Many of us associate general conference with sitting and listening. The essential meaning of the word “conference,” though, is rich with invitations to act, and it could change the way you prepare for conference weekend.
The word originally evolved from the Latin root conferre, meaning “to deliberate, to take counsel, or to talk over.” It is an active, gathering word. In its truest essence, the word “conference” means to “come together and consult on a special subject.”
Do you see the power in that mentality?
Consider yourself an active participant in a vital worldwide conversation: What would you want to bring from your heart and mind to such a momentous gathering?
Here are a few ways you might get ready for such a conversation.
1. Bring Your Thoughts
The leaders speaking in general conference have prepared, meditated, prayed, and studied about their gospel messages for months. They are bringing their notes to the table, ready to confer with us as fellow disciples.
You might be in the habit of taking notes during conference, but have you ever prepared notes in advance? Before this weekend, take a moment to jot down what the Spirit has said to you lately or have a family discussion. What needs do you hope to find insight for during conference?
2. Prepare a Space
If you knew a friend were coming over to your home to talk to you, how would you prepare for that conversation? You might get rid of noisy distractions, clean up a space to sit together, and try to clear your mind to earnestly engage with your friend.
General conference deserves the same kind of preparation. A global broadcast might not seem comparable to a one-on-one conversation, but the Holy Ghost can facilitate an experience just as personal and intimate. Create an environment—both physical and spiritual—where you can be fully present to receive that visitor.
3. Listen to Share
Sometimes, radio show or podcast hosts can truly feel like friends chatting in armchairs next to you—and just because you’re primarily listening doesn’t mean you’re not part of the conversation. Active listeners not only absorb but also eagerly continue the conversation.
For example, my husband enjoys podcasts and often shares his favorite insights with me. I look forward to hearing these interesting tidbits and listening to the ideas they further inspire for him.
How would general conference be different if you excitedly shared your favorite parts of the conversation with others? General conference is an all-you-can-ponder buffet of spiritual insights. Look and listen for conversational treasures that you can take with you, spread, and share.
4. Look for Connections
When you’re joining an important dinner table conversation, you’re likely to look for connections between others’ ideas and experienecs and your own. These little bridges help you understand and jump into the conversation.
Walk into conference weekend like you’re walking into a room full of potentially life-changing conversations. There will be different perspectives, personal stories, and pivotal, inspired counsel. Amidst it all, where do your thoughts and questions connect?
5. Plan to Change
Why do we have intentional, important conversations if not to change ourselves and to come away with a renewed resolve, clearer perspective, and actions to take? We bring what matters to us individually, and we come away with what matters to all of us.
Conferences—conversations—have the power to cultivate widespread change. Add to that the immeasurable power of truth spoken in Christ’s name, and disciples’ spheres of influence brighten the world over.
One last consideration: the word “conference” also shares roots with “confer,” a word often used scripturally as “to gift.” The gift at the heart of all this talking and gathering and changing is the fact that, redeemed and transformed by the Savior, we can do it all in His name. It’s all Him. And for a special weekend, minds and voices from every continent are going to be poured into a conversation about Him and His gospel.
We can be active participants in this major conversational gift, just as we are vital participants in the gathering of Israel and the building of Zion. We need to hear Him. We need to hear from each other.
We need conference.
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