Twice a year millions of Latter-day Saints stop everything to listen to living prophets. Here’s what general conference is, and why it’s biblical.
General conference is a worldwide gathering held every April and October, where Latter-day Saints hear the prophet, apostles and other leaders speak to the whole Church. It is broadcast from Salt Lake City, translated into many languages, and free to watch. It follows an ancient pattern: Moses gathered the people “that they may hear” (Deuteronomy 31:12), the apostles met in council (Acts 15), and King Benjamin sent his words in writing to those who couldn’t hear (Mosiah 2:8). The Lord said, “by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
The short answerThe whole Church listening to its prophets
General conference is a worldwide gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held twice a year, on a weekend in early April and early October. The President of the Church, his counselors, the Twelve Apostles and other leaders, men and women, speak to the whole Church from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, and the sessions are broadcast and streamed around the world and translated into many languages. Afterward the talks are published so members can study them for the next six months.
Latter-day Saints treat conference as modern scripture in the making. The Lord said, “whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38), and that whatever His servants “speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture” (D&C 68:4).
An ancient patternMoses, the apostles and King Benjamin
God has always gathered His people to hear His prophets. Moses commanded, “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn” (Deuteronomy 31:12). When the early Church faced its biggest controversy, “the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter,” and announced, “it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us” (Acts 15:6, 28). That is a general conference. The sixth Article of Faith affirms “the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth” (Articles of Faith 1:6).
The Book of Mormon’s King Benjamin gathered his people at the temple, and because “the multitude being so great,” he “caused a tower to be erected.” When even that wasn’t enough, “he caused that the words which he spake should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the sound of his voice” (Mosiah 2:7–8). Satellites and streaming are just a taller tower.
Conference in the restored ChurchSince June 1830
The Church held its first conference on June 9, 1830, two months after it was organized. The revelation on Church government directed that “the several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct” (D&C 20:61–62).
Conference also carries out the principle that “all things shall be done by common consent in the church” (D&C 26:2). At general conference, members raise their hands to sustain the First Presidency, the Twelve and other leaders. No one is called to lead the Church without the members’ vote.
Why Latter-day Saints watchLiving prophets, not just past ones
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Latter-day Saints believe God still does that. The Lord told the Church to give heed to the prophet’s words “as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:4–5). Paul said apostles and prophets were given “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:11–14).
Conference talks teach the same doctrines Joseph Smith taught: that God is our literal Father, that Christ is our Savior, and that our Father’s plan is to bring His children home to become like Him, as heirs of “all that my Father hath” (D&C 84:38), always as His children. See Was Joseph Smith a Prophet? and Was God Once a Man?.
How to watchFree, and open to everyone
Anyone can watch general conference free online, on the Gospel Library app or on broadcast channels. Talks are posted in text, audio and video soon afterward. If you’re curious about what Latter-day Saints believe, conference is the best primary source there is: the leaders speaking in their own words. See What Is a Stake? for how local stake conferences work too.
Check the premiseThe presuppositions baked into the question
Before this question can be answered fairly, the person asking has to justify a few assumptions packed inside it:
- That Latter-day Saints believe the canon is closed. The Lord said His servants’ inspired words “shall be scripture” (D&C 68:4), and “He will yet reveal many great and important things” (Articles of Faith 1:9).
- That leaders are chosen without members’ consent. D&C 26:2: “all things shall be done by common consent”; members sustain leaders by vote.
- That church councils ended with the apostles. Acts 15 shows apostles and elders meeting in council; Latter-day Saints believe apostles were restored.
- That conference is just for members. It is free and public, and the talks are published for anyone.
FAQQuick answers
What is general conference?
A worldwide gathering of the Church held every April and October, where the prophet, apostles and other leaders speak to all members.
When is general conference?
On a weekend in early April and early October each year.
Where is general conference held?
In the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, broadcast and streamed worldwide.
Can non-members watch general conference?
Yes. It is free online and on the Gospel Library app.
Do Latter-day Saints consider conference talks scripture?
D&C 68:4 teaches that what leaders “speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture.”
Who speaks at general conference?
Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, plus other General Authorities and general officers, including women who lead the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary.
Is there a Bible pattern for general conference?
Yes. When a doctrinal question arose, “the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter” in Jerusalem (Acts 15:6), and sent their decision to the churches.
Why do Latter-day Saints listen to living prophets?
Because “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
SummaryKey takeaways
- General conference is held each April and October.
- Prophets and apostles speak to the whole Church.
- It follows Deuteronomy 31, Acts 15 and Mosiah 2.
- Members sustain leaders by common consent (D&C 26:2).
Watch a session of the next general conference, free on the Gospel Library app. For quick, sourced answers, open Galatians18, and follow me on X at @TraviXai.
Sources
- King James Bible (churchofjesuschrist.org): Deuteronomy 31:12 · Amos 3:7 · Acts 15:6 · Acts 15:28 · Ephesians 4:11–14
- Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:1–8
- Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 1:38 · D&C 20:61–62 · D&C 21:4–5 · D&C 26:2 · D&C 68:4 · D&C 84:38
- Pearl of Great Price: Articles of Faith 1:6 · Articles of Faith 1:9
- Featured image and in-article graphic: original graphics by thebookofmormon.ai (painterly backgrounds; no photographs or likenesses of real people).
