“How Meetinghouses Can Be More Inviting and Christ Centered,” General Conference Leadership Meeting—October 2023 (2023)
“How Meetinghouses Can Be More Inviting and Christ Centered,” General Conference Leadership Meeting—October 2023
General Conference Leadership Meeting—October 2023
How Meetinghouses Can Be More Inviting and Christ Centered
Instruction from the Presiding Bishopric
We have been commanded to gather together often to remember Jesus and strengthen each other in Him:
“I give unto you … a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:74).
Meetinghouses provide opportunities for receiving ordinances, teaching and ministering one to another (see 3 Nephi 26:19; Moroni 6:5–6), and welcoming friends. They serve multiple functions:
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Worship and ordinances
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Teaching
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Activities
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Administration
Ongoing efforts are making meetinghouses more Christ centered and inviting. Some of these efforts include:
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Adapting to local culture and environment.
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Choosing meetinghouse art that is Christ centered and inclusive.
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Incorporating policy adjustments in the General Handbook for use of meetinghouses outside of Sunday meetings.
We are considering opportunities to improve the focus on the Savior and ordinances and provide a more joyful experience for members and friends. These opportunities include:
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Flexible and adapted designs for new construction.
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Adjustments to existing buildings.