In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conference meetings—whether general, stake, or ward—hold a central place in our spiritual lives. These meetings are not mere social or cultural events; they are sacred opportunities to receive revelation, strengthen our testimonies, and renew our covenants with God. However, in an increasingly busy and distracted world, some members may be tempted to downplay the importance of these meetings, viewing them as optional or dispensable. This approach not only weakens our connection to the Spirit but also contradicts the standards of the Gospel and the principles taught in the scriptures and by modern prophets.
In this blog, we will explore why attending conference meetings is essential to fully living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will use the scriptures, teachings of Church leaders, and practical examples to demonstrate that these meetings are more than just events—they are divine tools for our spiritual growth and salvation.
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### **1. Conference Meetings as a Source of Personal Revelation**
One of the primary purposes of conference meetings is to provide us with the opportunity to receive personal revelation. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:73, the Lord declares: *"For verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon the foundation of my apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone."* This scripture reminds us that conferences are a means through which God speaks to us through His authorized servants. When we attend with a prepared heart, we are in a privileged position to receive divine guidance.
Elder David A. Bednar taught: *"Conferences are a time when we receive instruction and direction from the Lord’s servants. But they are also an opportunity for the Spirit to speak directly to us, answering our personal questions and needs"* ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives," General Conference, April 2018). By not attending these meetings, we miss the opportunity to receive that personal revelation that could change the course of our lives.
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### **2. The Commandment to Gather Together**
The scriptures are clear about the importance of gathering as saints. In Hebrews 10:25, we read: *"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."* This verse not only urges us to attend meetings but also reminds us that our presence strengthens others. When we are absent, we not only deprive ourselves of blessings but also fail to be a positive influence on our brothers and sisters.
In Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-10, the Lord emphasizes: *"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High."* This commandment includes conference meetings, which are extensions of our Sunday worship. By not attending, we are disobeying a clear principle of the Gospel.
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### **3. The Importance of Unity in the Gospel**
Conference meetings foster unity among the saints. In Mosiah 18:21, Alma teaches: *"And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."* When we attend conferences, we unite in faith and purpose with other members of the Church, thereby strengthening the body of Christ.
President Russell M. Nelson has said: *"Unity is a hallmark of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. When we gather in conference, we demonstrate our willingness to be one in the Lord"* ("The Heart of the Matter," General Conference, October 2021). By missing these meetings, we not only isolate ourselves spiritually but also weaken the unity that the Church so desperately needs.
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### **4. Conferences as Tools to Strengthen Our Testimony**
Conferences are a powerful source of spiritual strength. In Romans 10:17, we read: *"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."* When we listen to the prophets and apostles, our faith is strengthened, and our testimonies grow. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: *"Conferences are like a spiritual feast. If we do not attend, we miss the nutrients we need to survive in an increasingly faith-hostile world"* ("Spiritual Banquets," General Conference, April 2019).
Additionally, conferences help us remember eternal truths that we sometimes forget amid the distractions of the world. In 2 Peter 1:12-13, the apostle Peter says: *"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance."* Conferences serve this same purpose: they awaken us spiritually and remind us of what truly matters.
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### **5. The Consequences of Not Attending**
Not attending conference meetings has serious spiritual consequences. First, we deprive ourselves of the blessings promised to those who obey the commandments. In Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21, the Lord explains: *"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."* By not attending, we are disobeying a divine law and, therefore, forfeiting the associated blessings.
Second, not attending can lead to spiritual cooling. In Revelation 3:15-16, the Lord warns: *"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."* When we stop actively participating in Church meetings, we risk becoming lukewarm in our faith, which can lead to apostasy.
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### **6. How to Get the Most Out of Conferences**
To make the most of conference meetings, it is essential to prepare adequately. Here are some practical suggestions:
1. **Spiritual Preparation**: Before the conference, dedicate time to prayer and scripture study. Ask the Lord to prepare you to receive personal revelation.
2. **Active Participation**: During the conference, take notes and reflect on how the teachings apply to your life. Do not just listen passively; look for ways to implement what you learn.
3. **Follow-Up**: After the conference, review your notes and share what you have learned with your family and friends. This will help you retain the teachings and strengthen others.
President Henry B. Eyring said: *"The conference does not end when the cameras turn off. It is only the beginning of a process of learning and application that can last a lifetime"* ("Listen and Act," General Conference, October 2017).
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### **Conclusion**
Attending conference meetings is not just a good idea—it is a divine commandment and an essential part of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These meetings provide us with personal revelation, strengthen our faith, foster unity, and help us fulfill our covenants. By not attending, we not only deprive ourselves of these blessings but also disobey the standards of the Gospel.
In a world full of distractions and challenges, conferences are a beacon of light and guidance. As President Nelson said: *"In a rapidly changing world, conferences are a constant that connects us to heaven"* ("The Power of General Conference," General Conference, October 2020). May we value these sacred meetings and attend them with gratitude and a heart willing to receive the word of the Lord.
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**Questions for Reflection**:
1. How has a specific teaching you received at a conference changed your life?
2. What can you do to better prepare for the next conference?
3. How can you share the teachings of conferences with your family and friends?
I invite you to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. Together, we can strengthen our faith and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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