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

In his address, President Dallin H. Oaks presents the annual sustaining of leaders within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sacred process involves the congregation's support for the Church's leadership, including the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities. The sustaining vote is a vital aspect of Church governance, reflecting the unity and shared faith of its members.

Topics

Participate in the Sustaining Process

President Oaks invites members to participate in the sustaining of Church leaders, emphasizing the importance of expressing support or concerns in the appropriate manner.

Please express your support in the usual way. If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, we ask that you contact your stake president.

Key Points:

The sustaining process is a vital part of Church governance.
Members express their support through a public vote.
Those with concerns are encouraged to address them with their stake president.

Experiences:

Reflect on a time when you participated in a sustaining vote. How did it make you feel?
Consider why it is important to sustain our leaders. What does it mean to you personally?
Think about a time when you had to express an opposing view. How did you handle it?

Acknowledge Released Leaders

The talk honors those who are being released from their leadership positions, acknowledging their dedicated service and inviting members to express gratitude.

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.

Key Points:

Leaders who have served faithfully are released with gratitude.
The congregation is invited to express appreciation for their service.
The release of leaders is a natural part of Church governance.

Experiences:

Share an experience where you witnessed a leader being released. What impact did it have on you?
Think about a leader who has influenced your life. How can you express gratitude for their service?
Reflect on a time when you were released from a calling. How did you feel about your service?

Sustain New Leaders

President Oaks presents new leaders for sustaining, inviting members to support them as they take on their new roles within the Church.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as new General Authority Seventies...

Key Points:

New leaders are presented for sustaining by the congregation.
This process reflects the continued guidance and direction of the Church.
Members are encouraged to support new leaders as they begin their service.

Experiences:

Recall a time when you sustained a new leader. What were your thoughts and feelings?
How do you prepare yourself to support new leaders in your ward or stake?
Share an experience of serving in a new role. What support did you receive from others?

Express Gratitude for Service

The talk emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude for the service of those who have completed their assignments, recognizing their contributions to the Church.

We note with gratitude the 65 Area Seventies who will complete their service and whose names can be found on the Church’s website.

Key Points:

Gratitude is expressed for the service of outgoing leaders.
The contributions of these leaders are acknowledged publicly.
Members are encouraged to recognize and appreciate the service of others.

Experiences:

Think about someone who has served you in the Church. How can you show your appreciation?
Share an experience of expressing gratitude to a leader. How was it received?
Reflect on the impact of gratitude in your life. How does it strengthen relationships?

Understand the Role of Church Leadership

The talk outlines the roles and responsibilities of Church leadership, highlighting the importance of sustaining them as prophets, seers, and revelators.

It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Key Points:

Church leaders are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators.
Their roles are crucial for the guidance and direction of the Church.
Members are invited to support and sustain their leadership.

Experiences:

Consider how Church leaders have influenced your personal faith journey.
Reflect on a time when you felt guided by the teachings of Church leaders.
Share an experience where you felt the impact of prophetic counsel in your life.