lds general conference: 7 Powerful Truths

lds general conference uplifts millions with divine instruction. Explore history, structure, messages, participation tips, and memorable moments.

Introduction

lds general conference is a sacred semiannual gathering for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, when Church leaders deliver inspired messages to uplift, teach, and unify. In this article, you’ll learn the full story of lds general conference — its origins, structure, broadcasts, memorable moments, how to participate meaningfully, tips for families, and why it continues to be a powerful spiritual anchor for millions worldwide.

We’ll dive into:

• History and evolution of lds general conference

• Schedule, sessions, and organizational structure

• How it’s broadcasted and accessed globally

• Memorable talks and turning points in conference history

• How to prepare spiritually and practically

• Family and youth engagement strategies

• Challenges, innovations, and future trends

• FAQs about lds general conference

• Final thoughts and an invitation to engage

Let’s begin by going back to the start.

History & Evolution of LDS General Conference

Origins and early conferences

The roots of lds general conference trace to Joseph Smith’s early days. The first meeting of all church members was held on June 9, 1830, shortly after the organization of the Church on April 6, 1830. history.churchofjesuschrist.org+2Wikipedia+2

In the earliest years, Joseph Smith received revelation that the church should meet in conference “once in three months, or from time to time” for necessary church business. Wikipedia+1

After Smith’s death in 1844 and the ensuing leadership succession, the tradition continued under Brigham Young and subsequent leaders. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

By 1848, general conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints have been held in Salt Lake City, Utah (except for one in 1877 in St. George, Utah). Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Growth, venues & broadcast expansion

Venues

From 1848 to around 1852, conferences were held in a bowery in Salt Lake City; then from 1852 to 1867 in the Old Salt Lake Tabernacle; from 1867 to 2000 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle; and since 2000 in the Conference Center adjacent to Temple Square. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

The LDS Conference Center was planned in the 1950s, announced by President David O. McKay, and officially built under President Gordon B. Hinckley, opening with a 21,200-seat main hall and side theater. Wikipedia+1

Broadcast & global reach

The broadcasting history is notable:

• Radio broadcasts began in 1922, marking the first time general conference messages could reach beyond local congregations. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1

• Television broadcasts started in 1949, expanding reach further. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1

• Internet streaming of general conference began in 1999, enabling live access worldwide and translations into many languages. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1

In the 2020s, general conference is translated into over 90+ languages and broadcast globally via radio, TV, satellite, and internet. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1

A 2024 commemoration noted 100 years of radio broadcasting, 75 years of television, and 25 years of live internet coverage. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

Organizational changes over time

• For much of history, general conference spanned three days, with sessions held on April 6 (the Church’s founding anniversary) even if it landed on a weekday. Church News+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

• In 1977, the Church changed to a two-day format (Saturday & Sunday) to ease burden on members. LDS Living+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

• Meetings for women (Relief Society / Young Women) were historically held separately. In 2013, the First Presidency announced that beginning in 2014, a General Women’s Meeting would become part of general conference. Wikipedia+2Mormon Wiki+2

• Further adjustments in October 2017 and April 2018 reorganized how women’s sessions and priesthood sessions fit. Mormon Wiki+2Wikipedia+2

Today, the lds general conference comprises multiple general sessions, a women’s session, and (in April) a priesthood session. Wikipedia+2history.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Structure, Format & Session Details

Schedule & types of sessions

The lds general conference typically includes:

• Four general sessions: Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon

• A Saturday evening session (often for women/generally open)

• In April, a priesthood session for holders of the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood

• A General Women’s Session, typically held during the October conference for female members age 8 and older
  newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+3Wikipedia+3Mormon Wiki+3

Each general session is about 2 hours. Mormon Wiki+2history.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Speaking, sustaining & business

• During one session (often Saturday morning), leaders of the Church (First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, general authorities, auxiliary heads) are sustained (voted on) by the membership via common consent. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

• Leadership changes (e.g. new apostles, counselors) are typically announced in these sessions. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

• The business of a solemn assembly may accompany the sustaining vote when a new President of the Church is set apart. Wikipedia+1

Who speaks & topics

• All members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles typically speak.

• Additional speakers may include general authorities and other church officers (e.g. Relief Society, Primary, Young Women) chosen to address relevant topics. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+3Wikipedia+3Mormon Wiki+3

• Topics often center on doctrine (Jesus Christ, faith, repentance), family, personal discipleship, service, revelation, and Church programs.

• Messages may include policy or program announcements (e.g. temple locations, welfare initiatives). newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1

Translation & accessibility

Because the lds general conference is global, talks are translated in real time into many languages for broadcast. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Recordings, transcripts, and video are made available in the Church’s media systems and Gospel Library for later access. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Why LDS General Conference Matters

Spiritual nourishment & guidance

Members view lds general conference as a time to receive direct spiritual teachings, direction, and reaffirmation of faith. The messages often provide solace, challenge, and covenant reminders.

Corporate unity & sustaining leadership

Conference is a visible expression of unity — members everywhere vote to sustain Church leaders and affirm shared beliefs. It binds local congregations to global leadership.

Announcements & Church direction

Important changes or new initiatives (temple announcements, program adjustments, doctrinal emphasis) are often introduced during a conference, giving them legitimacy and wide visibility. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2LDS Daily+2

For example, the 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood (extending priesthood blessing to all worthy male members) was presented and sustained at general conference. Wikipedia

Historical and cultural impact

Over decades, lds general conference has adapted to technology, culture, and global Church growth. It serves also as a record of the Church’s evolving priorities, language, and emphasis.

