The Need for a Church | Dallin H. Oaks | October 2021 General Conference

[@sonialee71]

I left the church for 3 years. That was the biggest mistake and regretted it later. I decided to come back. The World is a whirlwind and we're like confetti inside that whirlwind without God in our lives, and miss to worship along our fellow brothers and sisters who we meet every Sunday. All is a Blessing in our lives and homes!❤

[@jarylmiguel3353]

Come back home. You're always welcome.

[@nathanbanks2935]

God bless you for your courage to come back into the fold of Jesus Christ! Thanks for sharing!

[@danbailey8182]

I am one of the people he speaks of. I haven't attended since 2010. This has been the first contact I have had with the church besides home teaching and missionary personal. Things may change for me.

[@StandardMan0]

You need us and we need you. Please worship with us again!

[@michaelmattichiii1595]

The savior is waiting to welcome you back with open arms

[@choevel4095]

Welcome back Dan, so glad you decided to watch, I don’t know what I would do with out general conference talks. I listen to them often it helps me come closer to Jesus Christ.

[@churchofjesuschristgeneralconf]

@Dan Bailey, thanks for tuning in. We're glad you're here, and we hope you know you are always welcome at Church. Take care!

[@normamendoza1959]

We need you in church, god bless you!!

[@TheBigjoey101]

I love how Elder Oaks included synagogues and mosques when he discussed the recent decline in church attendance. I love how the Church of Jesus Christ has influenced my life. I know that God loves all His children and ALL children of God are blessed, strengthened and inspired when we turn our hearts and minds towards God as we know Him. I have learned an incalculable amount from the people I have met at Church and I feel a strength meeting together, especially in person. Zoom is a great technology but I don’t have the same experience as when we meet in person, I’m looking forward to in person meetings again!

[@chulsielay2491]

I enjoyed watching this conference. Help strengthen my faith& testimony. Encourage me to be faithful always. I was baptized 1972. Being a member never miss going to church. When Elder Tippets taught the first lesson. I heard small voices told me the only true Church. That small voice so precious & remain sacred in my whole. GODBLESS us All.💚💚💚

[@nomfunekosandi4758]

My first time listen the conference at work till the End I'm so grateful and I enjoyed and been lifted up and strengthen 🇿🇦

[@chischilisnez7811]

Thank you Elder Oaks. I've admired you since you were President of BYU, then became a State of Utah Supreme Court Justice, then an Apostle. We love you, we revere you, and we sustain you. WE wish you many more years in the magnificent service to the Lord and his Saints.

[@chaLUVmu]

Amazing talk, love and knowledge strengthened my spirituality. Zion, needs all of us together, one heart one mind working together.

[@lunidis6841]

So happy this account is on KZbin I really love his talks and many others.

[@alejandrosambajon6508]

watching from Philippines i was inspired today as i listen to our prophet

[@marlenecatu3760]

Great message 😘❤️🙏

[@boshgezenyan5935]

same here Alexan dro from San Diego tho

[@luzgolez5375]

Wonderful and loving reminder for us to keep on , to stay in the faith, hold on to the truth , to stand tall and be proactive members of the Lord's Church so to receive such blessings that comes from being in it.

[@scottbrandon9390]

Finally someone is talking about this problem. Attendance is down in this church and others. Jesus Christ taught we are to fellowship with one another. Sacrament meeting attendance helps us to fulfill this commandment. Plus we get to remember Christ and renew the covenants we made at baptism. We also get to learn doctrine in priesthood or relief society, and other classes. Attending church strengthens our testimony and allows us to have a sense of belonging to a spiritual ward family.

[@Sixalienasa]

Scott, attendance has been down since 1830, the question you and I have before us is: are " you " going to Church to Worship God, to serve others and to volunteer for assignments? That assignment could be simply to fetch a chair for a member or a visitor with a limp. I believe that there should be our focus. End of story. All else is vanity.

