What Does General Conference Mean to Me?
Personal Response by Lance
On the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes casually referred to by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon” Church or the LDS Church), including the modern prophet and Twelve Apostles, speak to the world in what is known as general conference. From the Conference Center in Salt Lake City the words of the prophet, the apostles, and other leaders are carried via TV, radio, satellite, and the Internet to more than eighty countries and translated into more than eighty languages. We invite everyone, regardless of religious belief, to join with us in watching or listening to general conference.
The reason I love general conference is best described by the opening words of one of the Church hymns, “Come, listen to a prophet’s voice, And hear the word of God” (“Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice,” Hymns [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985], no. 21).
I know that the messages that are prepared are truly inspired by God and are His word. The speakers prayerfully prepare and are guided by the Holy Ghost in what they say. As I listen to them, the Holy Ghost testifies of the truths that I need in my life. Every time I listen to general conference I am given inspiration as to how I can be a better Christian. I always leave with a greater determination to follow the commandments and serve others. I am inspired to know what I need to repent of or simply change in my life to come closer to my Father in Heaven.
One way I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true is that I am able to hear this modern revelation at general conference. Just as the ancient apostles taught the people according to the challenges of their day, the modern prophet and apostles clearly explain the doctrines of Jesus Christ and speak out on issues that are currently facing the Mormon Church.
For example, many people wonder about how Mormons view the Bible, given that we also have the Book of Mormon and other scripture. One of the Twelve Apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard, gave an incredible talk in April 2007 entitled “The Miracle of the Holy Bible” in which our view of the Bible as the word of God is very clearly outlined.
Speaking to members of the Mormon Church Elder Ballard said, “Brothers and sisters, I am sure many of you have had the experience of hearing people say that ‘Mormons are not Christians because they have their own Bible, the Book of Mormon.’ To anyone harboring this misconception, we say that we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and the author of our salvation and that we believe, revere, and love the Holy Bible. We do have additional sacred scripture, including the Book of Mormon, but it supports the Bible, never substituting for it.” (M. Russell Ballard, in Conference Report, Apr. 2007, 78) Read Elder M. Russell Ballard’s Talk. Watch Elder M. Russell Ballard’s Talk on YouTube.
The question has come up a lot recently as to whether or not Mormons are Christians. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, another of the Twelve Apostles devoted his two most current general conference talks to this topic. He said that there are two main reasons people may falsely assume we aren’t Christians. First is our view of the Godhead as three separate and distinct beings. In October 2007 he gave a talk entitled “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent.” In this talk, Elder Holland explained how the modern view of the trinity came out of the councils of the fourth and fifth centuries and the creeds that were established. After explaining where the notion of the trinity came from, he taught very clearly the true nature of God and Jesus Christ from the scriptures. Read the entire talk by Elder Holland . Watch Elder Holland’s talk on YouTube.
The other reason that Elder Holland gave why people may believe Mormons are not Christians is that we believe in continuing revelation that allows for an open scriptural canon. In his talk, “My Words . . . Never Cease,” he explained that our belief in continuing revelation is in accordance with the way God has worked throughout time. Our belief in the Book of Mormon and modern revelation simply shows that God has spoken to all nations anciently and that He is still speaking today. Read Elder Holland’s talk. WatchElder Holland’s talk on YouTube.
During the first weekend of April and October, the four general sessions of conference are held on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. On Saturday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM there is also a priesthood session for all of the men of the Mormon Church. Each session is composed of different speakers covering different topics. I look forward to these weekends every six months because general conference is a spiritual feast that fills me with the word of God.
Tags: Book of Mormon, General Conference, Mormon Beliefs, Mormons As Christians
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