Area Presidency Responsibilities

If you’ve read about the new Area Presidency, you may be wondering what that is. The General Handbook: Serving in the Church tells us a little more about these priesthood holders who preside over the Church at a regional level.

“The Church is organized into geographic areas covering the entire world.”¹

“In each area, a General Authority Seventy is assigned by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to serve as the Area President. Two counselors, who are General Authority Seventies or Area Seventies, are assigned to assist the president.

“The Area Presidency presides over and counsels with stake and mission presidents in the area. They also support temple presidents and matrons. . . .

“Members of the Area Presidency travel within the assigned area to minister, to teach, and to encourage local leaders, missionaries, and Church members. They are assigned by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to preside at stake conferences and other meetings.”²

“The office of Seventy in the Melchizedek Priesthood is referenced in both the Old and New Testaments,” the General Handbook tells us (see Exodus 24:1, 9–10; Luke 10:1, 17). Today, there are General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies. They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. They assist the Twelve in building up and regulating the Church in all nations (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:34–35, 38).

“General Authority Seventies serve full-time in the Church. They are generally released in the year they turn 70 years old and are granted emeritus status. Although they retain the office of Seventy, they no longer preside in meetings.”³

To learn more about Area Presidencies, go to the General Handbook:

Access it on the Gospel Library App on your mobile phone: Click on Handbooks and Callings, and then click General Handbook.
Access it online: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/title-page?lang=eng