LDS General Conference 2025: Dates, Speakers, And News

Nick Leason
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LDS General Conference 2025: Dates, Speakers, And News

The LDS General Conference 2025 will bring together members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around the world. This bi-annual event offers spiritual guidance and addresses important topics. This guide provides the dates, how to watch, and what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • The General Conference provides guidance and inspiration from church leaders.
  • The conference is held twice a year, in April and October.
  • You can attend in person or watch live broadcasts and recordings online.
  • Key speakers include the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
  • The conference addresses a variety of spiritual and contemporary topics.
  • Preparing spiritually will enhance your conference experience.

Introduction

The General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a semiannual gathering where church leaders deliver messages, counsel, and spiritual guidance to members worldwide. Held in April and October, the conference is a cornerstone of the church's tradition, offering a time for reflection, learning, and renewal of faith. Millions of members tune in from across the globe, making it one of the largest religious conferences in the world. Whitlock's Impact On The Boston Red Sox

What & Why of General Conference

What: General Conference is a meeting of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It includes sermons, announcements, and musical performances, all focused on strengthening faith and providing spiritual direction.

Who: The primary speakers are the church's top leaders, including the Prophet (President of the Church), his counselors in the First Presidency, and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Other leaders and members may also be invited to speak.

When: General Conference is held twice a year, on the first weekend of April and October. Each conference spans two days, Saturday and Sunday, with multiple sessions. Paper Trading Order Status: Why It Says 'Working'

Where: The main sessions are broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, members can participate remotely from anywhere in the world via live broadcasts and recordings.

Why: The purpose of General Conference is multifaceted:

  • Spiritual Guidance: Leaders provide inspiration, direction, and teachings based on gospel principles.
  • Church Updates: Important announcements about church initiatives, policies, and programs are often made.
  • Strengthening Faith: Members worldwide gather (physically or virtually) to reinforce their faith and commitment to gospel principles.
  • Personal Revelation: The conference provides an opportunity for individuals to receive personal revelation and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Benefits:

  • Receive direct counsel from church leaders.
  • Strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel.
  • Feel a sense of unity with members worldwide.
  • Learn about important church matters and initiatives.
  • Gain personal inspiration and direction.

Potential Risks (Misunderstandings):

  • Misinterpreting Counsel: Like any form of communication, it’s possible to misinterpret the counsel given. It’s important to prayerfully consider the messages and seek personal revelation.
  • Expecting a "One-Size-Fits-All" Solution: General Conference provides broad guidance, but individual circumstances may require personalized solutions. The principles taught should be applied thoughtfully and in conjunction with personal revelation and local leadership counsel.

How to Prepare for and Watch General Conference

Preparing for General Conference:

  1. Set Goals: What do you hope to learn or gain from the conference? Write down specific questions or areas you'd like guidance on.
  2. Clear Your Schedule: Plan ahead to minimize distractions during the sessions. Treat this time as sacred and set aside other obligations.
  3. Study Past Messages: Review talks from previous conferences to help prepare your mind and heart. The Church's website and app offer archives of past conference talks.
  4. Pray for Guidance: Pray beforehand for the Spirit to be with you and to receive personal revelation during the conference.
  5. Invite Others: Consider inviting friends or family members to watch with you.

Ways to Watch General Conference:

  1. Live Broadcasts:
    • Television: Many local and international television channels broadcast General Conference. Check your local listings.
    • Internet: Live streams are available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Stream app, and the Church's YouTube channel.
    • Radio: Some radio stations also carry live broadcasts.
  2. Mobile Apps: The Gospel Stream app provides live and on-demand access to conference sessions.
  3. Meetinghouses: Many local meetinghouses broadcast the conference in their chapels.
  4. On-Demand: Sessions are recorded and made available shortly after they conclude. You can watch them at your convenience on the Church website, app, or YouTube channel.

During General Conference:

  1. Take Notes: Write down impressions, thoughts, and promptings you receive during the talks. These notes can be a valuable resource for future study and reflection.
  2. Discuss with Others: Share your insights with family and friends. Discussing the messages can deepen your understanding and strengthen your relationships.
  3. Focus on the Spirit: Create an environment conducive to spiritual feelings. Minimize distractions and focus on the messages being shared.
  4. Pray for the Speakers: Pray for the leaders as they deliver their messages, that they will be guided by the Spirit.

After General Conference:

  1. Review Notes: Go back through your notes and ponder the messages that stood out to you.
  2. Study the Talks: The texts and videos of the talks are typically available online within a few days after the conference. Study them in more depth.
  3. Apply What You Learned: Identify specific actions you can take based on the counsel given. Set goals and work toward implementing them in your life.
  4. Share Your Insights: Continue to share your insights with others and discuss how the conference has impacted you.

Examples & Use Cases

  • Family Home Evening: Use conference talks as the basis for Family Home Evening lessons. Discuss key principles and how they apply to your family.
  • Personal Study: Select talks that resonate with you and study them in depth. Use them as a springboard for personal reflection and goal setting.
  • Service Projects: Be inspired by conference messages to engage in service projects in your community. Many talks emphasize the importance of helping others.
  • Teaching Opportunities: Use quotes and stories from conference talks in your lessons and talks at church.
  • Addressing Challenges: When facing personal challenges, turn to conference talks for guidance and perspective. You may find specific counsel that applies to your situation.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

  • Spiritual Preparation: Pray, study scriptures, and seek the Spirit's guidance before, during, and after the conference.
  • Active Listening: Focus on the speakers and the messages they are sharing. Minimize distractions.
  • Note Taking: Write down impressions and promptings you receive. These can be valuable for future study and application.
  • Discussion and Sharing: Share your insights with others and discuss how the messages apply to your life.
  • Application: Identify specific actions you can take based on the counsel given. Set goals and work toward implementing them.
  • Review and Reflect: Regularly review conference talks and reflect on the principles taught.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Distractions: Avoid distractions such as social media, phone calls, or other activities during the sessions.
  • Passive Listening: Don't just listen passively. Engage with the messages and ponder their meaning.
  • Neglecting Application: It's not enough to just listen to the talks. Make a conscious effort to apply the principles taught in your life.
  • Forgetting to Review: Don't let the conference become a one-time event. Regularly review the talks and continue to learn from them.
  • Being Overly Critical: Approach the messages with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Avoid being overly critical or judgmental.

FAQs About General Conference

1. When is the LDS General Conference held? The General Conference is held twice a year, on the first weekend of April and October.

2. Where can I watch the General Conference? You can watch the conference live on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Stream app, the Church's YouTube channel, and in many local meetinghouses. Recordings are also available on-demand.

3. Who are the main speakers at General Conference? The main speakers include the First Presidency (the Prophet and his counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Other leaders and members may also be invited to speak.

4. What topics are typically discussed at General Conference? The topics discussed vary but generally include gospel principles, personal growth, family relationships, service, and important church matters.

5. How can I best prepare for General Conference? To prepare for General Conference, set goals, clear your schedule, study past messages, and pray for guidance.

6. Are the sessions interpreted into other languages? Yes, General Conference is interpreted into many languages to accommodate the global membership of the Church. Fort Lauderdale Weather In January: What To Expect

Conclusion and Call to Action

The LDS General Conference is a unique opportunity to receive spiritual guidance, strengthen your faith, and feel connected to a global community of believers. As you prepare for and participate in the upcoming conference, remember to listen with an open heart and mind, take notes on the promptings you receive, and strive to apply the teachings in your life. We invite you to watch the next General Conference and discover the blessings that come from heeding the words of the Lord’s chosen servants.


Last updated: October 26, 2023, 16:30 UTC

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