Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He is our author and finisher. He has changed my life and gives me purpose. Literally lifted me and saved my life. One day every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Merry Christmas!
Do you have a link? I'll watch it, but I have my doubts. The church is infamous for playing shell games, just look at the SEC scandal. I imagine there will be something similar here. More wards, less activity. But they'll only tell one side.
I mean it’s not hard to look at baptismal records and ordinations. Out of the 100 people baptized in my ward more than half of them are in their 20s. Same with ordinations, most people that doubt the numbers are outside the church or getting their data from critics of the church
@danl6852 I mean... data is data whether I'm a critic or a member. 🤷🏼♀️ additionally, the church's own site with their numbers is comically manipulated to appear like there's sharp growth - a basic marketing technique. At least Seventh Day Adventist website publishes articles and numbers that are transparent regarding their membership.
I'm surprised to hear that, could we have access to the data please? It would help me understand since several stakes in England have closed, and some branches in France too.
True, data please!!! Here in New Zealand the Church maintains twice the membership that Kiwis declare on the national census. I wish these brethren were correct - but call me sceptical.
In Salt Lake City even there are stakes closing. Also, enrollment increases at universities where the church decides how many students to accept is not an indicator of more interest in the gospel. This is indicative of rejecting fewer applicants and I can’t help but think Pathways is being counted.
Comment section mad lol. They aren’t making any crazy claims here. They are just saying gen z is as strong as any in activity in the church. Primarily based on CES enrollment and temple worker participation.
could just be demographics. In my stake we have a lot of convert baptisms and retention but a lot of people move out when they get better jobs or can afford the suburbs or finish their education. When there are more desirable places to live or work takes you elsewhere, or the homes are old or the neighborhoods not as nice as they once were, people leave. Where stakes are dissolved in one place, others are formed elsewhere. Ten miles from my stake which is shrinking another stake split into two.
@laraleepn could be. The church has the statistics of active people compared to total numbers, yet never release that stat. But others within different areas throughout the world are taking note and reporting activity compared to ward membership within their wards and is not looking good. Temple hours are being reduced and people are being called on missions to fill temple staffing. Is the church creating a false sense of growth?
The Utah bubble may be popping, but the church is expanding everywhere else. Just because those individuals are more vocal, doesn’t mean they are higher in number. Jacob 5 is being fulfilled, mate. Jacob 5.
I am a full time seminary/institute instructor. This is absolutely true. There is definitely a polarization happening, but these youth are the strongest I’ve ever taught. I started in 1999. We teach topics head on that used to be glossed over or avoided and I think that’s been a contributing factor to their strength.
@candicesummers5427 I like your loyalty. But seriously, look at demographics. They're closing wards and stakes down all over the world. Africa is growing, true. Wait till they get the internet and find out that previous prophets taught that they are cursed descendants of Cain, that they were less valiant in the pre earth life and that's why they have black skin.
I'm very curious about the specific "indicators" they chose to emphasize. Is "enrollment" in institute synonymous with "attendance?" Does the largest BYU-I class include online pathway students? Did acceptance rates also go up? Are young people making up a larger percentage of temple workers due to a lack of older members who are now augmenting the missionary numbers? Selective statistics can be incredibly misleading. The Church keeps metrics on a wide range of "indicators." Maybe you could let your membership see all of the data and not your vague descriptions of a few seemingly favorable ones? Just a thought. I'm not a prophet, seer, or revelator, but I have read the Bible and the Book of Mormon quite a few times and both seem to encourage transparency vs working in secret. Seems like the Lord's church could open their financial and membership books. Other religions seem to manage it, why not mine? Edit: typo
There was a gallup poll in March this last year that showed regular LDS church attendance has only had a -1% reduction in regular church attendance over the last 20 years which is a big deal considering the number of increasing memberships counted. Enrollment in religious classes related to those numbers shouldn't be surprising.
The church keeps records on everything. They have the data. Can we please see how many attend church worldwide each month? That’s a much more accurate representation than just saying 17.2 million members.
I've recently been a ward clerk, week to week activity is about half. For what it's worth, I also recently saw a statistic that Latter-Day Saints are the most active members of any faith
I know more people who left the Church after going to BYU than those who went to BYU and kept their faith. Too many woke, progressive teachers and students at BYU and the attempt at acceptance of all things in society there is ending up backfiring. May not be everyone, but only 3 people from my home ward growing up are still active and they are the ones who didn’t go to BYU.
Lowkey seen the opposite. Got so many people deciding to go on missions. My testimony was unsure but within my time at BYU I came to truly find Christ and even recognize this church as His (something I did not really expect).
I really have to admire the church's ability to spin and hide the truth. Sure, they've been doing it since the very beginning, it's part of the very fabric of the church, so you would expect them to be good at it by now, but it's still impressive just how good they are. Fortunately for the truth however, whatever claims the church happens to make whether it's about the church's beginnings or even how the church is handling its money, can all be openly researched these days. Now that the church can't control the narrative like it once did, and there are mountains of records, scientific and historical information available that there didn't used to be, people can finally do thorough research on their own, and decide of themselves if pledging everything to the church, not to God but to the church, in the temple is what they really want to do.