[@siilatacollins154]

I forever thank HEAVENLY FATHER and BELOVED HOLY HEAVENLY MOTHER, for an amazing message from Apostle OAKS.

[@hollyodii5969]

This is such an excellent talk! Exaltation is the greatest gift one can have bestowed upon them! We can learn so much from attendance in Church that will prepare us for eternity.

[@dillonkoester5530]

I totally agree! (Also I love the velociraptor profile pic btw)

[@noahjahnsen7841]

New lesson aquired; Don't just go to church for yourself, but for others!

[@TheSeeker2013]

@8:32 Elder Oaks is correct about individual spirituality vs attending the Church. In life, for anything to be stable and move in the right direction, requires structure, a framework for it to operate in and develop. This is what the building on sand vs rock parable is all about. The same must exist for children from birth to adulthood. A child that grows up in a waivering unstructured home will have an unstable adult life. I should know, I was one. The same requirement exists for spiritual development. The right structure must be present when facing life trials and challenges, whether or not your in the Church. So it is, without the right spiritual structure, a person is far more likely to fail, fall away and get swept up in false worldly ideologies.

[@brycehall2311]

As a Latter-day Saint Scouter - I found several of this morning's conference messages highly fortifying for the work I doing in Scouting as a Disciple of Christ. These talks we will link to in the scouting channels where we teach the youth of the world what means to "Do Your Duty to God" and "A Scout is Reverent". And then super wow - President Oaks introduced my core theme as his main subject - the need to help our younger generations of all denominations of to grow increased faith and understanding of God. Hey President Oaks - I get to share your theme every week when I meet with scouts - many of whom are not of our faith. Thank you for this great inspiration. Great start of a great conference - and i'm really excited to see what comes next!

[@krisofamerica]

President Oaks is correct! There is definitely a great need for this restored church. I just wish I was brave enough to get my children vaccinated so that we could enter into heaven one day like this great saint.

[@matthewhernando2987]

What a powerful message. The spiritual growth of every individual not only resonates within the restored gospel but within the communities and even countries they are in. Consequences of the lack of spiritual growth affects the mindset, the faith of every individual regardless of religious beliefs. The blessings of the Father are withheld and it is affecting the community and its spiritual and even economic growth. The blessings of Heaven are predicated upon obedience to commandments and the faith if the people. Let us remember to the Lord in his day and worship according to our beliefs.

[@fisherbrown9825]

Very well said, thank you :)

[@GSAP339]

Thanks for your testimony.

[@MrsKelliKeiser]

“Serve & not to be served” so good! Made me think of Kennedy when he spoke his famous words, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." 🤍 This shows where our hearts are at. Thank you Oaks for this lovely message and the time and service you give to us!

[@CitrusArchitect]

I needed this! I attend regularly but sometimes don't feel like I'm getting much out of it (except for the Sacrament of course). This address has helped me realize that I don't go just for myself - I go to WORSHIP! Thank you Elder Oaks, for helping me remember that!

[@mawongokasaka8476]

Wonderfull conference. What God blesses our prophets for teach us.

[@beau4307]

This was my favorite talk.

[@carolinaromarate8843]

Thank you Pres.Oaks for your wonderful, edifying message

[@DistinctiveThinking]

Such a excellent exhortation! I am of a different church membership, but thank you so much for respecting all who have faith in God. I look forward every Sunday to go to my church!

[@mariemaughan2740]

Apostles are commanded to go heal the sick, raise the dead, freely you have received, freely give.

[@wardified8566]

I enjoy this message and it's resonance with mainstream Christianity 💞

[@2EternityButterflies]

We have listened to this on Conference and again this morning. It was an excellent talk and very very helpful. Thank you!

[@jeffs.3348]

I fail to qualify to perpetuate my family for eternity if I don’t go to church? I believe God is more compassionate than that. I wish church was motivating and renewing. I come home so tired.

