As LDS General Conference approaches, I find myself sniffing around for cinnamon rolls and setting out my favorite pair of pajamas. However, this weekend means a lot more than sleeping in and overeating. We have been told by authorities in the Church that if we will prepare for General Conference by listening with questions to be answered and minds open to receive, we will be enriched and enlightened. That is awesome.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gives us two more steps in preparing for Conference. He said, “don’t discount a message merely because it seems familiar,” and “The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us.” If we keep these two things in mind during our viewing of Conference, we will find that we will get a lot more out of it that we would have otherwise. (Read Elder Uchtdorf’s full talk here)

But there is one more step I hope we take while preparing for General Conference. Elder David A. Bednar alluded to it when he spoke at BYU Education Week this summer. He said:

“Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.” (Read of watch Elder Bednar’s full address here)

We should be preparing to share the messages we hear and the feelings we have during Conference, especially on social media. Using hashtags such as #LDSconf and retweeting quotes from accounts that live-tweet Conference are great ways to do so. You could also create a cute picture with your favorite quote and pin it on Pinterest. Or share a video of your favorite talk on Facebook. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re feeling nervous about sharing, start by simply following the LDS Church on Twitter and Instagram, and liking the page on Facebook. President Thomas S. Monson and other general authorities also have social media accounts that you can follow. This small act can indicate to others your beliefs, and perhaps encourage them to talk to you about them.

Due to Elder Bednar’s exhortation, I feel that we all have responsibility to share “authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy” messages. And Conference weekend is a great place to start.

Happy Conference Weekend to you all! #PreparetoShare

Sam Lund, Social Media Advisor

P.S. See here  or here for other great ways to share the gospel through general conference.