The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set to welcome new leadership within its Church Hosting department. Gordon H. Smith and Sharon Smith are set to take the helm as the new directors of Church Hosting, effective July 1, 2025. This role is pivotal as it involves representing the Church to dignitaries worldwide.
Gordon H. Smith brings a wealth of experience to this position. Previously, he served as an Area Seventy in various North American regions, including Central, Northeast, and Southeast. His political career includes two terms as a U.S. Senator for Oregon from 1997 to 2009, where he chaired the Senate High Tech Task Force Committee and served on the Senate Finance and Foreign Relations Committees. More recently, he was the president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters for over a decade.
Sharon Smith complements her husband’s extensive background with her own impressive credentials. She graduated magna cum laude in education from Brigham Young University and has experience as a second-grade teacher. Her service within the Church has included roles such as a Relief Society president and participation in various community causes, notably the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together, the Smiths are parents to three children and one foster daughter.
They will succeed J. Christopher and Erlynn E. Lansing, who have led the hosting efforts since July 2021. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed gratitude for the Lansings' service, stating, "We are deeply grateful for the Lansings' exceptional service. Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave a lasting impact on Church Hosting. We welcome Gordon and Sharon, who will carry on the important work of fostering positive relationships with global leaders."
In a timely observation of the Church's activities, President Steven J. Lund, the Young Men General President, along with his wife, Kalleen, recently ministered to young men in Missouri while visiting historic Church sites from March 13 to March 16, 2025. During this four-day event, they engaged six young men from nearby stakes at each location, discussing critical themes like leadership in adversity, the significance of priesthood keys, and the teachings from the Book of Mormon.
While at Liberty Jail, President Lund encouraged the young men to remain hopeful in Christ and quoted the Doctrine and Covenants, reminding them of the final words shared by Joseph Smith: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." This powerful reminder aimed to inspire young leaders facing their challenges.
At the Far West Temple Site, Lund shared his testimony regarding priesthood keys and emphasized the importance of modern-day prophets and Apostles, highlighting the mutual respect within the First Presidency. Young men at the Three Witnesses monument reflected on their studies of the Book of Mormon, with many preparing for full-time missions to witness for the Church.
The overarching theme of Lund’s tour was "Building Zion," a concept aimed at encouraging individuals to foster a sense of unity and spirituality within their communities. Sam Benson, a young man from the Lenexa Kansas stake, encapsulated this idea perfectly: "Knowing what the early Saints sacrificed in that time to serve the Lord and to build Zion showed me that this work of the Lord left such an impression on them to continue in faith despite the many trials they went through. We need to work together, and like the people of Enoch, ‘with one heart and one mind’ so that we can prepare the world for the Savior’s return to Zion."
A highlight of the visit was an evening devotional with Lund, Elder Jeremiah Morgan from the North America Central Area, and his wife, Rebecca. President Lund expressed confidence in the youth, stating, "I feel the strength of the youth of Zion that are the leaders of the Church already and will continue to lead throughout their lives." He recognized the impact these young men are making—not just locally, but globally—in various countries where the Church is active.
During the visit, Lund also shared stories of youth from places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand, and Uganda. "These, in Oliver Cowdery’s words, are times never to be forgotten," he remarked, assuring the young men that they are part of a divine mission to uplift and transform the world through their faith.
The Ministry included additional activities like a service project where young men cleared debris and planted trees near the Kansas City Temple grounds, along with a devotional and music festival in Olathe, Kansas. Elder Morgan noted, "As we gathered together in sacred historic sites, undertook to give service, and then shared in inspired instruction, beautiful music, and fervent testimony, there was a demonstrable strength and power among the rising generation. We see quite literally the youth of the Church flocking to the Church, and their faith in God and Jesus Christ shines through."
As the Church transitions to new directors and youth leaders embrace their roles, the focus on fostering faith, community, and leadership remains at the forefront of its mission. This evolving landscape underscores the Church’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they carry forward the tenets of faith and service that have long characterized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
