October 2024 General Conference
Picture of Speaker

Welcome to the Church of Joy

Patrick Kearon, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Kearon invites members to experience joy through Christ-centered worship and joyful reverence.
Gospel Library iconOpen talk in Gospel Library
Study GuideLesson Preparation GuideTalk Preparation GuideReferences
In his uplifting talk, Elder Patrick Kearon invites us to embrace the joy that comes from being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares personal experiences and insights into how we can cultivate a spirit of joy and reverence in our worship, particularly during sacrament meetings. Elder Kearon emphasizes the importance of centering our lives on Jesus Christ, which brings true joy and peace, even amidst life's challenges. This guide will help you explore the themes of joy, reverence, and worship as you prepare your own talk inspired by his message.

Topics

Embrace the Joy of the Gospel

Elder Kearon discusses the profound joy that comes from understanding and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that as members of the Church, we should be the most joyful people on earth due to our hope in Christ and our knowledge of God's plan.

Joy comes from and because of Him. … For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!
Welcome to the church of joy!
Key Points:
  • The gospel brings joy and inner peace.
  • Our hope in Christ allows us to face life's storms with joy.
  • Joy should be evident in our Sabbath worship.
Experiences:
  • Reflect on a time when you felt profound joy through living the gospel.
  • How has understanding the plan of salvation brought you peace?
  • Share an experience where your faith in Christ helped you find joy during a difficult time.

Cultivate Joyful Reverence

Elder Kearon introduces the concept of "joyful reverence," explaining that reverence in worship should be filled with joy and gratitude for Christ's love and salvation.

In [His] presence is fulness of joy.
Key Points:
  • Reverence is more than physical stillness; it is a joyful expression of love for God.
  • Our sacrament meetings should reflect joyful reverence.
  • Practice is needed to transform sacrament services into joy-filled worship.
Experiences:
  • Describe how you feel when you experience joyful reverence.
  • What practices help you feel reverent yet joyful during worship?
  • Share a moment when you felt the presence of the Savior in a joyful way.

Transform Attendance into Worship

Elder Kearon distinguishes between merely attending church and truly worshipping. He encourages us to engage in worship that transforms us and deepens our relationship with God.

To worship is to intentionally praise and adore our God in a way that transforms us!
Key Points:
  • Attending is simply being present; worshipping is actively engaging with God.
  • True worship transforms us and brings us closer to Christ.
Experiences:
  • When have you felt transformed by worship?
  • What steps do you take to ensure your church attendance is meaningful worship?
  • How has intentional worship strengthened your faith?

Express Joy Through Music and Testimonies

Elder Kearon highlights the importance of expressing joy through hymn singing and sharing testimonies that focus on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the gospel's fruits.

The song of the righteous is a prayer unto [God] in which His soul delights.
Key Points:
  • Singing hymns is a form of joyful worship.
  • Testimonies should center on Christ and the joy of the gospel.
Experiences:
  • Share a testimony that has brought you joy.
  • How does music enhance your worship experience?
  • Describe a time when a hymn or song lifted your spirit.

Rejuvenate Through the Sacrament

Elder Kearon speaks about the sacrament as a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and gratitude for the Savior's atoning sacrifice, encouraging us to focus on the joy of redemption.

A sacred time of spiritual renewal.
Let it be in awesome wonder at the good news of the Father’s gift of His Son!
Key Points:
  • The sacrament is central to our worship and a time for renewal.
  • Reflect on Christ's sacrifice and the joy of His resurrection.
  • Focus on gratitude and the joy of redemption during the sacrament.
Experiences:
  • How do you prepare for the sacrament to make it a meaningful experience?
  • What does the sacrament mean to you personally?
  • Share a time when you felt the Savior's grace during the sacrament.

Copyright © 2023 Steve Todd