[@NancyVMusic1993]

Not to mention wanting to be safe in this day and age. My local English-language ward will not give people the option to participate virtually if they do not have a legitimate medical reason, so those who want to be safe and stay home have to rely on their own spirituality. Surely this pandemic will eventually end, even if it takes years, and it’ll be safe enough to go in-person then. But for now, we have to think of safety in a pandemic.

[@bonniehansell4221]

See if you can pray to have the energy and the ability to put more effort into the meetings you attend by being willing to participate more and realize you have much to offer!

[@annakadison2340]

I completely agree.

[@jeffs.3348]

@@NancyVMusic1993 Very good perspective. I never saw that so thanks. I even see the word "safe" having two different meanings for people. Something for me to think about.

[@jeffs.3348]

@@bonniehansell4221 I'm 2 yrs ahead of ya! I appreciate the kindness in your comment. I do want to be filled and inspire at church. Even if in being taught that is selfish and wrong. Really I feel guilted wanting that.

[@incredibleian5658]

This is my favorite talk for the first consuler ( to be honest).

[@tenor90210]

SUPER DISCURSO 👍

[@obv._maya]

Thanks so much.

[@donnahudson3765]

Amen

[@robinvanuitert8344]

Thankyou. :)

[@camiloquiao4337]

Thank you.

[@sbm3134]

Why does it seem like every time someone stops attending church or doesn’t wish to return.,.they’ve obviously sinned? (Hitting my head on a wall) That’s sad that these leaders think & believe that. It’s not always the case & you need to stop assuming.

[@raebertgrayson5766]

I am permanently disabled. It is a struggle for me to even attend meetings. What, then, of people like me, who do not attend not because they are unwilling, but because they are physically unable to so do?

[@guardianangel9517]

Go on the ZOOM meeting👍🏻🙏🏼

[@plaidspolitics]

Is attending my Sunday meeting by joining the Zoom enough, or must it be in person? For those who *want* to attend meetings in person, but have been told “you are welcome *not* to come” because of the measures for face coverings are problematic, are we still going to be part of the great work Pres. Oaks is testifying of? I think that we are “attending” his message through video maybe means we are still counted “in attendance.” But it is a sincere question of my heart - where do those of us us who feel somewhat as “cast out” fit into the Kingdom of God, when we wish to worship with others but are kept from the physical realm of worship?

[@bestberry7332]

Keep in mind that right before the pandemic, home-centered and church-supported gospel learning was encouraged as the new permanent way. In regards to your situation, I see that in 2 ways: one, if you are unable to attend your church's meeting for serious reasons (as compared to being lazy) but still pay attention as though you were there, then your are absolutely in attendence; two, church attendance is important but ministering one on one to people and uplifting your friends is arguably more important. If you are trying your best to do these things to whatever extent you can, then that's good enough.

[@jasonschlierman412]

I say “Where is your heart at?” If you could go, would you? We live in very frustrating and strange times. Do your best and keep your eyes fixed on God. Don’t be down on yourself for those things out of your control.

[@dustinbaker8408]

The biggest thing is are you partaking of the sacrament? The Lord knows are hearts

[@danielallotey7549]

Yes it is, if your government, condition, circumstances, illness does not permit you to.

[@cathietoppari]

When people in church practice what they preach and treat EVERYONE with love and not exclude them, more people will come. Saying that you should go for others is like saying to the battered woman, "Stay married because God loves marriage". I know I'll get flack, but if you are constantly being treated like you don't count, you can't feel the spirit. We do serve as a team, but NOBODY seems to do it!! Also, they made a big deal to have Come follow me (A home based church). You can't expect people to do 90% of the work and allow themselves to be treated horrible in church. I can repent, get sacrament, read my BOM and do service without stepping foot in a building.

[@leonrojo5006]

So if jesus founded a church where is that church, 🤔 is the Jahova witness, the adventist, the mormon church ??

[@theephraimite]

Friday wee mrn - November 5, 2021.

