Community of Christ Prophet-President Stephen M. Veazey Discusses Church Leadership and Mission

Stephen M. Veazey served as Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, a denomination formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Veazey, who was ordained to this role in 2005, became the eighth president of the church and the second not descended from the church’s founder, Joseph Smith Jr. Prior to his presidency, he held various leadership positions, including membership in the Council of Twelve Apostles, a key missionary quorum. His career within the church spanned administrative, missionary, and ministerial roles across different regions and ministries.

Veazey’s responsibilities included overseeing Church Planting Ministries, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, and Field Ministries. He also served as president of the Council of Twelve Apostles and director of missionary efforts. His leadership extended to various regions, including the Southern USA Mission Field, Africa/East Central Field, and the North Central Region. Additionally, he was involved in outreach programs, leadership development, and African American Ministries.

Born in Tennessee, Veazey earned a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Tennessee and a master of arts in religion from Park College. He held several ministerial roles, including executive minister to the Fremont Congregation in California and director of missionary development for the San Francisco Bay Stake. His service also included positions as young adult minister, director of youth camps, and presiding elder.

The Community of Christ, with over 250,000 members in more than 60 countries, is headquartered in Independence, Missouri. The church’s mission is to “proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” It offers programs for former members of the LDS Church, including the Latter-day Seekers initiative, to explore its teachings and practices.

Veazey’s tenure as Prophet-President coincided with a period of growth and outreach for the church. His leadership emphasized community engagement, missionary work, and the expansion of church ministries. The Community of Christ continues to focus on global missions, charitable efforts, and fostering spiritual and social well-being among its congregations.

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