The claims of "flocking" to the church, this all coming from the guys who still keep former members who left, counted in their member numbers. Haven't been to church in 20 years and your now Buddhist? Counted. Died when you were 70 years old and the ward didn't know about it? Counted until you would have turned 110 years old. I totally trust these new growth numbers and have no reason to doubt the guys who created 13 shell companies to hide billions of dollars that wasn't being used at all to help the poor and the needy and instead build a shopping mall with money they promised would NOT be from tithing and then it was. If some of that doesn't sit right, it's because it shouldn't sit right. Read the "Gospel Topic Essays" right on the church's main website and ask yourself, "WHY have they been hiding all of the things on there and telling you a different story for years and years?" Then check out "Mormon Stories" on TH-cam and start your journey of healing and seeing things for what they really are, not the illusion they've presented.
I love this. It's easier to focus on the negative narrative than on the positive. The gospel is the gospel of hope and joy, not fear and dispair. Therefore, let us be hopeful abd joyful. ❤
Having been behind the scenes with this level of Church authority, it's important to comprehend that the folks that gather data and report are HIGHLY motivated to report positive statistics. If they can find a way to spin a number, they absolutely will. The big boys don't want to hear bad news, and they passive-aggressive punish those who deliver it. So these two blokes are probably just repeating what they've been told. I've been away from this data for too long to be able to validate or invalidate it myself, but what I have learned in my tenure is that without transparency, you should take anything said by literally anyone in the world with a PR firm on retainer with a gigantic block of salt.
Record enrollment rates, record percent of youth and young people in seminary and institute. More percent of temple workers are young people. Did you watch the video?
The joy, happiness, and fulfillment comes in the doing. You can see the "data" for yourself today by going out to visit your elderly parents and grandparents. Be of service to someone every day. Be grateful daily. Acknowledge all the blessings and good things you have in your life. Read the words of Jesus Christ and follow His example. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the "Plan of Happiness." It works! It has in my life and the lives of others.
@DrTerminus that's a cop out my dude. I want to see numbers to back this claim. I want to see the proof that they are telling the truth. This organization has a very long history of telling lies and covering up its shady past. It doesn't surprise me at all that the statistics aren't made available with this claim
@davidmcfarland9040 I strongly doubt, based off the figures that I've seen post covid, and especially post SEC settlement, that people are flocking to the church the way this video claims. The recent numbers out of New Zealand are a pretty good metric by which we can measure the truthfulness of the claims here. I would love to be proven wrong with ACTUAL statistics instead of subjective warm and fuzzies.
No. Just totally no. moreso leaving the church mate. because they can learn everything about the church on the interenet. they are going to the university for education first not the religion mate. also of course they would be doing everything they need to by going to religious activities because you have the thought police who will report on themn when the stuff up
A recent study showed that 87% of young Latter-day Saints stop attending church, after high school, but the study fails to show that many of those who go inactive for a time, come back to activity. The spirit, community and love felt in the church, is unmistakable and valuable. Some feel the church isn’t for them, that’s fine, we should love them regardless and wish them the best and continue loving and serving everyone we can as followers of Jesus Christ.
@@shawnbradford2243then show us the data. You keep making these claims, over and over, where’s your data? Or are we just supposed to believe you Shawn?
@ how do I show the data that the church won’t release? Absolutely hilarious! How many ward are closing? You can do a quick search for some articles, growth is in third world countries like Africa. Are you saying you don’t believe the church because they refuse to release the numbers or do you believe their word? Closing wards doesn’t s ream growth.
@@shawnbradford2243 Wards close and open all the time. But in 49 out of 50 states(except California cuz it sucks) the number of congregations has increased.
I am soooo grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior is coming back very soon. I cannot wait until that day! I have been going to the temple weekly for over 10 years and I'm beyond happy to being filled with joy! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share that love that comes from God and the light that is Jesus Christ and joy with all that I come across. I step outside and feel the sun shine upon me and feel my Savior near and coming. It's cold winter here so we can't see the sun often. I've had some amazing blessings and some very faith promoting challenges at the same time with them lately. I am so grateful for both. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
@@papajuja9029 I think you and I are thinking the same thing. I wish it weren't so. I used to wonder why so many people would leave after reading into church history. Now I no longer wonder :(
They talk about amazing growth, and they keep announcing crazy numbers of temples, but there aren’t enough members to staff or attend those temples, so they’re going to have to seriously cut back on operating hours to keep these new temples going
@@mrmaxpowerjrbuilding is a way to get church money to individuals. No bid contracts for over priced goods and services to companies owned by Mormon elites.
The church has to divest money after SEC fine and threatened them. Instead of using it for a christ-like cause they reinvested it into their real estate portfolio; hence the useless Gotti temples.