[@Sarah-qe7pt]

There's a revelation in this message.

[@tonisjustknotright]

Thank you. I needed this today.

[@NancyVMusic1993]

this talk disregards the pandemic. I haven’t been inside a church building for well over a year in order to protect my family, though we do attend virtually. I think this sort of message ignores the dangers of Covid-19. Why “go to church to think of others” if I can potentially put them in danger if I go in person? People are losing their lives and being permanently disabled from this. And people sometimes DO have to rely on their own spirituality in a pandemic, particularly when their bishops refuse to provide members with the option to attend virtually without a medical reason. Seeking to be safe in a pandemic is a good enough reason. My local English language ward is this way, but fortunately the local Spanish ward is not and we are able to stay home and watch sacrament together.

[@motivationtowin3691]

I won’t be going back until this mask silliness is over.

[@kdeltatube]

Church attendance nationwide has been declining for years. But to address the virus, if we exercised our God given rights, we would attend and not acquiesce to unlawful mandates.

[@KellyCox-w3z]

Necesito ayuda

[@shellaacbangin3494]

💝💖💗💓💞💕💟

[@shellaacbangin3494]

♥😇

[@incredibleian5658]

This is like called to serve

[@melaislines]

1:19 and 4:35

[@jackielynagbayani1081]

❤❤nice talk

[@TheFiredude333]

Thanks for identifying two of the most harmful quotes (among the multitudes) in the talk!

[@germanshepard7749]

Truth is truth. Both truthful statements.

[@fisherbrown9825]

@@TheFiredude333 Two most truthful quotes*

[@whakakai-wanangaongapuhi7396]

Tena koe me enei homaitanga katoa.

[@tylerpierson7967]

We get it. You’re losing numbers and you need to guilt people into coming back, even if they have a healthier spiritual experience at home without going. This doesn’t feel sincere

[@disfellowshippedmormon178]

It amazes me how a talk can have a long list of great points, and be essentially correct throughout, while containing one or two whoppers that cause the listener to ask how the speaker could not see what he just said. Twice he blatantly denigrates individualism in a glaring and overarching way. He even refers to group church projects being for the "common good" when in fact, all service acts are for INDIVIDUALS. Yes every act of service is for individuals, not for the "common good." So he thinks church courts are not about punishment? Really. That is night and day from the reality. I was brutally attacked with a church court, over facebook posts, that was nothing but 2 1/2 hours of insults, degradation, extreme shaming, belittling, NONE of which was interested in helping me in any way, let alone helping me accomplish any repentance, but instead it was horrific condemnation of me (on the Lord's evening no less, during family time). It culminated in a conviction letter containing 2 false charges never presented to me. Church courts are very evil and satanic. They are not "councils" since stake presidents are empowered to be full dictators, with no accountability.

[@surfingswimmer1711]

So if I'm inactive, I forfeit my ability to perpetuate my family in the here after? Well what if I don't have a family? See there is a whole section of the population that don't quite fit in (Singles, Divorced, lgbt, Widows), that Oaks can't quite seem to understand. So he resorts to threatening. Unless I'm missing something...

[@Silentpartner2176]

You have parents, and siblings don’t you? Cousins, aunts, grandparents? Plus marriage can happen for us after this life through proxy. Everyone has family. President Oaks is right on. He is not guilting anyone. He is inviting us to have the courage and faith to return. I’m glad he had the courage to say these things to us. We only limit ourselves if we don’t follow the Lord’s commandments and that hurts him. I’m sorry if others have hurt you or made you not feel welcome. It’s happened to me too many times, but I don’t go to church for them, I go for the Lord. Come back for Christ’s sake. He wants you there. He will go with you. If I were in your ward, I’d welcome you.

