Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers
Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
President Henry B. Eyring invites the members of the Church to sustain General Authorities and Area Seventies.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of sustaining our leaders in the Church. Ask class members to share their thoughts or experiences about how this principle has blessed their lives.
- Start the lesson with a question: "Why is it important for us to sustain our Church leaders?" Allow for a few responses before diving into the talk.
- Open the lesson by reading Mosiah 26:8. Discuss how this scripture relates to the principle of sustaining Church leaders, setting the stage for the discussion of President Eyring's talk.
Topics
Understanding the Process of Sustaining Church Leaders
President Eyring presented the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for sustaining. He explained the process, asking members to manifest their support or opposition.
Brothers and sisters, it is my privilege to present the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for your sustaining vote. Please express your support in the usual way, wherever you may be.
- Why is it important for us as members to sustain our Church leaders?
- What does it mean to you personally to sustain a Church leader?
- How does the process of sustaining leaders show the democratic principles within the Church?
- What feelings do you have when you raise your hand to sustain a Church leader?
- How can we uphold our commitment to sustain our leaders in our daily lives?
Recognizing the Roles and Responsibilities of Church Leaders
President Eyring presented the roles of various Church leaders, from the First Presidency to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Area Seventies. He asked members to sustain these leaders in their roles.
It is proposed that we sustain Russell Marion Nelson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Dallin Harris Oaks as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Henry Bennion Eyring as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
- How do the roles and responsibilities of Church leaders differ?
- Why is it important to understand the roles and responsibilities of our leaders?
- How can understanding the roles of Church leaders enhance our sustaining of them?
- How do the roles of Church leaders reflect the organization of the early Church in the New Testament?
- What blessings have you received from the service of Church leaders?
Expressing Gratitude for the Service of Church Leaders
President Eyring acknowledged the service of those who were released from their positions and expressed gratitude for their contributions. He invited members to join in expressing gratitude.
We also note with appreciation the releases of two Area Seventies whose names can be found on the Church’s website. Those who wish to join in expressing gratitude to these brethren for their excellent service may manifest it.
- Why is it important to express gratitude for the service of our Church leaders?
- How does expressing gratitude for leaders strengthen our commitment to sustain them?
- Can you share an experience where you felt gratitude for the service of a Church leader?
- How can we show our gratitude for Church leaders in our day-to-day lives?
- How does the service of Church leaders inspire you in your own Church service?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does sustaining our leaders help us to become more unified as a Church?
- In what ways does the principle of sustaining leaders apply in our families and communities?
- What are some challenges you might face in sustaining Church leaders and how can you overcome them?
- How can we sustain our leaders even when we may not fully understand their counsel or decisions?
- What role does prayer play in your personal process of sustaining Church leaders?
- How have you seen the principle of sustaining leaders bless the Church as a whole?
- How does the Lord assist those we sustain in their responsibilities?
- What can we do to better support our local leaders in their callings?
- How has sustaining your leaders increased your faith in the restored gospel?
- Why is it important to not only sustain our leaders with our hands, but also with our actions and hearts?