A study of talk transcripts reveals increased emphasis post-1980 on topics like Jesus Christ, family, eternal marriage, and atonement. Reddit+1

Memorable Moments & Turning Points

Notable conference revelations & shifts

• 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood — extended priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members regardless of race (first presented at the 148th Semiannual Conference). Wikipedia

• Bicentennial Proclamation on the Restoration (2020) — delivered during a pandemic‑era conference, reaffirming restoration and continuity. LDS Daily

• 2020 conferences during COVID‑19 — for the first time, sessions were held in a small auditorium without public attendance and audiences watched entirely via broadcast. Wikipedia+3Mormon Wiki+3Church News+3

• Solemn Assembly & President transitions — when leadership changes happen (e.g. sustaining a new prophet), the atmosphere becomes particularly solemn and historic. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

Recent impactful talks & sessions

Every conference has standout talks. While full lists are extensive, some highlights:

• Messages centered on resilience, faith in trials, and temple work

• Calls to strengthen families, minister to others, and personal scripture study

• In times of global challenge (pandemics, unrest), leaders often address relevance of gospel during trials

These moments make lds general conference more than a schedule — it’s a living, responsive forum.

How to Prepare & Participate Meaningfully

Practical preparation

1. Check dates & times for your time zone (usually first weekend of April & October).

2. Reserve a quiet, distraction‑free spot with stable internet or broadcast access.

3. Have a notebook or digital journal ready for impressions, quotes, or insights.

4. Set spiritual intention — pray beforehand for insight and readiness to apply.

5. Plan breaks between sessions to reflect, rest, and process messages.

During conference

• Listen prayerfully, not just intellectually

• Mark talks or quotes that resonate

• Avoid multitasking — treat it as a spiritual feast, not background noise

• For families: discuss key points with children during breaks

• Use translation or subtitles if needed if English is not your first language

After conference

• Review notes and pick one or two concrete actions to implement

• Use the Church’s resources (video, transcripts, magazine) to revisit favorite talks

• Discuss with your church community or family what stood out

• Pray for strength to live the counsel received

By preparing before, engaging during, and reflecting afterward, your experience of lds general conference deepens.

Family & Youth Engagement Strategies

For children & teens

• Give them age‑appropriate scripture packets with key quotes

• Pause between sessions to ask: “What touched you?” or “What will you try to do differently?”

• Use visual aids (map for temple announcements, charts)

• Create a “conference journal” for youth to compare insights across years

For families

• Hold a short devotional or discussion after each session

• Assign a “family project” inspired by a talk (service, scripture study, missionary outreach)

• Encourage younger children to draw what they feel from a talk

• Use the magazine (e.g., Liahona or your local edition) where conference talks are published

These practices help make lds general conference a lived, communal experience.

Innovations, Challenges & the Future

Adapting to changing technology

• Increased use of interactive web tools, apps, and mobile access

• Enhanced streaming with multiple language feeds, closed captioning, and real‑time translation

• Use of social media channels to share highlights and build community during conference

Challenges & criticisms

• Time zone differences: some regions watch at late or odd hours

• Overload: too many talks may overwhelm listeners

• Digital distraction: temptation to multitask

• Language and cultural adaptation: ensuring messages resonate globally

Future directions

• More regionalization or breakout sessions tailored for specific cultures

• Expanded virtual community spaces, small group study tied to talks

• Use of data analytics to track which messages resonate in different regions

• Continued updates to broadcast and translation technology

The strength of lds general conference lies in its adaptability as the Church grows globally.

Table: Quick Reference — LDS General Conference Overview

FAQs About LDS General Conference

1. What is the purpose of the lds general conference?
   The lds general conference is intended to offer spiritual instruction, unify church membership, sustain leadership, and announce direction and policies of the Church.
2. When and how often is general conference held?
   General conference is held twice a year, on the weekends including the first Sunday of April and October. Mormon Wiki+3Wikipedia+3newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+3
3. Who speaks at the lds general conference?
   Speakers include members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and various Church leaders or auxiliary officers chosen to deliver inspired talks. Wikipedia+2Mormon Wiki+2
4. How can I access general conference if I don’t live near Salt Lake City?
   You can watch or listen via television, radio, satellite broadcasts, or live online streaming. Recordings and transcripts are also available afterward. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2
5. Has general conference ever been canceled or changed format?
   Yes, historically conferences were canceled or postponed during events such as flu epidemics (e.g. October 1957), war, or travel restrictions. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2Church News+2 In 2020 during COVID‑19, sessions were held with no public attendance and all participants broadcasted remotely. Mormon Wiki+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2
6. What is a solemn assembly in relation to general conference?
   A solemn assembly is a special additional meeting during general conference when members sustain a new President of the Church or vote in a ceremonial manner. Wikipedia+1
7. What memorable events have taken place at lds general conferences?
   Some pivotal moments include the 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood, modern announcements like temple locations, shifts in global programs, and especially adaptation during crises like COVID‑19. Wikipedia+2newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+2

Conclusion & Call to Action

The lds general conference remains a spiritual milestone for Latter‑day Saints worldwide. It is where doctrine, leadership, member unity, and divine direction coalesce in semiannual gatherings. By understanding its history, structure, how to engage, and its evolving nature, you can better appreciate and benefit from each conference session.

I encourage you to watch upcoming conferences with intention: prepare your heart, listen carefully, and choose one or two principles to live. Share insights with family, discuss together, and revisit your favorite talks afterward.