Ward Conference Best Practices | A Zion Lab Livestream

Nov 26, 2025

Ward conferences get a refreshing makeover as leaders discuss moving beyond traditional methods. They argue for the importance of genuine member feedback to enhance the experience. Innovative strategies like pre-conference events help engage the community. The emphasis shifts from meeting procedural requirements to nurturing spiritual unity. Leaders explore how to address both local needs and broader stake goals, fostering candid communication to strengthen relationships. Ultimately, the goal is to make each ward conference meaningful and uplifting.

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ADVICE

Collect Real Feedback After Conferences

Do gather feedback after each ward conference from leaders and members to learn what worked and what should change.
Ask organization presidents and regular members directly so adjustments reflect real ward needs.

ADVICE

Hold A Member-Focused Ward Council

Try convening a literal ward council with members at least once a year to ask 'start, stop, continue.'
Use that forum to surface member perspectives beyond leader-only feedback.

INSIGHT

Re-Read The Handbook With Fresh Eyes

Read the handbook fresh and assume you know nothing to avoid copying past formats mindlessly.
That approach frees leaders to prayerfully design conferences that meet current ward needs.

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This podcast episode features part of a Zion Lab live stream conversation with a group of ward and stake leaders discussing the purpose and execution of ward conferences. The conversation emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement and feedback from members to enhance the effectiveness of these conferences.

Watch and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Links

General Handbook 29.2.3 Ward Conference
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

04:26 – Overcoming Traditional Approaches
06:08 – Gathering Feedback from Members
08:21 – Creating Meaningful Experiences
10:00 – Handbook Guidelines for Ward Conferences
12:45 – Shifting Focus from Burden to Blessing
14:09 – Unique Approaches to Ward Conferences
15:37 – Scheduling Ward Conferences Effectively
18:21 – Addressing Local Needs vs. Stake Focus
20:01 – The Purpose of Ward Conferences
24:40 – The Distance Between Stake and Ward
26:01 – Building Positive Stake-Ward Relationships

Key Insights

Purpose of Ward Conferences: Leaders reflect on the importance of ward conferences as a means to unify the ward, provide spiritual nourishment, and address local needs, rather than merely fulfilling a procedural requirement.

Feedback Mechanisms: The discussion highlights the necessity of gathering feedback from both leaders and general members to assess the value of ward conferences and identify areas for improvement.

Innovative Approaches: Leaders share successful strategies, such as organizing activities leading up to the conference and involving youth, to create a more engaging and meaningful experience for the congregation.

Avoiding Tradition for Tradition’s Sake: The conversation stresses the importance of not falling into the trap of maintaining outdated practices simply because “it’s always been done that way.” Leaders are encouraged to innovate and adapt based on current ward needs.

Collaboration and Council: The value of collaborative meetings among stake and ward leaders is emphasized, allowing for shared insights and collective problem-solving regarding ward needs and challenges.

Leadership Applications

Solicit Member Feedback: Leaders should actively seek input from ward members about their experiences and expectations for ward conferences, ensuring that the events are tailored to meet their needs.

Create Engaging Experiences: By planning activities and discussions that involve the entire ward community, leaders can foster a sense of belonging and investment in the ward’s culture and mission.

Embrace Flexibility: Leaders are encouraged to approach ward conferences with an open mind, willing to adapt formats and themes based on the unique dynamics of their wards, rather than adhering strictly to traditional methods.

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