April 2024 General Conference
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Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers

Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
President Oaks presents and sustains Church leaders, releases some, and calls new Area Seventies.
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In this talk, President Dallin H. Oaks presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for sustaining vote. He discusses the importance of sustaining Church leaders and provides updates on changes in Church leadership. He also expresses gratitude for the service of those who have been released from their assignments and encourages members to do the same.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

  • Begin the lesson with a brief explanation of the importance of sustaining Church leaders in our faith.
  • Start the discussion by asking class members to share their feelings when they raise their hands to sustain Church leaders.
  • Open the lesson by discussing the principle of common consent in the Church and its role in sustaining Church leaders.

Topics

Sustaining the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

President Oaks proposed the sustaining of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This included President Russell M. Nelson as the prophet and President of the Church, President Oaks as First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Eyring as Second Counselor in the First Presidency. He also proposed the sustaining of himself as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Holland as Acting President of the Quorum.

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.
  • What does it mean to you to sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
  • How does sustaining Church leaders demonstrate our faith and commitment to the gospel?
  • Can you share a time when you felt the blessings of sustaining Church leaders in your life?
  • What can we do to better uphold and support our Church leaders in their callings?
  • What are some ways we can show our support for Church leaders beyond raising our hands during a sustaining vote?

Release and Sustaining of General Authorities and Area Seventies

President Oaks announced the release of several General Authorities from their assignments and the sustaining of new General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of those who were released and invited members to sustain the newly called leaders.

The following General Authorities will be released from their assignments and given emeritus status, effective on August 1, 2024... It is proposed that we sustain the following as General Authority Seventies...
  • How does the Church's practice of releasing and calling new leaders demonstrate the principle of "every member a missionary"?
  • What are some ways we can support and sustain new leaders in their callings?
  • How can we express gratitude for the service of leaders who are released from their assignments?
  • What can we learn from the example of those who serve faithfully in Church leadership positions?
  • Can you share an experience where you felt inspired by the service of a Church leader?

Changes to the Sunday School General Presidency

President Oaks announced changes to the Sunday School General Presidency, including the release of the current presidency and the sustaining of a new presidency. He invited members to express their appreciation for the service of the outgoing presidency and to sustain the new presidency in their callings.

We extend releases to the Sunday School General Presidency, effective on August 1, 2024... It is proposed that we sustain the following as the new Sunday School General Presidency...
  • Why is it important to sustain the Sunday School General Presidency in their callings?
  • How can we show our support and appreciation for the service of the outgoing Sunday School General Presidency?
  • What are some ways we can sustain and support the new Sunday School General Presidency in their callings?
  • How does the service of the Sunday School General Presidency impact the Church as a whole?
  • Can you share an experience where you were blessed by the teachings or guidance of the Sunday School General Presidency?

Additional Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it important to sustain all leaders in their respective callings?
  2. How does the practice of sustaining leaders reflect the principles of unity and order in the Church?
  3. What can we do to better support leaders in their callings at the local level?
  4. How does the Lord guide and inspire Church leaders in their callings?
  5. What are some ways the principle of sustaining leaders can be applied in our homes and families?
  6. How does the process of sustaining leaders demonstrate the principle of revelation in the Church?
  7. Can you share an experience where you felt the Lord's hand in the calling or release of a Church leader?
  8. Why is it important to express gratitude for the service of Church leaders?
  9. How can we sustain leaders in their callings even when we may not agree with them on every issue?
  10. What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to serve in Church leadership positions?

Copyright © 2023 Steve Todd