That’s not what I’ve seen in my personal life. There’s definitely a lot of young people that really like the gospel. Obviously some people leave but something I noticed about the people that leave it that they usually don’t hate the church they just feel like it’s not for them. At least that’s what they told me. I’m 23 btw
They flock to the Church… until they dig into Church history, the historicity (or lack thereof) of the Book of Mormon, upsetting previous teachings, the Book of Abraham, the second anointing, polygamy, the succession crisis, the long list of Joseph Smith‘s criminal charges and treasure hunting, his differing first vision accounts,…
Well I’ve known about all those and I still believe in the church so what about me? I bet I could tell you negative things about church history you’ve never heard of before.
Spoiler: the admin removes any comments that aren't filtered through the conclusion of "the church is true and perfect and doesn't make mistakes". Cowards
I mean they are right that enrollment is up at CES schools thete isn't any doubt about that but the issue is people go on missions, finish school, and then leave. So many people from my mssion have left. All my best friends from high school no longer go except 1. After covid so many in our ward never came back. Had to merger 2 wards after covid. Part of that was due to people moving out to newer areas with new homes but also because people left like crazy duing covid.
Okay for real tho, are the enrollment rates higher because of DEI, or just because there are more people applying from outside of US? I would think it’s more reasonable for the younger age group’s growth outside of US or at a worldwide level, but I see a lot of students want to attend Church schools because of other advantages (tuition, scholarships etc) and look down on its religiosity
There is a decline in organized religion often due to the leaders changing the gospel. Often people leave organized religion to follow Christ when religion departs from the word as it has been written upon individual hearts.
Any organized religion that uses the story of the Widow’s Mite to say that poor people should give everything, instead of teaching Jesus’ actual message - that the scribes are evil for devouring widow’s houses - doesn’t deserve to have any followers.
How encouraging when we contemplate how troublesome is our modern world!!! Such trouble and tumult! Such trial and temptation! We know without doubt where to find comfort and peace and safety from the storms of our modern world!! There is a Prophet of Jesus Christ among us ! A Prophet for the entire world who is a true, divine Prophet of Jesus Christ!!
You may want to contemplate the possibility that your life is easier and more fulfilling than many others in the world simply because you are more wealthy. One of the main reasons I left the church is because started to be heartbroken over the pain and suffering in the world, and the comparatively tiny effort the LDS church puts into trying to alleviate it all. I eventually decided that a church that cares more the number of temples they have built, rather than homeless shelters, hospitals, and food pantries, isn’t worthy of me.
❤ The comments about happiness are real!! A relative lives in the Eastern states and a neighbor asked him why he and his family were so happy. Because of his observations of this family, he was willing to talk to the missionaries to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ. He is now happy, too! ❤❤❤
Where I live the church is growing super fast, they keep splitting wards and some of these youth programs have close to 100 active kids, with another 100 in the primary. It’s awesome to see. I know there are areas where the church is struggling too, but I am encouraged by the faith and activity of the rising generation. Also, by the dedicated parent and leaders that give so much to help the youth through what is certainly a hard time to live in.
We had a similar experience here, but what was strange is that we had four wards and then we made five wards by splitting two of the wards. However, those wards seem undersized now. I'm not sure why it needed to be split.
"Something is definitely happening". I'm amazed they can't be more specific, because I know exactly why it's happening. The reason the numbers are going up is pretty obvious...more church members are having more kids and teaching them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and making it a good experienced for them. It's not rocket science. It's the product of a family-centered church.
Everyone says people are leaving the church. No, that's not true.Our numbers are greater than they ever have been. One of these two statements is not true. Look into it for yourself and decide.
well if you look at the nations of the young adults they show in this video those are the nations where the church is growing the most. the time of the Gentile is ended and now the gospel is going to the lost tribes of Isreal. the true Israelites are being gathered. this is beautiful and I'm so happy for these people.
In the previous comment, someone wrote that they know more people who left the Church after going to BYU than those who went to BYU and kept their faith. They also mentioned an attempt at BYU to accept all things in society. BYU does not attempt to do this. BYU professors' responsibility is to teach the secular subject matter that they've studied themselves during their own college and university educations, within the perspective of the Lord's gospel. Among BYU professors, there is a varying ability to do this, but Church leaders regularly instruct them, to help them improve their ability to do this. For the students who left the Church after attending BYU, that probably says more about their motives for going to BYU than about BYU itself. It's kind of like going on a mission for the wrong reasons. The reason for going on a mission is to serve the Lord and to teach His children His gospel. The reason for going to BYU is to increase the student's ability to serve the Lord and His children. When I got home from my mission, my plan was to stay in Florida, my home state, and go to the University of Florida. I will be forever grateful that the Lord changed my plan, and sent me to BYU instead. At BYU, I learned secular things, BUT from the perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the whole point of BYU. That truth - viewing secular things from the Lord's perspective - was taught frequently to me during my entire time at BYU. That was to help students stay anchored to the gospel while learning things of the world. BYU has weekly devotionals every Tuesday where students and faculty are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, to remind them of eternity and their responsibility to obey God's commandments and to keep the covenants they have made with Him. Occasionally, there is a forum in place of the devotional, where a secular topic is communicated, but again, from the perspective of the Lord and His gospel. Remember, even though it's a difficult commandment to obey, God has commanded us to learn secular things (D&C 88: 78-80) so we can serve Him more effectively. This is just my opinion, but it is very likely that the students who left the Church after going to BYU chose not to enjoy the wonderful gospel doctrine, principles, understanding available at BYU. They likely avoided attending the weekly devotionals and probably gritted their teeth through their BYU religion courses. I am sorry for any of those who were among this group. They really missed out on a delicious spiritual banquet. I'm confident that the Lord will not give up on any them, and that many of them will eventually return to the Lord's Church. My BYU education has increased my ability to serve the Lord and His children, and I wouldn't trade that education for any other. I'm grateful that the Lord, in His mercy and infinite knowledge of me, sent me to BYU - a university that I testify is governed and directed by His servants, prophets and apostles who hold His holy priesthood, and exercise that power and authority to mold BYU to become the university the Lord wants it to become.
