Study Guide for "Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers"

In this talk from General Conference, President Dallin H. Oaks presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church to be sustained. He discusses the process of sustaining, announces changes in leadership, and invites members to express their support or opposition.

Before Reading

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

What is the purpose of sustaining leaders in the Church?
What changes in leadership were announced during this talk?
How are members invited to participate in the process of sustaining leaders?
What is the significance of sustaining leaders in the Church?

Topics

Understanding the Process of Sustaining Leaders

President Oaks explains the process of sustaining leaders in the Church, which involves presenting the names of the leaders to the members and inviting them to express their support or opposition. This process is an important part of Church governance and is a way for members to participate actively in the Church.

Brothers and sisters, I will now present the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church to be sustained.

Please express your support in the usual way wherever you may be. If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, we ask that you contact your stake president.

What is the process of sustaining leaders in the Church?
Why is it important for members to participate in this process?
What should a member do if they oppose the sustaining of a leader?
How do you feel when you participate in the process of sustaining leaders?
How can you better understand and support the leaders of the Church?
Have you ever had to contact a stake president regarding the sustaining of a leader? If so, how was that experience?

Announcing Changes in Leadership

During the talk, President Oaks announces changes in leadership, including releases and new assignments for General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers. These changes are a normal part of Church governance and provide opportunities for new leaders to serve.

The following Area Seventies have been released from their assignments: Mark D. Eddy, Ryan K. Olsen, Jonathan S. Schmitt, and Denelson Silva.

We have extended releases to the Relief Society General Presidency to be effective on August 1, 2022, as follows: Jean B. Bingham as President, Sharon Eubank as First Counselor, and Reyna I. Aburto as Second Counselor.

What changes in leadership were announced during this talk?
Why are changes in leadership a normal part of Church governance?
How are new assignments for leaders determined?
How do you feel when you hear about changes in leadership?
How can you support new leaders in their roles?
What can you learn from the leaders who are released from their assignments?

Expressing Support for Leaders

Throughout the talk, President Oaks invites members to express their support for the leaders of the Church. This is an important part of the sustaining process and allows members to show their willingness to follow and support the leaders.

Those in favor may manifest it.

Any opposed may manifest it.

All in favor, please manifest it.

How are members invited to express their support for the leaders?
Why is it important for members to express their support?
What does it mean to "manifest" your support for the leaders?
How do you feel when you express your support for the leaders?
How can you show your support for the leaders in your day-to-day life?
Have you ever had to express opposition during the sustaining process? If so, how was that experience?

Recognizing the Service of Leaders

President Oaks acknowledges the service of the leaders who have been released from their assignments. He invites members to join in expressing appreciation for their service, recognizing the hard work and dedication of these leaders.

Those who wish to join us in expressing appreciation for their excellent service, please manifest it.

All who wish to join us in expressing appreciation to these sisters for their devoted service, please manifest it.

How does President Oaks acknowledge the service of the leaders who have been released?
Why is it important to express appreciation for the service of the leaders?
How can you show your appreciation for the leaders in your ward or stake?
How do you feel when you express appreciation for the service of the leaders?
How can you show your appreciation for the leaders in your day-to-day life?
What can you learn from the service of the leaders who have been released?

Praying for the Leaders

At the end of the talk, President Oaks thanks the members for their faith and prayers on behalf of the leaders of the Church. He emphasizes the importance of praying for the leaders, recognizing that they need the support and guidance of the Lord in their roles.

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your continued faith and prayers on behalf of the leaders of the Church.

Why is it important to pray for the leaders of the Church?
How can prayers support the leaders in their roles?
What can you do to remember to pray for the leaders?
How do you feel when you pray for the leaders?
How can you make praying for the leaders a regular part of your prayers?
Have you ever received answers or guidance as a result of praying for the leaders?