuing the work of the Lord despite challenges?
How can you find strength to continue the work of the Lord during difficult times?
What motivates you to press on in your priesthood duties and responsibilities?