LDS General Conference to Discontinue Saturday Evening Session Starting April 2026

A significant announcement from The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has set a new direction for future General Conferences. Beginning in April 2026, the widely anticipated global event will no longer include a Saturday evening session, marking a notable shift in its long-standing format.

This decision, shared recently, impacts Latter-day Saints worldwide who gather biannually to hear messages of spiritual guidance and inspiration from Church leaders. The General Conference, held every April and October, is a pivotal event for members, offering direction and unity.

Understanding the Change: No More Saturday Evening Session

For decades, the Saturday evening session of LDS General Conference has been a unique component, often featuring messages tailored to specific audiences or providing additional instructional content. Its discontinuation from April 2026 signifies a considered adjustment by Church leadership.

While the initial announcement focuses purely on the change, members and observers are now considering the implications. The existing format typically includes two sessions on Saturday (morning and afternoon) and two on Sunday (morning and afternoon), in addition to the Saturday evening session. With this change, the conference will streamline to four main sessions over the weekend.

What Led to This Decision?

The First Presidency did not provide extensive details regarding the specific reasons behind this particular decision at the time of the announcement. However, adjustments to the General Conference schedule are not unprecedented. The Church consistently seeks to optimize its global outreach and ensure the most effective delivery of its messages to a worldwide congregation.

Potential considerations for such changes often include:

• Streamlining Content: Focusing the overall conference message across fewer, highly impactful sessions.
• Optimizing Viewer Experience: Adapting to modern viewing habits and global time zones.
• Resource Allocation: Efficiently utilizing resources for broad communication.

This move reflects an ongoing effort to ensure the General Conference remains relevant, accessible, and impactful for millions of members across diverse cultures and circumstances.

Impact on General Conference Attendees and Viewers

The absence of the Saturday evening session will undoubtedly alter the experience for many. For those who attend in person in Salt Lake City, it means a slightly shorter weekend schedule. For the vast majority who participate via broadcast, streaming, or online, it will mean a concentrated viewing schedule.

Members who specifically valued the messages often presented during the Saturday evening session might look for these themes to be integrated into the remaining sessions or delivered through other Church communication channels, such as official publications or online resources.

It’s important to remember that the core purpose of the LDS General Conference — to provide spiritual nourishment and guidance from inspired leaders — remains unchanged.

Looking Ahead: The Future of General Conference

As we approach April 2026, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will continue to anticipate the messages and revelations shared during these sacred gatherings. This adjustment to the Saturday evening session highlights the Church’s dynamic nature and its proactive approach to serving its global membership.

Stay informed through official Church channels for any further details or insights into this significant evolution of the General Conference format. The focus will undoubtedly remain on strengthening faith and delivering timely spiritual instruction to all Latter-day Saints.