Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers
Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
President Eyring presents the Church leaders for sustaining votes during the general conference.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of sustaining leaders in the Church. Ask class members to share experiences when they felt the Spirit confirm their support for Church leaders.
- Share a personal story or testimony about a time when sustaining Church leaders brought peace or guidance to your life.
- Invite someone in the class to read the definition of a "prophet, seer, and revelator" and discuss its significance in the context of Church leadership.
- Start with a brief history of how the process of sustaining leaders has evolved in the Church and its importance today.
- Show a short video or share a quote from past General Conference talks that emphasize the importance of sustaining Church leaders.
Topics
Sustain Church Leaders with Faith
President Eyring invited members to sustain Church leaders, emphasizing the importance of expressing support through faith and prayer. He highlighted the role of sustaining votes in affirming the leadership structure of the Church.
Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your continued faith and prayers on behalf of the leadership of the Church.
- Why is it important to sustain our Church leaders with faith?
- How does sustaining Church leaders strengthen our own testimonies?
- In what ways can we show support for our Church leaders beyond raising our hands?
- What role do faith and prayer play in sustaining Church leaders?
- How can we help others understand the importance of sustaining Church leaders?
Recognize Prophets, Seers, and Revelators
The talk emphasized the role of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators, highlighting the significance of their divine calling and guidance.
It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.
- What does it mean to recognize someone as a prophet, seer, and revelator?
- How can recognizing our leaders as prophets, seers, and revelators impact our daily lives?
- What experiences have you had that confirm the prophetic role of Church leaders?
- Why is it important to have prophets, seers, and revelators in our lives today?
- How does their guidance help us navigate modern challenges?
Understand the Role of Area Seventies
President Eyring announced the sustaining of new Area Seventies, explaining their role in supporting the work of the Church and assisting in regional leadership.
We note that six new Area Seventies were sustained during the general conference leadership meetings on Thursday, October 3.
- What is the role of Area Seventies in the Church?
- How do Area Seventies support the work of the Church in their regions?
- Why is it important to sustain Area Seventies in their callings?
- How can we learn from the example of Area Seventies in our own service?
- What can we do to support our local Area Seventies?
Participate in the Sustaining Process
The talk outlined the process of sustaining Church leaders, inviting members to participate actively and consider their personal commitment to this principle.
We ask that you please express your support in the usual way, wherever you may be.
- Why is participating in the sustaining process important for Church members?
- How does the act of sustaining leaders affect our personal commitment to the Church?
- What feelings or impressions have you had during the sustaining process?
- How can we prepare spiritually to participate in sustaining leaders?
- What does the sustaining process teach us about unity in the Church?
Acknowledge Changes in Church Leadership
President Eyring discussed changes in Church leadership, including new appointments and reassignments, emphasizing the dynamic nature of Church governance.
It is proposed that we sustain the other General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers as presently constituted.
- How do changes in Church leadership reflect the dynamic nature of Church governance?
- Why is it important to be aware of changes in Church leadership?
- How can we support new leaders as they begin their service?
- What can we learn from the way Church leaders are called and sustained?
- How does understanding leadership changes strengthen our testimony of the Church's divine guidance?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What personal experiences have strengthened your testimony of Church leadership?
- How can we help others understand the importance of sustaining Church leaders?
- What does it mean to you to sustain a prophet, seer, and revelator?
- How does sustaining our leaders help us become more Christlike?
- In what ways can we show our support for Church leaders outside of General Conference?
- Why is it important to sustain local leaders as well as general authorities?
- How can we teach our children the importance of sustaining Church leaders?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in confirming our sustaining of Church leaders?
- How can we apply the principles of sustaining leaders in our personal and family life?
- What are some ways we can prepare spiritually for participating in the sustaining process?
