General Conference: A Worldwide Church Meeting

We listen to prophets and other Church leaders during general conference. They teach us what God wants us to hear.

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people gathered inside the Conference Center for general conference

Each April and October, the Church holds a series of meetings called general conference. Leaders teach and testify about Jesus Christ and His gospel. General conference is held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, and is broadcast throughout the world in over 80 languages. All members and any other interested people are invited to listen to the talks.

The First Church Conferences

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depiction of people gathered for organization of Church

The Church was officially organized during a meeting on April 6, 1830 (see Doctrine and Covenants 20). The first general conference was held on June 9, 1830. Since then, general conferences have been held under the direction of the President of the Church wherever members could gather. In the 1840s, leaders began holding conference twice a year.

How Conferences Are Organized Today

The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other Church leaders speak during general conference. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and other Church choirs provide music. Each conference has five sessions: three on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Teachings of Leaders

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President Russell M. Nelson speaking at general conference

In the months before conference, Church leaders pray about what to teach. The Lord inspires them to know what they should say. They teach gospel truths and invite us to keep God’s commandments. They also testify of Jesus Christ and encourage us to follow Him.

Learning from Conference

Before general conference, we can pray to hear what the Lord wants us to learn. As we listen to the talks, the Spirit will teach us what we need to know. After conference, the talks appear on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, in the Gospel Library app, and in the Liahona. We can prayerfully study the talks to learn more about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

From the Scriptures

Jesus Christ taught that we should meet together often (see 3 Nephi 18:22).

When Church members worship together, the Lord will be with them (see Matthew 18:20).

The Lord commanded Church members to ”instruct and edify each other” (Doctrine and Covenants 43:8).

As Church members show faith in Christ, His Spirit will be with them as they meet (see Doctrine and Covenants 44:2).