I am not a member of your church. I wish you the best. The world needs faith. However, my experience is that your church has spent the past 180 years working as hard as you can to build up faith in Brigham Young. He can't save anyone and the more people find out about him the more you will lose your membership.
I wonder if Gen Z as a whole are much less religious, but the Gen Z that are religious and active LDS are simply more dedicated and involved than previous generations.. which would still be great news.
Estão buscando estudar e crescer na BYU isso é muito bom para suas vidas os desafios e as respostas estão no caminho certo. Parabéns aos jovens da BYU ❤
All of you asking for data lol My ward here in Canada has been split 3x (almost every year) since 2021. I can show you data, or I can send you the addresses of these new wards and you can see for yourself.
Just in my stake we sold the old stake center in the Glendora/Covina area of Southern California, to the Buddhists, a newer ward building to an evangelical church and the newer stake center is a small young adult branch. There’s talk of consolidation even more.
So many negative comments. I imagine it's the same types of comments that Mosiah, John the Baptist and Isaiah might have received had there been youtube back then. Darkness hates light.
Truth tellers in the church are punished. I've posted a comment 3 times now and each time it has been removed by the channel. It is a comment that simply tells the truth and speaks the reality of why one one would have good reason to be suspicious of the numbers. Would you agree that the truth equals "light"? If so, then why do they and the Church keep turning the lights off on it?
Would you agree that truth equals "light"? If so, why does the church continue to to turn the lights off on it? Hiding money, covering up child abuse, and covering up its own history. Look up how Joseph Fielding Smith tore out a contradicting version of the first vision out of Joseph Smith’s journal.
Would you agree that truth equals "light"? If so, why does the church continue to to turn the lights off on it? Hiding money, covering up child abuse, and covering up its own history. Look up how Joseph Fielding Smith tore out a contradicting version of the first vision out of Joseph Smith’s journal.
@@curtistolman5830People also leave the church for the same reasons that wives leaves their husbands, when they find out they cheated on them. Dishonesty. How honest has the church been about Joseph Smith marrying teenage girls and holding their family's salvation over their head? 2 words. Flaming sword
Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He is our author and finisher. He has changed my life and gives me purpose. Literally lifted me and saved my life. One day every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Merry Christmas!
For those who care to learn more, this is an excerpt of a 49 minute podcast. Take the time to watch and you will learn a lot more, including numbers.
Do you have a link? I'll watch it, but I have my doubts. The church is infamous for playing shell games, just look at the SEC scandal. I imagine there will be something similar here. More wards, less activity. But they'll only tell one side.
They literally closed three STAKES in Salt Lake County this month.
I'm genuinely dubious. Where are the data to support?
Source of the data: "Trust me bro."
@@dailybitofhappy If they speak it then I totally have a testimony that they would never lie and they never make mistakes nor do they offer apologies.
I mean it’s not hard to look at baptismal records and ordinations.
Out of the 100 people baptized in my ward more than half of them are in their 20s. Same with ordinations, most people that doubt the numbers are outside the church or getting their data from critics of the church
@danl6852 I mean... data is data whether I'm a critic or a member. 🤷🏼♀️ additionally, the church's own site with their numbers is comically manipulated to appear like there's sharp growth - a basic marketing technique.
At least Seventh Day Adventist website publishes articles and numbers that are transparent regarding their membership.
I'm surprised to hear that, could we have access to the data please? It would help me understand since several stakes in England have closed, and some branches in France too.
True, data please!!! Here in New Zealand the Church maintains twice the membership that Kiwis declare on the national census. I wish these brethren were correct - but call me sceptical.
Yes, give us the data
In Salt Lake City even there are stakes closing. Also, enrollment increases at universities where the church decides how many students to accept is not an indicator of more interest in the gospel. This is indicative of rejecting fewer applicants and I can’t help but think Pathways is being counted.
Exactly! This is why membership records are no longer reported as commanded in the D&C.
@@josephdouglas9685you are correct! This even happenes in SLC! More members than people. Lies built on lies built on lies.
Didn’t you guys just merge 5 stakes in Kearns Utah down to 2?
Comment section mad lol. They aren’t making any crazy claims here. They are just saying gen z is as strong as any in activity in the church. Primarily based on CES enrollment and temple worker participation.
It's as almost they want the church to be decreasing.
