Gospel Q&A is a series from LDS Daily that strives to answer important gospel questions from readers. Today, we’ll be answering the question, “How can I approach General Conference if I have felt marginalized by it in the past?”
This question is beautiful because it reflects faith. The desire to still approach general conference—even after difficult experiences—shows courage and devotion. Continuing to act in faith when something has been painful takes real strength, and there are a few perspectives that may help as we prepare for conference.
Hold space.
One of the most helpful things we can do when we encounter a policy or message that feels difficult to understand is to hold space for greater understanding in the future. It is easy to form quick conclusions based on our current feelings or circumstances, but sometimes deeper understanding comes only after time, study, and inspiration.
Think about how often people react strongly to an article after reading only the headline. They may feel passionately about the topic, but it is risky to make firm judgments about the author’s message without reading the full context.
The same principle can apply when we hear a general conference talk that doesn’t immediately sit well with us. Instead of rushing straight to the “comments section” of our feelings, we can pause. We can read more, pray more, and study more. We can mentally bookmark a talk or teaching while allowing time for greater light and understanding to come.
Seek to understand what was meant, even if humanity gets in the way.
It is important to acknowledge that hurt is real. But if we truly want to give general conference its best chance to bless us, we can listen with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand what a speaker is trying to communicate—even when the wording does not feel as sensitive or clear as we might hope.
Sometimes the truth the Spirit intends to communicate becomes imperfectly expressed through human language. The message may still be true, even if the wording does not perfectly convey it. With humility, we can seek the truth the Spirit is trying to teach us.
Church leaders who speak in general conference carefully prepare their messages with the desire to teach clearly and faithfully. Yet the limitations of language, cultural differences, and translation can occasionally create confusion. A speaker may believe the message is clear, while listeners from different perspectives may hear it differently.
Recognizing this possibility allows us to extend grace to those who speak.
Allow grace—for others and for ourselves.
When we have experienced hurt in the past, it can be difficult to give a person or an institution the benefit of the doubt. We may begin to expect pain or frustration before we even hear what is being said. When that happens, it can help to pray for a softened heart and a willingness to listen with spiritual ears.
If a speaker’s humanity becomes visible through imperfect wording, we can ask the Spirit to help us hear the message the Lord intends. Rather than filling in words or assumptions that were never spoken, we can seek the truth the Spirit confirms to our hearts.
It is also wise to avoid isolating phrases or sentences without their full context. Often, the larger message becomes clearer when we consider the entire talk and the spirit in which it was delivered.
Watch and listen for the message the Lord has prepared for you.
General conference includes many voices and many messages. While one talk may feel challenging, another may speak directly to the needs of our hearts. Sometimes the most personal message does not come from a sermon at all—it may come during a prayer, a hymn, or a quiet spiritual prompting.
God’s love may appear in ways we did not expect. When we watch and listen carefully, we may discover that He prepared a specific moment just for us. Being present for those moments allows us to feel His love and guidance.
General conference has changed hearts and lives across generations. When we approach it with humility, patience, and a sincere desire to receive from the Lord, we open ourselves to spiritual nourishment—even when the message comes through imperfect servants.
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Disclaimer: While these answers reference scripture and the words of modern prophets, they do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor are they comprehensive. They simply reflect one effort to use gospel principles to offer hope, peace, and encouragement to those seeking truth.
This article was originally published March 29, 2022, and has been updated.
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Becca loves audiobooks, dark chocolate, singing, hiking, walking, going out with her husband, and raising their chickens and children. She still wants to meet her hero Sheri Dew, see flowing lava and a blue whale in person, and uplift others with her words.
