From 1958 to 1963, Bangerter was the president of the Brazilian Mission of the church. In 1974, he was made the first president of the PortugalLisbon Mission of the church, and in 1975, he became an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1976, when the position of Assistant to the Twelve was abolished, Bangerter became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He twice served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, in 1978 to 1980 and from 1985 to 1989. In 1989, he was given general authority emeritus status and released from active duties.