Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers
Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
President Oaks conducts the sustaining of Church leaders and announces releases and new appointments.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class what the term "sustain" means to them and why it is important in the context of church leadership.
- Share a brief personal story or testimony about a time when you felt the importance of sustaining church leaders.
- Invite a class member to read the definition of "sustain" from the dictionary and discuss how this definition applies to the church context.
- Start with a hymn related to church leadership or sustaining, such as "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," and discuss its significance.
- Pose a question to the class: "What feelings or thoughts do you have when you participate in the sustaining of church leaders?"
Topics
Sustain Church Leadership
President Oaks presented the names of church leaders for sustaining by the members. This process emphasizes the importance of members" support for their leaders, showing unity and faith in the leadership of the Church.
Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your sustaining vote on behalf of the leadership of the Church.
- Why is the act of sustaining church leaders significant for members of the Church?
- How does sustaining leaders reflect our faith and commitment to the Church?
- What personal experiences have you had that strengthened your testimony of sustaining leaders?
- What can we do to better support our leaders after sustaining them?
- How does sustaining leaders help unify the Church community?
Express Gratitude for Released Leaders
During the talk, President Oaks expressed gratitude for the leaders who were released from their positions. This demonstrates the Church's appreciation for the dedication and service of its leaders.
Those who wish to express gratitude to these brethren and to their wives and families for their years of dedicated service throughout the Church may do so by the uplifted hand.
- Why is it important to express gratitude to those who have served in leadership positions?
- How can expressing gratitude strengthen our community and relationships?
- What are some ways we can show appreciation to our local leaders?
- Share a time when you felt appreciated for your service. How did it impact you?
- How does gratitude for leaders" service inspire others to serve?
Introduce New General Authority Seventies
President Oaks announced the sustaining of new General Authority Seventies. This introduces new leadership and brings fresh perspectives and energy to the Church's efforts.
It is proposed that we sustain the following as new General Authority Seventies: John D. Amos, Ronald M. Barcellos, Steven C. Barlow...
- What qualities do you think are important for new leaders in the Church?
- How can we support new leaders as they begin their service?
- What impact do new leaders have on the direction and growth of the Church?
- How do new leaders bring fresh perspectives to the Church?
- What can we learn from the example of new leaders being called to serve?
Changes in Young Men General Presidency
The talk included the release of the current Young Men General Presidency and the sustaining of a new presidency. This change signifies the ongoing evolution and adaptation of Church leadership.
It is proposed that we sustain the following as the new Young Men General Presidency, effective on August 1, 2025: Timothy L. Farnes as President...
- Why is it important for the Church to have changes in leadership roles?
- What challenges and opportunities might new presidencies face?
- How can young men in the Church benefit from these leadership changes?
- What role does the Young Men General Presidency play in the Church?
- How can we as members support the Young Men General Presidency?
Role of Area Seventies
The talk highlighted the role of Area Seventies, including releases and new sustainings. Area Seventies play a crucial role in administering and supporting the Church at a regional level.
We note with gratitude the 65 Area Seventies who will complete their service and whose names can be found on the Church’s website.
- What is the role of Area Seventies in the Church?
- How do Area Seventies support the work of the Church in different regions?
- What challenges might Area Seventies face in their service?
- How can members of the Church support their local Area Seventies?
- Why is it important to have regional leadership like Area Seventies?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does sustaining leaders reflect our own commitment to follow Christ?
- In what ways can we show support to our leaders beyond the sustaining vote?
- What does it mean to you to sustain someone as a prophet, seer, and revelator?
- How do you feel when you participate in the sustaining of Church leaders?
- What personal qualities do you admire in Church leaders?
- How can we prepare ourselves to accept and follow new leadership?
- What impact does expressing gratitude have on those who are released from leadership positions?
- How do changes in leadership affect the global Church community?
- What can we learn from the example of those who serve faithfully in leadership positions?
- How does the process of sustaining leaders strengthen your testimony of the Church?