[@fisherbrown9825]

Your family includes your parents, grandparents, siblings etc. both living and deceased. By you being inactive, you would be taking away from that eternal family by your own absence, not for your families. If that makes any sense. He is not saying that just because you are inactive the rest of your family is damned to hell, but more so that your own personal worthiness and church attendance (lack of), could remove you from that eternal family in the celestial kingdom.

[@lostmotion18]

Getting made fun of and laughed at for my imperfections/different perspective by critical members and leaders is why I'm not active. Happened a lot growing up and that left an awful taste in my mouth. Will that continue to happen if I go back? Yes! Know because I tried. I despised God for allowing the same thing to happen while trying to obey 'His Will'. Not sure if I'll ever get over that in this life. (Yes I did serve a 2 year mission but that was only to impress a girl. Now that she's out of the picture, that wound is no longer bandaged) On the plus side I still love our Savior, pray often, and enjoy reading from the Book of Mormon. Church participation is just a no-go for me.

[@shirlettebrown929]

I'm so sorry to hear of your experience...We must remember that christ church is perfect, but the people are not. Consider studying the book of Mormon about faith. I hope you will be able to feel God's love for you and his desire for you to come unto him.

[@nathanbanks2935]

Hi, My family moved to a new area many years ago, and several of the youth in our new ward bullied me. I went from a place where I didn't experience many people who made fun of me to a place where people seemed to enjoy making me and a few others feel horrible. I wasn't perfect at attending church throughout my youth, but I learned from these experiences, that I can go to church for the most important reasons, (to partake of the Sacrament, and to show love for God). I think that you should try to make very small goals, and examine how they help and bless your life. For example you can just show up to your church, when no one is there, then leave. The next week you could sit out in the foyer, and just listen to a talk. You can then see if you can stay for the Sacrament. Start with very small goals and be consistent. I believe that consistency is key to drawing closer to Christ. You can even pray for help to do be able to go back to church. God bless you!

[@terrylee4435]

Kenneth and Lucille are going to heaven and they get 19% more money to spend along the path. :)

[@opiyopatrickolobo8803]

Finally someone is talking about this problem. Attendance is down in this church and others. Jesus Christ taught we are to fellowship with one another. Sacrament meeting attendance helps us to fulfill this commandment. Plus we get to remember Christ and renew the covenants we made at baptism. We also get to learn doctrine in priesthood or relief society, and other classes. Attending church strengthens our testimony and allows us to have a sense of belonging to a spiritual ward family.

[@wolffang471]

You bring up many good points. Thank you.

[@healingvibrations7845]

As a relatively newish member to the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints may 25th 2021 i was baptised and confirmed into the church and i prefer to watch church on my own at home as i have really strong opposition to the "vaccine" mandates pushed from on high and as i am very much a free spirit for now with my own thoughts and feelings i have church and sisterhood via "school" on zoom where i don't have to get so uptight about those who have been jabbed and being around such people whom i pity and deem as sheep and or lambs to the slaughter. it's so great not going in person and being around people who have never bothered to even reach out to me on social media so i WON'T place myself where i am NOT wanted nor welcome and i DON'T want people feeling obligated to smile or chat with me simply because they're in a church building. i listen to talks and testimony of those who speak at sacrament zoom meetings and usually come.away with something to ponder within my heart. for me personally i hear the invocations and the testimony sharing and again usually come away with something to ponder within my heart. online is good enough for me - church is NOT for me a building but a community of believers who believe in the same teachings and doctrine - what attracted me to the church was the tabernacle choir and also the crosby family

[@aspieangel1988]

People are leaving because the so called leaders including Oaks are spreading lies that are NOT backed up by scripture. My friends and myself left for that very reason. Check the Bible for confirmation and ONLY the Bible. If it’s not backed by the Bible or the Book of Mormon, it’s a LIE. We cannot earn salvation as Oaks is claiming. Church is NOT just for worship. It is for learning the word of God to get a message. Not to mention he attacks personal revelation in this talk. Jesus taught works cannot save us so oaks is clearly lying and a false prophet here.