Have you ever wondered what unites millions of people across the globe for a single weekend twice a year? The answer is the General Conference, a worldwide event that transcends borders, languages, and cultures. Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), this gathering invites members and non-members alike to hear uplifting messages, prophetic counsel, and timeless principles of hope and discipleship.
Whether you’re tuning in for personal revelation, spiritual growth, or curiosity, the General Conference is a faith-based event unlike any other.
What Is General Conference?
The General Conference is a biannual worldwide broadcast where leaders of the LDS Church share sermons and spiritual guidance. These talks cover topics such as:
- Faith and repentance
- Family and relationships
- Forgiveness and hope
- Church doctrine and announcements
- Encouragement during trials
Each session includes music, prayer, and sermons—referred to as “talks”—from apostles, prophets, and general authorities.
When Is the Next General Conference?
The LDS Church holds General Conference twice a year: once in April and again in October.
Upcoming General Conference Dates:
- April 2025 General Conference: April 5–6, 2025
- October 2025 General Conference: October 4–5, 2025
Each event includes five sessions over two days:
- Saturday Morning
- Saturday Afternoon
- Saturday Evening (Session for All)
- Sunday Morning
- Sunday Afternoon
You can view the full schedule on the official church website.
How to Watch General Conference
Thanks to modern technology, participating in General Conference has never been easier. The event is broadcast live in multiple languages across the globe.
Ways to Watch:
- ChurchofJesusChrist.org (live stream and archives)
- Gospel Library App
- YouTube (LDS General Conference Channel)
- BYUtv and BYUradio
- LDS Media Centers and Meetinghouses
Each session is available in more than 90 languages, ensuring accessibility for a global audience.
What to Expect During General Conference Talks
Each General Conference talk is thoughtfully prepared to uplift, teach, and inspire. Speakers include:
- The Prophet (President of the Church)
- The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
- Other General Authorities and Auxiliary Leaders
Common Themes:
- Personal revelation
- Jesus Christ’s role in our lives
- Service and compassion
- Facing trials with faith
- Family unity and eternal perspective
These messages often resonate deeply with viewers and are quoted for months—even years—after the event.
General Conference for Children and Youth
The General Conference experience isn’t limited to adults. Special resources help make the experience engaging for younger members.
Resources Include:
- Coloring pages and note templates
- “Conference Bingo” and topic trackers
- Summary videos and visual highlights
- Family discussion guides for post-session reflections
Parents are encouraged to help children feel involved by summarizing talks or replaying short segments that match their age level.
How to Prepare for General Conference
Spiritual preparation can help make the experience more meaningful. Here’s how to get ready:
Before the Conference:
- Pray for guidance on questions or concerns
- Study past General Conference talks
- Set aside dedicated time to watch live or on-demand
- Invite friends or family to join you
During the Conference:
- Take notes on impressions and promptings
- Write down quotes that stand out
- Minimize distractions by creating a quiet, sacred space
After the Conference:
- Review talks in the Gospel Library
- Discuss key points with your family or congregation
- Apply counsel through weekly study or family night lessons
The Global Impact of General Conference
Each General Conference reaches millions of viewers from more than 200 countries. The talks are translated into over 100 languages and accessible both live and on demand.
Why It Matters:
- Promotes worldwide unity and faith
- Delivers consistent gospel instruction
- Addresses current issues with spiritual context
- Encourages service, love, and resilience
In a world full of noise and division, General Conference offers a moment of peace, clarity, and spiritual connection.
Inspirational Highlights from Past Conferences
Here are some notable quotes and moments from recent years:
“The Lord loves effort. And effort brings rewards.” – Russell M. Nelson
“The adversary never sleeps, but neither does the Lord.” – Jeffrey R. Holland
“Let God prevail in your life.” – Russell M. Nelson
You can revisit these and thousands of other messages on General Conference archives.
Ready to Share Your Faith-Based Event?
If you’re hosting a conference, fireside, youth event, or gospel-centered workshop, the General Conference model is a great source of inspiration.
🎯 Want to promote your own spiritual gathering?
👉 Submit your event to Conferences Daily
FAQs About General Conference
1. Is General Conference only for LDS Church members?
No. All are welcome to watch and listen. The messages are faith-filled and often broadly applicable.
2. How long is each session?
Each session typically lasts 2 hours, with breaks in between.
3. Are the talks available after the event?
Yes. They’re archived in video, audio, and transcript formats on the Church’s website and app.
4. Can I attend General Conference in person?
Tickets are limited and usually distributed through local church leaders. The event is held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
5. How can I study General Conference talks after it ends?
Use the Gospel Library App, Church website, or printed General Conference issues of the Liahona magazine.
