General Conference by the Numbers: Unlocking the Power of General Conference
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, General Conference talks are a treasure trove of inspiration, guidance, and doctrine. Since 1971, these talks have been made available online at churchofjesuschrist.org, offering a wealth of spiritual resources that span over five decades. Yet, despite their accessibility, these talks remain an underutilized gem for many. Enter SearchGeneralConference.com (SGC)—an innovative website developed to help users explore this vast collection like never before.
SGC is designed to make searching and studying General Conference talks both intuitive and powerful. Whether you’re a lifelong member, a new convert, or simply curious about the teachings of the Church, this tool opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine being able to search talks by scripture reference, specific words or phrases, speaker, or even conference date—all with just a few clicks. Beyond that, SGC provides comprehensive statistics, revealing fascinating insights into how scriptures are used across decades of talks.
A Tool for Deeper Study
What sets SGC apart is its ability to deliver tailored, meaningful results. Search for a favorite verse, like Matthew 22:37, and you’ll receive a complete list of every General Conference talk that references it, complete with direct links to the full text on churchofjesuschrist.org.
Want to explore how the word “covenant” has been discussed over the years? SGC not only finds the talks but also shows you trends over time—highlighting which speakers emphasized it most and during which conferences it surged in focus.
The app doesn’t stop at search results. It also offers graphical displays that bring the data to life:
Speaker Insights: See which General Authorities or speakers have most frequently referenced your chosen scripture, word, or phrase.
Conference Trends: Discover which sessions of General Conference leaned heavily on your topic of interest.
Historical Patterns: Track how the usage of a scripture or theme has evolved from 1971 to the present day.
These features transform SGC into more than just a search engine—it’s a window into the priorities, teachings, and emphases of Church leaders over time.
Why It Matters
General Conference talks are more than biannual addresses; they are a living archive of prophetic counsel and timeless truths. However, sifting through over 50 years of content can feel overwhelming. SGC simplifies that process, empowering users to uncover connections and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re preparing a sacrament meeting talk, studying a specific doctrine, or analyzing scripture usage for personal enrichment, this tool makes it easier to tap into the wisdom of past and present Church leaders.
For example, a search for “Matthew 22” might reveal not only the most-cited verses but also how its prominence in talks has grown over the decades.
Similarly, exploring references to “atonement” could highlight shifts in how this foundational doctrine has been taught across generations.
General Conference by the Numbers
The entire “General Conference by the Numbers” series at Meridian Magazine has been powered by SGC. Past issues in this series have explored topics such as:
Preparation for the Second Coming:
Highlights President Nelson’s emphasis on the Second Coming of the Savior and uncovers how Church leaders have addressed this prophetic theme over time.
Modern Revelation Unfolding Before Our Eyes:
Listening to President Nelson’s address, Let God Prevail, we could feel revelation unfolding before our eyes.
Examining references to this book of scripture across decades of talks.
An Invitation
I invite you to visit SearchGeneralConference.com and experience it for yourself. Dive into the talks that have shaped our faith, uncover patterns that deepen your understanding, and let the words of living prophets and apostles inspire you in new ways. This is more than a website—it’s a bridge to the spiritual legacy of General Conference.
Have a favorite scripture or topic in mind? Start there. You might be surprised at what you find.
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Scott Brown can be reached at se*********************@ao*.com
The post General Conference by the Numbers: Unlocking the Power of General Conference first appeared on Meridian Magazine.
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