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

In this talk, President Henry B. Eyring presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for sustaining vote. This process is an essential part of Church governance, wherein members express their support for the leaders of the Church. President Eyring also announces the new calls and releases among the General Authorities and Area Seventies.

Before Reading

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

What is the purpose of a sustaining vote in the Church?
Who were the leaders presented for sustaining vote in this session?
What changes were announced among the General Authorities and Area Seventies?

Topics

Understanding the Process of Sustaining Leaders

President Eyring explains the process of sustaining leaders in the Church, which involves members expressing their support for the leaders through a show of hands. This process is a demonstration of the members" faith and trust in the leadership of the Church.

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. If there are those who oppose, we ask that you contact your stake president.

What is the purpose of a sustaining vote in the Church?
How is a sustaining vote conducted?
How do you feel when you participate in the sustaining of Church leaders?
Why is it important for you to sustain the leaders of the Church?

Sustaining the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

President Eyring presents the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for sustaining vote. These leaders hold significant roles in the Church, guiding its direction under the inspiration of the Lord.

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.

It is proposed that we sustain Dallin H. Oaks as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and M. Russell Ballard as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: M. Russell Ballard, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen, Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G. Renlund, Gerrit W. Gong, and Ulisses Soares.

Who are the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that were presented for sustaining?
What are their roles in the Church?
How have the teachings of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles influenced your life?
What can you do to better sustain these leaders in their roles?

Sustaining General Authorities and Area Seventies

President Eyring presents the General Authorities and Area Seventies for sustaining vote. He also announces the call of a new General Authority Seventy and the releases of two Area Seventies.

As announced previously, we have extended a call to Alexander Dushku to serve as a General Authority Seventy.

We also note with appreciation the releases of two Area Seventies whose names can be found on the Church’s website.

Who was called as a new General Authority Seventy?
Who were the Area Seventies that were released?
How can you show your support for the General Authorities and Area Seventies in their roles?
What can you learn from the service of these leaders?

Expressing Gratitude for the Service of Leaders

President Eyring encourages members to express gratitude for the service of the leaders who were released. Their service contributes significantly to the growth and progress of the Church.

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 Church leaders?
What experiences have you had where you felt gratitude for the service of Church leaders?
How can you express your gratitude for their service?

Recognizing the Importance of Faith and Prayers for Church Leaders

President Eyring thanks the members for their faith and prayers in behalf of the Church leaders. He acknowledges the importance of these spiritual supports in the leadership of the Church.

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

Why are faith and prayers important for the leadership of the Church?
How can you increase your faith in the leadership of the Church?
How can you incorporate prayers for Church leaders into your personal prayers?