Study Guide for "Introduction"

In this brief opening message, President Dallin H. Oaks welcomes the Church to general conference and explains the sacred significance of this particular session. He teaches that this conference begins with a solemn assembly, a special occasion held when a new President of the Church has been called. He expresses gratitude for the sustaining faith, prayers, and support of Church members and testifies of Jesus Christ as the resurrected Lord and the head of His Church. This introduction invites readers to reflect on prophetic leadership, sustaining Church officers, and the Savior’s guiding role in His Church.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is a solemn assembly, and why is it significant in this conference?
What does President Oaks teach about sustaining Church leaders?
How does this message show the order the Lord uses in leading His Church?
What expressions of gratitude and fellowship does President Oaks offer to Church members?
How does President Oaks center this conference message on Jesus Christ?
What can I learn from this introduction about supporting prophets and apostles with faith and prayer?

Topics

Welcome the Saints and friends to general conference

President Oaks opens by warmly welcoming Church members throughout the world as well as others who are interested in the Church. His greeting emphasizes the global reach of the Church and the inclusive invitation to hear inspired teachings.

My dear brothers and sisters, welcome to general conference.

I now address members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, numbering over 17 million worldwide, and others who are interested in the remarkable progress and inspired teachings of this Church.

Who does President Oaks specifically welcome in his opening remarks?
What does his welcome teach about the worldwide nature of the Church?
How does President Oaks describe the teachings of the Church?
How do I prepare myself to receive messages from general conference?
In what ways can I welcome others to hear the teachings of living prophets?
How has general conference blessed me personally?

Explain the sacred purpose of a solemn assembly

President Oaks teaches that this conference is distinct because it begins with a solemn assembly. He explains that this is a significant event in the Church and has been so for more than a century. His remarks help listeners understand that this is not an ordinary procedural moment but a sacred and meaningful part of Church order.

But as many of you are not aware, the conference we convene today is different because it begins with what we call a solemn assembly.

For more than a century, this has been an event of great significance to members of the Church.

What makes this conference different from other general conferences?
How does President Oaks describe the significance of a solemn assembly?
What does this teach about the sacred order of the Church?
How can I treat sacred Church proceedings with greater reverence?
What can I do to better understand the meaning of solemn assemblies and other sacred practices?
How does learning about the order of the Church strengthen my faith?

Sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve in an orderly way

President Oaks explains that in a solemn assembly, members sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by quorums and groups. He notes that this occurs only in the first conference after a new President and prophet of the Church has been called. This teaching highlights the divinely established order by which the Church publicly manifests unity and support for prophetic leadership.

In a solemn assembly, we will sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, voting by quorums and groups.

We do this only in the first conference where a new President and prophet of the Church has been called.

Whom do members sustain during the solemn assembly described by President Oaks?
How is the sustaining done in this setting?
When is this kind of solemn assembly held?
What does this process teach about prophetic succession in the Church?
What does it mean to me personally to sustain the President of the Church and other Church leaders?
How can I more fully support those whom I sustain?
Have I matched my sustaining vote with prayer, loyalty, and action?

Express gratitude for sustaining support and prayers

President Oaks expresses gratitude for being part of this sacred occasion and thanks the members for their sustaining vote, prayers, and support. He also speaks on behalf of Church leaders in acknowledging the faithfulness of the members. This reflects the mutual love and covenant relationship between leaders and members in the Lord’s Church.

I am grateful to be among those whose leadership callings are formally recognized in this way and to express appreciation for your participation in this significant occasion.

In advance, I express our gratitude as leaders of the Church for our members’ sustaining vote, prayers, and support.

What forms of support does President Oaks thank the members for giving?
How does President Oaks describe his feelings about this sacred occasion?
What do these expressions of gratitude teach about the relationship between leaders and members?
How do I show support for Church leaders beyond raising my hand to sustain them?
How consistent am I in praying for the First Presidency and the Twelve?
What more can I do to strengthen the Church through faithful support?

Pray for the Saints as they serve God’s children

President Oaks not only thanks the members but also assures them that Church leaders pray for them. He asks that members be guided and prospered as they continue serving the children of God throughout the world. This emphasizes the worldwide ministry of the Saints and the divine help available as they serve.

We also pray for you to be guided and prospered as you continue the great service you give to the children of God throughout the world.

What blessing does President Oaks say Church leaders pray for on behalf of the members?
How does he describe the members’ service?
What does this statement teach about the role of Church members in God’s work?
In what ways am I serving the children of God?
When have I felt guided and prospered by the Lord in my service?
How can I more consciously seek the Lord’s help as I serve others?

Testify that Jesus Christ leads His Church

At the close of his message, President Oaks places the entire conference in the context of Easter and bears witness of the resurrected Lord. He affirms that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and prays for the Savior’s blessings upon the conference and the people. This testimony anchors the message in the central truth that the Church belongs to and is directed by Jesus Christ.

At this Easter season, I reaffirm our testimony of the resurrected Lord and recognize that He is the head of this Church.

We pray for His blessings upon this conference and upon all of you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

What testimony does President Oaks bear about Jesus Christ?
How does President Oaks connect this conference to the Easter season?
What does he teach about the Savior’s relationship to the Church?
How has my testimony of the resurrected Lord been strengthened?
What does it mean to me that Jesus Christ is the head of His Church?
How can I seek the Savior’s blessings as I study conference messages and follow prophetic counsel?