Why don't they show the numbers? This is the same church that lied about the rock in the hat.
Yea but they will never prove it with numbers. They just say nice comfy statements but never actually talk data.
And they just closed 3 stakes down in the Salt Lake area and 2 wards in Logan. This makes total sense.
could just be demographics. In my stake we have a lot of convert baptisms and retention but a lot of people move out when they get better jobs or can afford the suburbs or finish their education. When there are more desirable places to live or work takes you elsewhere, or the homes are old or the neighborhoods not as nice as they once were, people leave. Where stakes are dissolved in one place, others are formed elsewhere. Ten miles from my stake which is shrinking another stake split into two.
@laraleepn could be. The church has the statistics of active people compared to total numbers, yet never release that stat. But others within different areas throughout the world are taking note and reporting activity compared to ward membership within their wards and is not looking good. Temple hours are being reduced and people are being called on missions to fill temple staffing. Is the church creating a false sense of growth?
The Utah bubble may be popping, but the church is expanding everywhere else. Just because those individuals are more vocal, doesn’t mean they are higher in number. Jacob 5 is being fulfilled, mate. Jacob 5.
I am a full time seminary/institute instructor. This is absolutely true. There is definitely a polarization happening, but these youth are the strongest I’ve ever taught. I started in 1999. We teach topics head on that used to be glossed over or avoided and I think that’s been a contributing factor to their strength.
@candicesummers5427 I like your loyalty. But seriously, look at demographics. They're closing wards and stakes down all over the world. Africa is growing, true. Wait till they get the internet and find out that previous prophets taught that they are cursed descendants of Cain, that they were less valiant in the pre earth life and that's why they have black skin.
And this is what we call, gaslighting
I'm very curious about the specific "indicators" they chose to emphasize. Is "enrollment" in institute synonymous with "attendance?"
Does the largest BYU-I class include online pathway students? Did acceptance rates also go up?
Are young people making up a larger percentage of temple workers due to a lack of older members who are now augmenting the missionary numbers?
Selective statistics can be incredibly misleading. The Church keeps metrics on a wide range of "indicators." Maybe you could let your membership see all of the data and not your vague descriptions of a few seemingly favorable ones?
Just a thought. I'm not a prophet, seer, or revelator, but I have read the Bible and the Book of Mormon quite a few times and both seem to encourage transparency vs working in secret. Seems like the Lord's church could open their financial and membership books. Other religions seem to manage it, why not mine?
Edit: typo
Data please.
There was a gallup poll in March this last year that showed regular LDS church attendance has only had a -1% reduction in regular church attendance over the last 20 years which is a big deal considering the number of increasing memberships counted. Enrollment in religious classes related to those numbers shouldn't be surprising.
Share the link please@@devan_davidson
I loved the part where they showed the numbers
For those of you who are slower, this is a joke. They never show the numbers
Hahaha but seriously
The church keeps records on everything. They have the data. Can we please see how many attend church worldwide each month? That’s a much more accurate representation than just saying 17.2 million members.
I've recently been a ward clerk, week to week activity is about half. For what it's worth, I also recently saw a statistic that Latter-Day Saints are the most active members of any faith
I know more people who left the Church after going to BYU than those who went to BYU and kept their faith. Too many woke, progressive teachers and students at BYU and the attempt at acceptance of all things in society there is ending up backfiring. May not be everyone, but only 3 people from my home ward growing up are still active and they are the ones who didn’t go to BYU.
Totally agree
Only 3 still active from my home ward and none of them went to BYU.
@@zjco9344I totally believe it. Lots of members are spiritually inactive in BYU as well
Lowkey seen the opposite. Got so many people deciding to go on missions. My testimony was unsure but within my time at BYU I came to truly find Christ and even recognize this church as His (something I did not really expect).
@ that is a better outcome you received.
I really have to admire the church's ability to spin and hide the truth. Sure, they've been doing it since the very beginning, it's part of the very fabric of the church, so you would expect them to be good at it by now, but it's still impressive just how good they are. Fortunately for the truth however, whatever claims the church happens to make whether it's about the church's beginnings or even how the church is handling its money, can all be openly researched these days. Now that the church can't control the narrative like it once did, and there are mountains of records, scientific and historical information available that there didn't used to be, people can finally do thorough research on their own, and decide of themselves if pledging everything to the church, not to God but to the church, in the temple is what they really want to do.
The claims of "flocking" to the church, this all coming from the guys who still keep former members who left, counted in their member numbers.
Haven't been to church in 20 years and your now Buddhist? Counted.
Died when you were 70 years old and the ward didn't know about it? Counted until you would have turned 110 years old.
I totally trust these new growth numbers and have no reason to doubt the guys who created 13 shell companies to hide billions of dollars that wasn't being used at all to help the poor and the needy and instead build a shopping mall with money they promised would NOT be from tithing and then it was.
If some of that doesn't sit right, it's because it shouldn't sit right.
Read the "Gospel Topic Essays" right on the church's main website and ask yourself, "WHY have they been hiding all of the things on there and telling you a different story for years and years?" Then check out "Mormon Stories" on TH-cam and start your journey of healing and seeing things for what they really are, not the illusion they've presented.
