Within the ecclesiastical structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the designation "LDS 70's" refers to a specific body of ordained leaders charged with a unique global ministry. These individuals, known formally as Presidents of the Seventy, form a critical component of the church's presiding hierarchy, operating under the direct authority of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their primary mandate is to organize, train, and direct the efforts of local congregations spread across the world, ensuring doctrinal consistency and administrative unity. The calling of a seventy is considered a special witness of Jesus Christ, dedicated to the rapid expansion and spiritual strengthening of the church worldwide.
The Biblical and Historical Foundation of the Seventy
The concept of the seventy originates directly from the New Testament, where Jesus Christ organized a similar group to assist in His ministry, sending them forth in pairs to prepare the way in various cities. This scriptural precedent is mirrored in the modern church, where members of the LDS 70 are called to serve as especial witnesses of the resurrected Lord. Historically, the office was reorganized in its modern form in 1975 under the direction of President Spencer W. Kimball. Prior to this, the church had utilized a more fluid system of seventies, but the current structure provides a stable, quorum-based leadership model that has defined the church's growth for nearly half a century.
Organizational Structure and Authority
The LDS 70 are organized into quorums, typically numbering around 70 members globally, although this number can vary based on ecclesiastical need and general conference announcements. Unlike the Twelve, who are considered apostles and hold the highest priesthood keys, the Seventy are high priests who serve under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve. Their authority is derived from this delegation, and they function as the chief operating officers of the church, translating the strategic vision of the apostles into actionable plans for bishops and stake presidents in every nation.
The Role and Daily Ministry of a General Authority seventy
Members of the LDS 70 are typically distinguished by their extensive experience in local leadership, having previously served successfully as bishops, stake presidents, or mission presidents. Upon being called to the First or Second Quorum of the Seventy, they are sustained as General Authorities and commit to full-time service, often relocating to Salt Lake City to work closely with the church's global leadership. Their duties include meeting with area presidencies, conducting training seminars, and providing direct counsel to leaders regarding the spiritual and temporal needs of their congregations.
Area Administration and Supervision
A significant portion of the Seventy's time is dedicated to area administration. The church is divided into geographical areas, each presided over by an area president and his counselors. The Seventy assigned to these areas act as key advisors and supervisors, ensuring that the teachings of the gospel are applied uniformly. They conduct regular visits to stakes and districts, offering guidance, resolving complex issues, and inspiring local leaders through training meetings known as "Training Days." This system allows the church to maintain a consistent standard of worship and procedure from one continent to the next.
Distinguishing the First and Second Quorums
While all members of the Seventy hold the priesthood authority of the office, there is a practical distinction between the First and Second Quorums. Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy are typically called to serve longer terms and may be assigned to more complex or strategic regions of the world. They are often viewed as the more senior group within the seventy quorums. Conversely, members of the Second Quorum usually serve for a shorter duration, allowing for a more frequent rotation of fresh leadership and perspectives into the global hierarchy of the LDS 70.
