Introduction

Welcome the Worldwide Church and Interested Friends

President Oaks opens by warmly addressing both Church members around the world and others who are interested in the Church’s growth and 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.

• General conference is addressed to a global Church membership.
• The Church includes more than 17 million members worldwide.
• Conference also welcomes those outside the Church who are interested in its teachings.
• The Church’s progress and teachings are described as remarkable and inspired.
• The opening welcome establishes unity and inclusion.

• When have you felt connected to the worldwide Church rather than just your local ward or branch?
• What experience has helped you appreciate that the gospel is for all of God’s children?
• Have you ever invited a friend to watch general conference or attend a Church meeting? What happened?
• When have you felt especially welcomed in a Church setting?
• What personal experience has strengthened your testimony that the Church is growing under the Lord’s direction?

Recognize the Sacred Significance of a Solemn Assembly

President Oaks explains that this conference is distinct because it begins with a solemn assembly, a sacred event with deep significance in Church practice.

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.

• Not every general conference begins in the same way.
• A solemn assembly is a special and sacred gathering.
• This practice has been significant to Church members for more than a century.
• Understanding sacred Church practices can deepen reverence and faith.
• The event signals an important moment in Church leadership and worship.

• When have you participated in a sacred Church meeting that felt especially solemn or historic?
• What helps you recognize when something in the Church is not just procedural but deeply spiritual?
• How have reverence and preparation changed your experience in general conference or sacrament meeting?
• What experience has taught you the value of sacred order in the Lord’s Church?

Sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve

President Oaks teaches that in a solemn assembly, members sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by quorums and groups when a new President of the Church has been called.

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.

• Sustaining Church leaders is a sacred responsibility.
• The sustaining is done by quorums and groups in a solemn assembly.
• This occurs in the first conference after a new President and prophet has been called.
• The process reflects order and unity in the Church.
• Sustaining is more than a formality; it is an act of faith and support.

• What does it mean to you personally to sustain a prophet, apostle, bishop, or other Church leader?
• When have you shown support for a Church leader through prayer, obedience, or service?
• How has your testimony of prophetic leadership grown over time?
• What experience has helped you see that sustaining involves action, not just raising a hand?
• When have you felt peace from following prophetic counsel?

Express Gratitude for Leadership Recognition and Member Support

President Oaks expresses gratitude both for the formal recognition of leadership callings and for the sustaining votes, prayers, and support of Church members.

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.

• Church leaders are grateful for the sustaining and support of members.
• Formal recognition of callings is meaningful and sacred.
• Members participate in important Church occasions through sustaining and prayer.
• Leadership in the Church is supported by the faith of the Saints.
• Gratitude strengthens the bond between leaders and members.

• When have you felt grateful for the service of a Church leader?
• How have you tried to support leaders in your ward, stake, or family?
• What experience has shown you that prayers for leaders matter?
• When have you felt strengthened because someone sustained and supported you in a calling?

Pray for the Saints as They Serve God’s Children

President Oaks teaches that Church leaders pray for members to be guided and prospered as they continue serving God’s children throughout the world.

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.

• Church leaders pray for the members of the Church.
• Members are engaged in meaningful service to God’s children.
• The Saints need divine guidance in their efforts.
• The Lord can prosper His people in their righteous service.
• Service is a worldwide effort in the Church.

• When have you felt guided by the Lord in serving someone?
• What experience has shown you that even simple acts of service bless God’s children?
• When have you felt that your leaders were praying for and caring about you?
• How has the Lord prospered your efforts to serve in your family, ward, or community?
• What personal story could you share about serving someone as a child of God?

Testify of the Resurrected Lord and His Leadership of the Church

At Easter season, President Oaks bears witness of the resurrected Savior and affirms that Jesus Christ is the head of His Church.

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.

• The message is centered in Jesus Christ.
• President Oaks bears testimony that the Lord is resurrected.
• Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.
• Church gatherings and leadership operate under the Savior’s direction.
• Seeking the Lord’s blessings is essential in conference and in the lives of members.

• When have you felt a stronger testimony of the resurrected Savior?
• What experience has taught you that Jesus Christ truly leads His Church?
• How has Easter or sacrament meeting helped you remember the living Christ?
• When have you prayed for the Lord’s blessings and felt His help in a meaningful way?
• What personal witness of Jesus Christ could you share to strengthen others?