Post by james on Apr 10, 2017 3:27:16 GMT
Hello. I know I am very early in posting this right now, but as I have already assembled my predictions for next General Conference (which is still almost six months away), I wanted to use this topic to discuss the changes I feel we will see in general Church leadership for the October General Conference.
Before I share those predictions, I wanted to note a couple of things. Those 3 General Authority Seventies I have listed below are or will be 70 by the time this conference comes around. And I would have to go over my list of area seventies (once I get that updated) and determine how many of them have served the longest (the standard service period seems to be around 6-7 years in most cases). Also, if any current area seventies or General Authority Seventies are called to be temple presidents when those assignments are announced later this year, that would likely impact these predictions.
That said, we are entering a new era that is somewhat unprecedented. Since area seventies started being referred to as such, it was customary to have them released if they received subsequent assignments to preside over missions or temples. But I had thought for the April General Conference that several area seventies who were called to be mission presidents would be released as per the usual custom and pattern, and, since each of those area seventies were assigned to preside over the missions in the area in which they are currently serving, they were all retained.
In fact, it was very weird that only two area seventies were released. I'm sure the Church simply needs all those who are called right now in view of the extensive expansion of the work in all parts of the world. And it makes sense on another level when we consider that area seventies serve on a part-time basis, and at times, both area seventies and mission presidents in areas of the world are invited to participate in stake conferences.
While I have yet to update my lists tracking area seventy changes in full after the General Conference changes last weekend, I think it would be safe to say that the number of area seventies we have serving right now is the greatest number it ever has been.
The thing I don't know is how the two releases in April might factor into how many area seventies are released and sustained next October. Usually, as noted, only a few changes seem to be made in October (when President Eyring leads out in the Sustaining) and the bulk of changes happens in April (when President Uchtdorf, who, as one who is familiar with international name pronunciations, leads out).
More to come once more is known. In the meantime, comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Here's that list:
Changes in General Church Leadership
General Authority Seventies: Elders Stanley G. Ellis, Larry R. Lawrence, and W. Craig Zwick released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status.
NOTE: Elder Ellis turned 70 in January this year, just as Elder Zwick did in June, and Elder Lawrence did in August, so it would make sense if these men were released and granted emeritus status.
RESULT:
Area Seventies: Releases and sustainings.
NOTE: It has been customary for most changes in area seventies to take place in April, when President Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining vote, and for only a few to take place in October, when President Eyring leads out in the sustaining. Since we are talking about an October General Conference, it would make sense if only a few changes happened this go-round.
RESULT:
Thoughts?
Before I share those predictions, I wanted to note a couple of things. Those 3 General Authority Seventies I have listed below are or will be 70 by the time this conference comes around. And I would have to go over my list of area seventies (once I get that updated) and determine how many of them have served the longest (the standard service period seems to be around 6-7 years in most cases). Also, if any current area seventies or General Authority Seventies are called to be temple presidents when those assignments are announced later this year, that would likely impact these predictions.
That said, we are entering a new era that is somewhat unprecedented. Since area seventies started being referred to as such, it was customary to have them released if they received subsequent assignments to preside over missions or temples. But I had thought for the April General Conference that several area seventies who were called to be mission presidents would be released as per the usual custom and pattern, and, since each of those area seventies were assigned to preside over the missions in the area in which they are currently serving, they were all retained.
In fact, it was very weird that only two area seventies were released. I'm sure the Church simply needs all those who are called right now in view of the extensive expansion of the work in all parts of the world. And it makes sense on another level when we consider that area seventies serve on a part-time basis, and at times, both area seventies and mission presidents in areas of the world are invited to participate in stake conferences.
While I have yet to update my lists tracking area seventy changes in full after the General Conference changes last weekend, I think it would be safe to say that the number of area seventies we have serving right now is the greatest number it ever has been.
The thing I don't know is how the two releases in April might factor into how many area seventies are released and sustained next October. Usually, as noted, only a few changes seem to be made in October (when President Eyring leads out in the Sustaining) and the bulk of changes happens in April (when President Uchtdorf, who, as one who is familiar with international name pronunciations, leads out).
More to come once more is known. In the meantime, comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Here's that list:
Changes in General Church Leadership
General Authority Seventies: Elders Stanley G. Ellis, Larry R. Lawrence, and W. Craig Zwick released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status.
NOTE: Elder Ellis turned 70 in January this year, just as Elder Zwick did in June, and Elder Lawrence did in August, so it would make sense if these men were released and granted emeritus status.
RESULT:
Area Seventies: Releases and sustainings.
NOTE: It has been customary for most changes in area seventies to take place in April, when President Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining vote, and for only a few to take place in October, when President Eyring leads out in the sustaining. Since we are talking about an October General Conference, it would make sense if only a few changes happened this go-round.
RESULT:
Thoughts?