Area Seventy leaders form a critical leadership cohort within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as General Authorities tasked with overseeing specific geographic regions and providing direct guidance to local congregations worldwide. These men, set apart through a sacred ordinance of blessing, function as vital links between the First Presidency and the global membership, ensuring doctrinal consistency and administrative cohesion across diverse cultural contexts. Their calling represents a significant responsibility, requiring deep spiritual maturity, extensive administrative experience, and a demonstrated commitment to the church’s mission.
The Role and Responsibilities of Area Seventy
The primary function of an Area Seventy is to provide leadership, training, and support to stakes and missions within their designated area. They work closely with Area Presidencies, which consist of the Area Presidency and Counselor, to implement general conference directives and provide pastoral care to local leaders. This involves conducting regular visits to stakes and districts, offering guidance on matters ranging from temple preparation to youth programs, and ensuring that local units remain aligned with the church's global priorities. Their role is one of service and consultation rather than direct line management, empowering local leadership to flourish.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Calling
The calling of Area Seventy was formally established in 1995, marking a significant organizational shift to better manage the church's rapid global expansion. Prior to this, the Quorums of the Seventy had a more uniform role worldwide. The creation of Area Presidencies and the designation of specific Area Seventies to support them allowed for more localized oversight and a deeper understanding of regional needs. This evolution reflects the church's administrative adaptation to become more effective and culturally sensitive as its membership has spread across every continent.
Selection and Training Process
Individuals called as Area Seventy are typically experienced leaders who have already served successfully in other church capacities, such as bishop, stake president, or mission president. They are called by the church’s First Presidency and are sustained by the membership during general conference. Once called, they receive specific training and orientation from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Area Presidencies. This training ensures they are well-equipped to handle the theological, administrative, and interpersonal challenges of their new roles.
Geographical Organization and Current Structure
The church organizes its global operations into multiple areas, each presided over by an Area Presidency. Area Seventies are assigned to one of these areas, often specializing in specific functions such as missionary leadership, temple and family history, or temporal affairs. The number of Area Seventies assigned to a particular area varies based on its size and complexity. This structure allows for efficient coordination of the church’s vast humanitarian, educational, and ecclesiastical operations on a global scale.
Impact on Local Congregations
The presence of Area Seventy leadership has a direct and tangible impact on the daily life of local congregations. Through their training sessions for stake and mission leaders, they elevate the quality of leadership and teaching. They also provide a channel for local leaders to address challenges and seek guidance, fostering a sense of connection to the broader church community. This support system is crucial for maintaining the vitality and unity of wards and branches in every corner of the world.
Distinguishing Area Seventy from Other Church Roles
It is important to distinguish Area Seventies from members of the Quorums of the Twelve Apostles and the Quorum of the Seventy. While all are considered General Authorities, the Area Seventy role is geographically and functionally specific. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are considered prophets, seers, and revelators and serve church-wide. The First Quorum of the Seventy also serves church-wide, whereas the Second Quorum is more regional in its support of Area Presidencies. Area Seventies bridge this gap, focusing their efforts on a specific geographical region.
