Sustaining Church Leaders

     Leadership is a sacred calling - made holy only by the unity it requires between God and his children. God calls leaders, but we appoint them or disapprove them. If we appoint them, then God blesses them with wisdom, joy, charity, patience, faith. If we are obedient to these leaders, we receive the same blessings. It is your responsibility to make sure you are sustaining worthy leaders, then obey/follow them and help others do the same. There is great comfort in this sacred circle of unity and sustaining.

*Ex 4:16 - Words of prophet are words of God

*Num 27:19 - It's important to set/change leaders in front of congregation

*Deut 34:9 - Hearken to the leaders who are obedient and have the spirit of wisdom

*2 Chron 20:20 - Believe in prophets and you will prosper

*Matt 10:41 - If you follow the prophet, you receive same reward as prophets

*Luke 22:32 - Help others follow the prophet(part of sustaining)

*Acts 2:42-47 - Following leaders will give you increased charity and blessings - 3 Ne 12:1

*Rom 1:12 - Comfort to follow leaders, mutual faith

*1 Thes 3:7 - Comfort in unity

*Heb 13:17 - Obey/submit to leaders so they may lead with joy

*1 Ne 3:6 - Favored when you don't murmur about what leaders ask of you

*D&C 1:38 - Voice of God from the voice of servants - receive patience and faith - D&C 21:5, D&C 112:20 - Who receives servants of God, receives God

*D&C 20:63 - Licenses to do callings come from sustaining/vote of church

*D&C 26:2 - All things are done by common consent of church(by much prayer and faith)

*D&C 38:34 - God commands, voice of church appoints

*D&C 102:9 - Appointed by revelation but acknowledged by voice of church

*D&C 107:22 - Leadership is upheld by confidence, faith, & prayer of church

*D&C 124:44 - It's our choice to approve/disapprove of God's names he suggests for leaders

*Ex 7:1 - Even prophets need voices(Moses and Aaron)

*Josh 24:15 - It's up to you who you and your family who you serve/sustain

*2 Ne 7:9 - Pay attention to who you are sustaining because you will face the consequences

*D&C 36:2 - When you are sustained, you are taught by the Spirit

*D&C 124:84 - When you lead, make sure you're doing it through the Lord