I love this. It's easier to focus on the negative narrative than on the positive. The gospel is the gospel of hope and joy, not fear and dispair. Therefore, let us be hopeful abd joyful. ❤
Having been behind the scenes with this level of Church authority, it's important to comprehend that the folks that gather data and report are HIGHLY motivated to report positive statistics. If they can find a way to spin a number, they absolutely will. The big boys don't want to hear bad news, and they passive-aggressive punish those who deliver it. So these two blokes are probably just repeating what they've been told. I've been away from this data for too long to be able to validate or invalidate it myself, but what I have learned in my tenure is that without transparency, you should take anything said by literally anyone in the world with a PR firm on retainer with a gigantic block of salt.
Show the data. I guarantee you are losing members.
Record enrollment rates, record percent of youth and young people in seminary and institute. More percent of temple workers are young people. Did you watch the video?
@@logantronsenand they said SHOW THE DATA. They don’t for a reason, because they can say anything
Prove it.
@ the church could just release the data. The proof would be closing wards and empty temples. The church has the data why not release it?
To be fair if they showed you the data you would probably just say that they rigged the numbers
I would love to see the data that backs this claim.
The joy, happiness, and fulfillment comes in the doing. You can see the "data" for yourself today by going out to visit your elderly parents and grandparents. Be of service to someone every day. Be grateful daily. Acknowledge all the blessings and good things you have in your life. Read the words of Jesus Christ and follow His example.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the "Plan of Happiness." It works! It has in my life and the lives of others.
@DrTerminus that's a cop out my dude. I want to see numbers to back this claim. I want to see the proof that they are telling the truth. This organization has a very long history of telling lies and covering up its shady past. It doesn't surprise me at all that the statistics aren't made available with this claim
@@DrTerminus
Happiness and joy are not exclusive to the Mormon church
So you're doubting it? Or you agree and still want to see it?
@davidmcfarland9040 I strongly doubt, based off the figures that I've seen post covid, and especially post SEC settlement, that people are flocking to the church the way this video claims. The recent numbers out of New Zealand are a pretty good metric by which we can measure the truthfulness of the claims here. I would love to be proven wrong with ACTUAL statistics instead of subjective warm and fuzzies.
The fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ changed my life! I have more joy and hope than I could have imagined!
me too!
No. Just totally no. moreso leaving the church mate. because they can learn everything about the church on the interenet. they are going to the university for education first not the religion mate. also of course they would be doing everything they need to by going to religious activities because you have the thought police who will report on themn when the stuff up
A recent study showed that 87% of young Latter-day Saints stop attending church, after high school, but the study fails to show that many of those who go inactive for a time, come back to activity. The spirit, community and love felt in the church, is unmistakable and valuable. Some feel the church isn’t for them, that’s fine, we should love them regardless and wish them the best and continue loving and serving everyone we can as followers of Jesus Christ.
Then they would just release the data. They don’t because it’s not good and doesnt match what they say.
@@shawnbradford2243then show us the data. You keep making these claims, over and over, where’s your data? Or are we just supposed to believe you Shawn?
@ how do I show the data that the church won’t release? Absolutely hilarious! How many ward are closing? You can do a quick search for some articles, growth is in third world countries like Africa. Are you saying you don’t believe the church because they refuse to release the numbers or do you believe their word? Closing wards doesn’t s ream growth.
@@mrp4242 the church won’t release the data, how can I show what they hide? How come wards are closing?
@@shawnbradford2243 Wards close and open all the time. But in 49 out of 50 states(except California cuz it sucks) the number of congregations has increased.
That’s 1000% not true, if you keep pretending there isn’t a problem you will never fix it.
I am soooo grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior is coming back very soon. I cannot wait until that day! I have been going to the temple weekly for over 10 years and I'm beyond happy to being filled with joy! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share that love that comes from God and the light that is Jesus Christ and joy with all that I come across. I step outside and feel the sun shine upon me and feel my Savior near and coming. It's cold winter here so we can't see the sun often. I've had some amazing blessings and some very faith promoting challenges at the same time with them lately. I am so grateful for both. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
I long for those days where everything was this simple. I'm happy for you
@@CatchTheBuzz1 I wonder why Joseph Smith's prophesy about Christ returning in 1890 didn't come true?
@@papajuja9029 I think you and I are thinking the same thing. I wish it weren't so. I used to wonder why so many people would leave after reading into church history. Now I no longer wonder :(
“It’s harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist.”
It’s harder to find numbers where they don’t exist
Not so, in Australian.
Show the proof in the next video, or it’s a lie.
This is the tactic used about the general church membership numbers for years.
They talk about amazing growth, and they keep announcing crazy numbers of temples, but there aren’t enough members to staff or attend those temples, so they’re going to have to seriously cut back on operating hours to keep these new temples going
@@mrmaxpowerjrbuilding is a way to get church money to individuals. No bid contracts for over priced goods and services to companies owned by Mormon elites.
The church has to divest money after SEC fine and threatened them.
