The New LDS First Presidency: What You Need To Know

Hey everyone, let's dive into something pretty significant for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church): the First Presidency. The First Presidency is the highest governing body of the Church, and when there's a change, it's a big deal. Think of it like a new captain taking the helm of a ship – it sets a new course, even if the destination remains the same. I'm going to break down what the First Presidency is, who makes it up, and what happens when there's a change, keeping it simple and easy to understand. Because, let's be real, sometimes church stuff can sound like its own language! Ready to get the lowdown on this super important leadership team? Let's go!

What Exactly IS the First Presidency?

Okay, so what is the First Presidency, exactly? Well, at its core, the First Presidency is the highest authority in the LDS Church. It's made up of the President of the Church and two counselors. They are the ones who make important decisions, guide the Church's direction, and represent the Church to the world. They're kind of like the CEOs of a massive, global organization, but with a focus on spiritual guidance and leadership.

It's not just about managing finances or buildings, either. These guys are responsible for everything from setting policies and overseeing missionary work to providing spiritual counsel and teaching. Their words are considered doctrine, which means they carry a lot of weight for members. Think of them as the voice of the Church, helping to clarify teachings, address modern issues, and inspire members worldwide. They oversee the work of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are also important leaders in the Church, and together, they make up the top tier of church leadership. These leaders are chosen by divine inspiration and are set apart by the laying on of hands and blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost to lead the church.

One cool thing about the First Presidency is that it's always a team. The President doesn't act alone; he has his counselors to help him make decisions and carry out the work. It's a collaborative effort, and the counselors bring their own experiences and perspectives to the table. This teamwork helps ensure that decisions are well-considered and that the Church is guided by multiple voices and viewpoints. They help provide spiritual guidance.

How Does the First Presidency Get Chosen?

Alright, so you might be wondering: how do these guys get to be in charge? It's not exactly an election, but it's also not just random. When the President of the Church passes away, or is no longer able to serve, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest governing body, then becomes the governing body of the church, with the most senior apostle, the one who has been an apostle the longest, becoming the new President of the Church. This is how there is always an orderly transition of power, even in times of change.

This new President then chooses his counselors from among the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It's a really unique and spiritual process, involving prayer, fasting, and seeking divine guidance. The new President is inspired to select individuals who he feels will best support and complement his leadership. It's all about seeking inspiration and ensuring that the Church is led by individuals who are both spiritually prepared and have the skills and experience to guide a global organization. It's a deeply spiritual process, based on a belief in revelation and divine guidance.

This entire process emphasizes continuity and stability, and helps the church be stable. There is no guessing about who will lead, and the members can move forward with the confidence of stable leadership. The selection process reflects the LDS Church's core values of seeking divine guidance and building on the strengths of the past. The new First Presidency is then presented to the general membership of the Church for a sustaining vote, showing the importance of the membership's support and faith.

Notable Figures in the First Presidency

Over the years, many remarkable individuals have served in the First Presidency. They've come from diverse backgrounds, bringing their own unique talents and experiences to the role. Let's look at some of the most recent and impactful leaders:

• President Russell M. Nelson: President Nelson has been a prominent figure in the LDS Church for decades. He was ordained an Apostle in 1984. Before becoming the President of the Church, he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. A former heart surgeon, President Nelson's background brings a unique perspective to leadership. His focus has been on continuous revelation, temple building, and gathering Israel. He is known for his clear communication and his emphasis on the importance of the Book of Mormon.
• President Dallin H. Oaks: President Oaks currently serves as the First Counselor in the First Presidency. Before becoming a counselor, he also served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and before that, he was a judge. His background gives him a great legal mind and a deep understanding of the principles of justice and fairness. He's known for his clear and sometimes direct communication style, and has a strong focus on upholding moral and ethical standards.
• President Henry B. Eyring: President Eyring currently serves as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency. He was first called to the First Presidency in 2007. He brings a background in business and education. He is known for his gentle and compassionate demeanor, and his strong emphasis on the importance of faith, family, and service. He has also been involved in the Church's educational system, and is known for his warm and inspiring messages.

These men, and others who have served in the First Presidency, have left a lasting impact on the Church. They represent the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make up the LDS Church's leadership. They show the Church's emphasis on leadership that blends deep spiritual knowledge with the skills and experiences needed to guide a global organization.

What Happens When the First Presidency Changes?

So, when the President of the Church passes away, or is no longer able to serve, it's a big deal, but it's also a well-defined process. First, as mentioned earlier, the First Presidency is dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then becomes the governing body, and the senior apostle becomes the new President. He then chooses his counselors, and the new First Presidency is established. This entire process is done with prayer, seeking divine guidance. This helps ensure continuity and stability.

There are usually some adjustments in the organization of the Church, but in general, the changes are not drastic, as the focus is on continuing the work and teachings of Jesus Christ. The emphasis shifts to build the members’ faith and spirituality. The new First Presidency will often emphasize certain themes or priorities. It's all about a smooth transition, built on the existing foundation of the Church's doctrine and practices. The Church remains focused on sharing the gospel and providing support and guidance to its members.

The church is prepared for any possible changes, because they believe in a continuing of revelation. This means, the leaders understand that God is speaking to them at any time and in any situation, and they can move forward with his guidance.

How Does This Affect the Members?

For the average member, a change in the First Presidency is a time of reflection and adjustment. It's a reminder of the importance of faith, and that the leadership is in the hands of God. It's a time to consider what the new leaders are emphasizing, and think about how you can better live their teachings. There's a renewed focus on the importance of obedience and following the prophet. Members are encouraged to support their leaders. The main thing is to show support and continue building your relationship with God. The transition period provides members with opportunities to reaffirm their faith and commitment to the gospel.

The Role of the First Presidency in Today's World

In today's ever-changing world, the First Presidency faces a unique set of challenges. They have to help members navigate moral and ethical dilemmas, as well as address issues affecting families and communities. The global reach of the Church, and the use of social media, present unique challenges and opportunities for sharing the gospel and engaging with members worldwide. They provide a voice of hope and guidance.

They focus on strengthening faith, promoting peace, and serving others. This mission is a constant reminder that, despite the changing times, the core principles of the LDS Church remain timeless. The First Presidency continues to provide spiritual guidance, encourage members to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and to be good citizens. The First Presidency plays a crucial role in shaping the Church's future.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future

So, there you have it, a quick rundown of the First Presidency. It’s a key part of the LDS Church, responsible for guiding the Church's direction and providing spiritual leadership. The selection process is a testament to faith, and the leaders are dedicated to serving God. The leadership transitions are always handled with care. Ultimately, the First Presidency's role is about leading the Church, strengthening the faith of its members, and sharing the gospel with the world. It’s a dynamic process that reflects the Church's commitment to continuing revelation and divine guidance. Embrace the future and stay informed!