The local leadership of the Santa Clarita Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) has changed.

In keeping with the tradition of rotating out leadership every nine or ten years, on Feb. 11 the local LDS stake named Michael Stanley, a religious educator on staff at USC, the new regional president, according to a church news release.

“Among other priorities, President Stanley and his presidency will teach the importance of developing Christ-like characteristics; promoting and developing family unity; and encourage service in the community,” the news release said.

Alongside Stanley, LDS members Chris Eddy of Canyon Country and Michael “Mick” Mehl of Saugus will assist the new president and share in some of his responsibilities, according to church officials.

All three men will serve in positions that are run in “lay of ministry,” in which they will receive no financial compensation and maintain full-time employment in jobs outside of the church, according to the news release.

In order to accomplish their mission statement, Stanley dictated a framework consisting of three key goals he wishes to accomplish:

• “First, to develop Christlike characteristics begins with understanding and applying principles contained in scripture, so we will encourage scripture study both individually, in families, and as a congregation.”

• “Second, quoting a former church president, David O. McKay, Stanley indicated; “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” Everyone has family that they can love and support. At a minimum, we encourage our members to set aside at least one evening each week for family.”

• “Third, we are working diligently with our friends and neighbors in the community to promote service.  Currently we are joining with others to populate and promote JustServe.org as a community resource that will connect people with a desire to serve with non-profit organizations and individuals that can use a helping hand.”

Stanley’s administration will oversee the seven LDS Congregations — totaling 2,700 congregants — in the eastern half of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Stanley and his fellow administrators are replacing presidents Steve Lindberg, Richard Wirthlin and Dave Rock, who had all worked in as leaders in the church for the past nine years.

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