Instead of using it for a christ-like cause they reinvested it into their real estate portfolio; hence the useless Gotti temples.
Flocking away from the church...
That’s not what I’ve seen in my personal life. There’s definitely a lot of young people that really like the gospel. Obviously some people leave but something I noticed about the people that leave it that they usually don’t hate the church they just feel like it’s not for them. At least that’s what they told me. I’m 23 btw
Struggling to see this and I’ve travelled extensively around the world attending church meetings.
Where is the source of info/data?
Living the gospel works to bring peace to a troubled heart. ❤️
They flock to the Church… until they dig into Church history, the historicity (or lack thereof) of the Book of Mormon, upsetting previous teachings, the Book of Abraham, the second anointing, polygamy, the succession crisis, the long list of Joseph Smith‘s criminal charges and treasure hunting, his differing first vision accounts,…
Well I’ve known about all those and I still believe in the church so what about me? I bet I could tell you negative things about church history you’ve never heard of before.
@@tacotuesday1960Please do. I find it all very fascinating 🙃
@@tacotuesday1960What is the most challenging negative thing you know about the church?
This is good to hear as it’s not the case where I live.
Follow the evidence and the stats.
It’s not the case anywhere, more stories to make the problems not “real”. The internet has been rough for Mormonism with such access to information
We need the receipts please 🧾
This seems like a good thing.
(Let's see if good comments stay and bad ones are removed from the admin)
Spoiler: the admin removes any comments that aren't filtered through the conclusion of "the church is true and perfect and doesn't make mistakes". Cowards
They remove any they don't like haha. So much for freedom of speech
Read the CES Letter
I mean they are right that enrollment is up at CES schools thete isn't any doubt about that but the issue is people go on missions, finish school, and then leave. So many people from my mssion have left. All my best friends from high school no longer go except 1. After covid so many in our ward never came back. Had to merger 2 wards after covid. Part of that was due to people moving out to newer areas with new homes but also because people left like crazy duing covid.
lol nooo hahahaha publish the data if youre so confident
Okay for real tho, are the enrollment rates higher because of DEI, or just because there are more people applying from outside of US? I would think it’s more reasonable for the younger age group’s growth outside of US or at a worldwide level, but I see a lot of students want to attend Church schools because of other advantages (tuition, scholarships etc) and look down on its religiosity
There is a decline in organized religion often due to the leaders changing the gospel. Often people leave organized religion to follow Christ when religion departs from the word as it has been written upon individual hearts.
Any organized religion that uses the story of the Widow’s Mite to say that poor people should give everything, instead of teaching Jesus’ actual message - that the scribes are evil for devouring widow’s houses - doesn’t deserve to have any followers.
The youth are amazing! They live Joshua 1:9
How encouraging when we contemplate how troublesome is our modern world!!! Such trouble and tumult! Such trial and temptation! We know without doubt where to find comfort and peace and safety from the storms of our modern world!! There is a Prophet of Jesus Christ among us ! A Prophet for the entire world who is a true, divine Prophet of Jesus Christ!!
You may want to contemplate the possibility that your life is easier and more fulfilling than many others in the world simply because you are more wealthy.
One of the main reasons I left the church is because started to be heartbroken over the pain and suffering in the world, and the comparatively tiny effort the LDS church puts into trying to alleviate it all.
I eventually decided that a church that cares more the number of temples they have built, rather than homeless shelters, hospitals, and food pantries, isn’t worthy of me.
❤ The comments about happiness are real!! A relative lives in the Eastern states and a neighbor asked him why he and his family were so happy. Because of his observations of this family, he was willing to talk to the missionaries to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ. He is now happy, too! ❤❤❤
Where I live the church is growing super fast, they keep splitting wards and some of these youth programs have close to 100 active kids, with another 100 in the primary. It’s awesome to see. I know there are areas where the church is struggling too, but I am encouraged by the faith and activity of the rising generation. Also, by the dedicated parent and leaders that give so much to help the youth through what is certainly a hard time to live in.
Our Stake is getting split in the next few months, so there is growth here as well on the eastern side of the USA.
We had a similar experience here, but what was strange is that we had four wards and then we made five wards by splitting two of the wards. However, those wards seem undersized now. I'm not sure why it needed to be split.
This got to be Highland Utah 😊
"Something is definitely happening". I'm amazed they can't be more specific, because I know exactly why it's happening. The reason the numbers are going up is pretty obvious...more church members are having more kids and teaching them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and making it a good experienced for them. It's not rocket science. It's the product of a family-centered church.
Do you have kids, laddie?… have you raised them?… how old are they?…
Everyone says people are leaving the church. No, that's not true.Our numbers are greater than they ever have been. One of these two statements is not true. Look into it for yourself and decide.
well if you look at the nations of the young adults they show in this video those are the nations where the church is growing the most. the time of the Gentile is ended and now the gospel is going to the lost tribes of Isreal. the true Israelites are being gathered. this is beautiful and I'm so happy for these people.
In the previous comment, someone wrote that they know more people who left the Church after going to BYU than those who went to BYU and kept their faith. They also mentioned an attempt at BYU to accept all things in society.
