The New First Presidency Of The LDS Church: A Guide

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a topic that's pretty important for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church): the First Presidency. If you're new to the church or just want a refresher, this is the place to be. We're going to break down what the First Presidency is, who's in it, and why it matters. Buckle up, guys, because we're about to get into some interesting stuff!

What Exactly is the First Presidency?

Alright, so picture this: The First Presidency is like the top dogs of the LDS Church. They're the highest governing body, the ones who make the big decisions and lead the entire church worldwide. Think of them as the President, Vice President, and Secretary of a massive, global organization – except, you know, with a spiritual twist.

The First Presidency consists of the President of the Church and two counselors. These three men are considered prophets, seers, and revelators, which means they're believed to receive divine guidance to lead the church. The President is the one who's at the very top, and the counselors support and advise him. It's a pretty serious responsibility, and these guys are usually up there in years, having gained a wealth of experience in church leadership and life in general. They oversee everything from church doctrine and policies to missionary work and temples. Everything you see happening in the LDS Church, from the Sunday meetings to the humanitarian aid, is ultimately guided by the First Presidency. The decisions they make affect millions of people around the world. So, in a nutshell, they're the heart and soul of the church's administration and spiritual leadership.

They are responsible for all of the doctrines and policies of the church. The current First Presidency is composed of President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring. These men are dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ and serve with unwavering commitment to their faith. The First Presidency also provides guidance to other church leaders, such as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stake presidents, and bishops, to ensure that the church's work is carried out effectively. All the major policies and programs of the Church are created or approved by this body, which is why it's so pivotal to understanding the LDS faith.

How is the First Presidency Chosen?

So, how does someone become one of these First Presidency big shots? Well, it's not exactly like a political election, guys. When the President of the Church passes away, the First Presidency is dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are the next in line of authority, then become the governing body of the church. The senior apostle, based on the length of time he's been an apostle, becomes the new President of the Church. He then chooses two counselors from within the Quorum of the Twelve to serve with him in the First Presidency. This is a sacred and prayerful process. They seek divine guidance as they make these important decisions. The selection is based on revelation, and the men chosen are believed to be called of God. The newly formed First Presidency is then presented to the general membership of the church for their sustaining vote during the next General Conference. The sustaining vote is a way for members to show their support and approval of the new leaders. It's a really important part of the process, showing a united front of faith and support.

There's a strong emphasis on continuity and experience within the church's leadership. The system ensures that the church always has a prophet at its head, guided by inspiration and revelation. This system is designed to ensure a smooth transition of leadership while preserving the church's stability and spiritual integrity. This process is believed to ensure that the First Presidency is always guided by divine inspiration. This means that the leaders will always lead the Church in accordance with God's will.

This careful succession planning is a key element in maintaining the church's stability and consistency over time. The members have a voice in sustaining the new leaders, further reinforcing their support and trust in the process. The structure of the First Presidency emphasizes the importance of spiritual guidance in making decisions that affect the entire church membership.

What Do They Actually Do?

Okay, so we know who they are and how they get there, but what do they actually spend their days doing? A lot! The First Presidency is responsible for a ton of things, including:

• Leading the Church: They oversee all church activities, from missionary work to temple building and humanitarian aid. They set the tone and direction for the entire church. They are the ones who set the Church’s general direction.
• Proclaiming Doctrine: They clarify and teach the doctrines of the Church. They are the ones who help to interpret the scriptures and the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
• Making Policies: They establish policies and procedures for the church. If something changes, they make the decision. They update the church policies to meet the modern times.
• Overseeing Finances: They manage the church's finances and resources responsibly. The church has billions in assets and they need to be handled carefully.
• Representing the Church: They act as the primary spokespeople for the church, representing the church to the world. They represent the church to the government and the public.
• Providing Inspiration: They provide spiritual guidance and inspiration to the members of the Church.

They spend their time in meetings, traveling, writing, and generally working tirelessly to serve the members of the church. They also dedicate themselves to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. They are also involved in humanitarian projects, helping those in need around the globe. They also are responsible for the creation of new temples and the upkeep of existing temples.

They often travel extensively, visiting different areas to meet with members and leaders. This travel allows them to connect with members, offer guidance, and oversee the church's growth and development. The First Presidency’s commitment to all the members of the Church is a huge priority for them, which drives their work and shapes their impact on the Church.

Why Does the First Presidency Matter?

Alright, so why should you care about this whole First Presidency thing? Well, for members of the LDS Church, it's huge. They believe that the First Presidency is led by a prophet of God, someone who receives revelation to guide the church. This means that the decisions made by the First Presidency are believed to be divinely inspired. Their decisions, policies, and teachings are followed by members worldwide, offering a unified direction to the church. This leadership structure is a defining feature of the LDS Church, providing stability, continuity, and a sense of spiritual guidance. This continuity ensures that the church maintains its core values and beliefs, offering a consistent source of faith and direction for members. The teachings of the First Presidency are seen as a source of guidance and understanding for how to live a righteous life. It's all about faith, guidance, and striving to live a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For members, it's about trust and faith. They believe that the First Presidency is guided by God, and their decisions are meant to help members live a life that is pleasing to Him. Their teachings offer comfort, hope, and direction in a sometimes-confusing world. The First Presidency's actions are intended to provide structure and guidance for all members. The First Presidency's influence goes beyond religious practice; it also extends to social and moral issues. The First Presidency has a profound impact on the direction and operation of the Church. The First Presidency's decisions influence the activities of the church, from global missionary work to the operation of local congregations.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! The First Presidency in a nutshell. It's a pretty amazing group of people who dedicate their lives to leading the LDS Church and guiding its members. They make a big difference in the lives of millions around the world. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of who they are, what they do, and why it all matters. Thanks for hanging out and learning with me!