The Purpose and History of General Conference in The Church of Jesus Christ

How twice-yearly gatherings became the spiritual center of Mormon leadership and doctrine.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 18, 2026

Branched from How to Access and Study General Conference Talks Online

Quick take

General Conference is a semi-annual assembly where the Church's top leaders teach doctrine and set direction for millions of members worldwide.
It began in 1830 as informal meetings and evolved into a structured, broadcast event that shapes Church policy and spiritual focus.
Members attend to hear current revelation, receive guidance on personal and family life, and feel unified with global leadership.

General Conference is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' primary gathering where the President of the Church and other top leaders speak directly to members about doctrine, policy, and spiritual direction. Held twice yearly—in April and October—it functions as both a teaching event and a form of ongoing revelation. Members believe that when the President speaks in General Conference, he is communicating God's will for the modern Church. The event typically spans two days with five two-hour sessions, and is attended in person by thousands and watched by millions online in dozens of languages.

Origins and Early Development

General Conference emerged informally in the Church's earliest years. When Joseph Smith founded the Church in 1830, members gathered frequently to discuss doctrine and receive instruction. These meetings were not yet formalized as "General Conference." The first official General Conference was held in June 1830 in Fayette, New York, with about 30 members present. As the Church grew and relocated—first to Ohio, then Missouri, then Illinois—these conferences became larger and more structured, though they remained irregular in schedule and scope.

In the mid-1800s, after the Church moved to Utah, General Conference became a semi-annual institution. By Brigham Young's leadership (1847–1877), the conferences were held in the spring and fall, a pattern that continues today. The construction of larger meeting halls, especially the Salt Lake Tabernacle (completed in 1875), made it possible to accommodate growing crowds. Attendance grew from hundreds to thousands as the Church expanded across the American West.

Structure and Core Functions

Modern General Conference follows a predictable format. The President of the Church delivers the opening and closing addresses, bookending the event with his most significant messages. Other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Quorum of the Seventy, and auxiliary leaders speak on assigned topics. Sessions are organized by audience: some address the whole Church, others focus on men, women, or young people. This structure ensures that different demographics hear counsel tailored to their circumstances.

The stated purposes of General Conference are to teach doctrine, clarify Church policy, inspire spiritual commitment, and provide direction for members' personal lives. Talks often address family relationships, financial stewardship, mental health, missionary work, and Church programs. The President's addresses are particularly significant because Church doctrine holds that when he speaks on spiritual matters in this setting, he is delivering revelation for the Church. This belief gives his words exceptional weight and authority within the tradition.

Expansion Through Technology

For most of its history, General Conference was accessible only to those who could travel to Salt Lake City. Radio broadcast began in 1924, expanding reach significantly. Television coverage started in the 1960s. The internet era transformed access entirely. By the 2000s, the Church was streaming full conference sessions online and publishing transcripts in multiple languages within hours. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift; the April 2020 conference was held with no in-person attendance, a first in Church history. Today, members worldwide can watch live or on-demand, read transcripts, or listen to podcasts—making General Conference truly global.

Why It Matters and When Members Engage

General Conference matters because it is the primary mechanism through which the Church communicates change, clarifies doctrine, and sets priorities. Major policy shifts—such as the 1978 announcement ending racial restrictions on priesthood, or the 2018 policy shift on LGBTQ+ issues—are often announced or signaled through conference talks. For members, it is a moment of spiritual renewal and alignment. Many prepare in advance by fasting, praying, or setting personal goals they hope to address. Families often gather to watch together, and the event creates a shared experience across the global Church. In local congregations, talks are studied and discussed for weeks afterward, extending the conference's influence.

Key Moments in General Conference History

1830: First official General Conference in Fayette, New York, with ~30 members
1875: Salt Lake Tabernacle completed, enabling larger gatherings
1924: Radio broadcast begins, reaching members beyond Salt Lake City
1978: President Spencer W. Kimball announces end to priesthood racial restrictions during conference
2000s: Online streaming and transcripts make conference globally accessible
2020: First conference held entirely without in-person attendance due to pandemic

Is General Conference mandatory for members to attend?

No. The Church encourages members to listen or watch, but attendance is not required. Many members cannot travel to Salt Lake City and instead watch online, on television, or listen to broadcasts. Attending in person is considered a privilege and spiritual opportunity, not an obligation.

Can women speak at General Conference?

Yes. Women have spoken at General Conference since the early 1900s, though historically their presence was limited. In recent decades, the proportion of female speakers has increased significantly. Women lead one of the two women's sessions and speak in the main sessions as well, though the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency remain all-male.

How are topics for talks decided?

The Church leadership meets to plan conference themes and assign speakers to topics. While the specific process is not fully public, the President of the Church and senior leaders coordinate to ensure that pressing spiritual and practical issues are addressed. Speakers typically prepare talks on their assigned topic but have some flexibility in approach and emphasis.

What happens if the President says something controversial in General Conference?

Members are taught that the President speaks with divine authority on spiritual matters, but Church doctrine also allows for personal interpretation and study. If a statement seems unclear or conflicts with a member's understanding, members are encouraged to pray, study, and seek clarification. Historically, some statements have been reinterpreted or superseded by later leaders, reflecting the Church's view that revelation is ongoing.

How long does it take to watch or read all of General Conference?

A full General Conference typically includes about 10 hours of content across five sessions. Most members do not consume all talks; instead, they select sessions or individual talks of interest. Reading or listening to summaries is also common. The Church publishes transcripts and provides summaries to make the content more accessible.

Sources

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints official website and General Conference archives document the event's structure, history, and accessibility.
Historical records from the Church Historian's Office detail early conferences and the evolution of the event through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Public announcements and policy documents confirm major shifts announced at General Conference, such as the 1978 priesthood announcement and recent policy changes.