Just after they were married he was called to be a Bishop, and he served in other church callings over the years. From 1974-1976 he was called to be the President of the Canada Toronto Mission.

 He was called to be a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976. In 1980 he was called to the Presidency of that quorum.

In October 1985 he was called to be any Apostle. He got a phone call from President Hinckley to meet him in his office. He was thinking that he would be called to speak in General Conference. This came as a surprise to him and his family, his wife thought, please say that again? This was a humbling experience for the whole family.

 He was sustained in October 1985 General Conference and ordained October 10, 1985. Elder Ballard has been an apostle for 28 years in October.