BYU does not attempt to do this. BYU professors' responsibility is to teach the secular subject matter that they've studied themselves during their own college and university educations, within the perspective of the Lord's gospel. Among BYU professors, there is a varying ability to do this, but Church leaders regularly instruct them, to help them improve their ability to do this.
For the students who left the Church after attending BYU, that probably says more about their motives for going to BYU than about BYU itself. It's kind of like going on a mission for the wrong reasons. The reason for going on a mission is to serve the Lord and to teach His children His gospel. The reason for going to BYU is to increase the student's ability to serve the Lord and His children.
When I got home from my mission, my plan was to stay in Florida, my home state, and go to the University of Florida. I will be forever grateful that the Lord changed my plan, and sent me to BYU instead.
At BYU, I learned secular things, BUT from the perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the whole point of BYU. That truth - viewing secular things from the Lord's perspective - was taught frequently to me during my entire time at BYU. That was to help students stay anchored to the gospel while learning things of the world.
BYU has weekly devotionals every Tuesday where students and faculty are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, to remind them of eternity and their responsibility to obey God's commandments and to keep the covenants they have made with Him. Occasionally, there is a forum in place of the devotional, where a secular topic is communicated, but again, from the perspective of the Lord and His gospel. Remember, even though it's a difficult commandment to obey, God has commanded us to learn secular things (D&C 88: 78-80) so we can serve Him more effectively.
This is just my opinion, but it is very likely that the students who left the Church after going to BYU chose not to enjoy the wonderful gospel doctrine, principles, understanding available at BYU. They likely avoided attending the weekly devotionals and probably gritted their teeth through their BYU religion courses.
I am sorry for any of those who were among this group. They really missed out on a delicious spiritual banquet. I'm confident that the Lord will not give up on any them, and that many of them will eventually return to the Lord's Church.
My BYU education has increased my ability to serve the Lord and His children, and I wouldn't trade that education for any other. I'm grateful that the Lord, in His mercy and infinite knowledge of me, sent me to BYU - a university that I testify is governed and directed by His servants, prophets and apostles who hold His holy priesthood, and exercise that power and authority to mold BYU to become the university the Lord wants it to become.
I am not a member of your church. I wish you the best. The world needs faith.
However, my experience is that your church has spent the past 180 years working as hard as you can to build up faith in Brigham Young. He can't save anyone and the more people find out about him the more you will lose your membership.
I wonder if Gen Z as a whole are much less religious, but the Gen Z that are religious and active LDS are simply more dedicated and involved than previous generations.. which would still be great news.
Estão buscando estudar e crescer na BYU isso é muito bom para suas vidas os desafios e as respostas estão no caminho certo. Parabéns aos jovens da BYU ❤
All of you asking for data lol My ward here in Canada has been split 3x (almost every year) since 2021. I can show you data, or I can send you the addresses of these new wards and you can see for yourself.
Oh the lies!! Haha
Just in my stake we sold the old stake center in the Glendora/Covina area of Southern California, to the Buddhists, a newer ward building to an evangelical church and the newer stake center is a small young adult branch. There’s talk of consolidation even more.
🌄🕊️
❤❤❤
guys the data is safe with the 3 nephites. all good 🏆
This is so ridiculous. You have the exact numbers. Why are you relying on vague indicators? Why not just release the numbers?
❤
Actual numbers or it didn’t happen
Gen Z are awesome
Our stake is splitting in the next year or so. And 3+ wards were just created in our area.
Grateful for the gospel!
Gaslighting at its finest! Come on.
I have seen both sides of it and these men speak truth.
I don't believe it.
This is great to hear!
More like bleeding members...
So many negative comments. I imagine it's the same types of comments that Mosiah, John the Baptist and Isaiah might have received had there been youtube back then. Darkness hates light.
@@davidfrey5654 Amen!
Truth tellers in the church are punished. I've posted a comment 3 times now and each time it has been removed by the channel. It is a comment that simply tells the truth and speaks the reality of why one one would have good reason to be suspicious of the numbers.
Would you agree that the truth equals "light"? If so, then why do they and the Church keep turning the lights off on it?
Would you agree that truth equals "light"? If so, why does the church continue to to turn the lights off on it? Hiding money, covering up child abuse, and covering up its own history. Look up how Joseph Fielding Smith tore out a contradicting version of the first vision out of Joseph Smith’s journal.
Would you agree that truth equals "light"? If so, why does the church continue to to turn the lights off on it? Hiding money, covering up child abuse, and covering up its own history. Look up how Joseph Fielding Smith tore out a contradicting version of the first vision out of Joseph Smith’s journal.
Read the CES letter for further light and knowledge
🧢
Huh great insight!
❤❤❤love this!
Yes, young people will be active in the church, until God test their faith when they are getting older.
The church is the Gospel. People fall out of the church for the same reason they fall out of bed. They were not in far enough.
@@curtistolman5830People also leave the church for the same reasons that wives leaves their husbands, when they find out they cheated on them. Dishonesty. How honest has the church been about Joseph Smith marrying teenage girls and holding their family's salvation over their head? 2 words. Flaming sword