The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands during the 188th Semiannual General Conference. From left to right: President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor; President Russell M. Nelson, prophet; and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor.
The 188th Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began Saturday morning with three sessions of conference and finished on Sunday with two more sessions.
For the second time, the Church held its shortened general conference, which is now only five sessions. In October 2017, the First Presidency announced it would consolidate general conference by only holding the general women’s session and priesthood sessions once a year. The women’s session will be held Saturday night and the next priesthood session will be held in April 2019.
The Church also rolled out a new hashtag for this general conference. Instead of using #LDSconf, people can now join the social media conversation by using #generalconference.
While the LDS Church leaders give specific instruction and teach gospel principles during conference, here is a quick overview of the messages shared by each of the speakers.
Saturday Morning Session
President Russell M. Nelson, President of LDS Church
Shared a summary of announcements from April 2018 general conference, the work that has been accopmlished since last conference and introduced “home-centered church.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve
Introduced the new two-hour Sunday church block schedule and explained the “Come Follow Me—For Individuals and Families” manual. (See how the new two-hour block breaks down here.)
Brother M. Joseph Brough, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency
The Lord requires that we overcome challenges, and He has indicated ‘that all these things shall give (us) experience, and shall be for (our good)’ (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7).”
Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Of the Seventy
“As parents in Zion, we have a sacred responsibility, a duty to awaken within our children passion and commitment to the joy, light and truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve
We can overcome fear by staying close to the Lord and having the Spirit with us.
Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve
Just like a rope is more powerful and productive when strands are woven together, members of the Church are strengthened through “gathering together in one all things in Christ.”
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency
Cautioned about listening to the wrong sources and reviewed fundamental truths of the restored gospel.
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve
Remain firm and steadfast in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Dean M. Davies, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
“Come, listen to a prophet’s voice.”
Elder Ulisses Soares, Quorum of the Twelve
Members of the Church need to support each other and make special efforts to fellowship new members.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Quorum of the Twelve
Elder Paul B. Pieper, Of the Seventy
“As we take upon us the Savior’s name, we truly lay hold upon every good thing and become like Him.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Quorum of the Twelve
We can find healing, peace, happiness and meaning by becoming true disciples through believing God, loving as He showed and doing He does.
Women Session
Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President
Serve even when it might be uncomfortable because we are serving for the Lord.
Michelle Lynn Craig, first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
If we listen to the Holy Ghost, we will know how and where we should serve.
Cristina B. Franco, second counselor in Primary Presidency
Service is elevated with love, and “love is made sacred through sacrifice.”
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency
Women will play a greater role in moving God’s work forward through their nurturing nature and teaching their families in the home.
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency
“Be kind to others.”
President Russell M. Nelson, President of LDS Church
Help gather scattered Israel by accepting the challenge to fast from social media for 10 days, read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year, establish a pattern of regular temple attendance, and participate fully in Relief Society.
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve
Reread the revelation given in Doctrine and Covenants 138 to remember the promises the Lord has given us when we lose loved ones.
Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, YW General President
“To effectively accept this invitation (to minister), we must develop a shepherd’s heart and understand the needs of the Lord’s sheep.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve
Spiritual repair comes through the Redeemer, and we can be healed if we forgive and seek to create peace.
Elder Shayne M. Bowen, Of the Seventy
“The Book of Mormon is the keystone to conversion of all of Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve
While the are moments when the difficulties of life will wound your soul, you are meant to survive spiritually.
President Russell M. Nelson, President of LDS Church
President Nelson explained the reasons for emphasizing the need to use the full name of the Church when referring to it.
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency
“We must work continually to take His name throughout our lives, including when we renew covenants at the sacrament table and make covenants in the Lord’s holy temple.”
Brother Brian K. Ashton, second counselor of Sunday School Presidency
The nature of Heavenly Father and our relationship with Him.
Elder Robert C. Gay, Presidency of the Seventy
Take upon us the name of Christ and trust in Him.
Matthew L. Carpenter, Of the Seventy
While mortal infirmities “refine us and deepen our reliance upon God,” Christ will always strengthen us spiritually so we can endure our burdens.
Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve
Since agency is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan, he expects and directs His children to choose for themselves.
Elder Jack N. Gerard, Of the Seventy
Rise from the distractions of the world and access your life.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve
While we receive ministering from the Savior ourselves, we must also serve as the shepherd by seeking the lost sheep and ministering to them.
President Russell M. Nelson, President of LDS Church
Temples are important and we need to set goals to attend the temple.
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