Latter-day Saint Youth Keep Surprising Us

[MG 2.0]

Regards,
MG

Math is hard. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... 2?lang=eng

I was relying on what was in the Church News article.

Regards,
MG

[Physics Guy]

I think difference in birth rates could also be a factor.

Yes, a good point. Any birth rate above replacement tends to produce a younger population, because in a growing population, the older people all come from a time when the population was smaller. The larger the family size, the younger the group.

[MG 2.0]

I think difference in birth rates could also be a factor.

Yes, a good point. Any birth rate above replacement tends to produce a younger population, because in a growing population, the older people all come from a time when the population was smaller. The larger the family size, the younger the group.

I think folks might be overlooking the fact that in a western world/society that has had an increase in 'nones' it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase. Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church.

One might consider that the mission growth patterns and the numbers of missionaries could have something to do with "testimony" and happiness in living the Gospel and wanting to share that with others.

Regards,
MG

[malkie]

Yes, a good point. Any birth rate above replacement tends to produce a younger population, because in a growing population, the older people all come from a time when the population was smaller. The larger the family size, the younger the group.

I think folks might be overlooking the fact that in a western world/society that has had an increase in 'nones' it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase. Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church

One might consider that the mission growth patterns and the numbers of missionaries could have something to do with "testimony" and happiness in living the Gospel and wanting to share that with others.

Regards,
MG

"... it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase."

For a church with the goal of spreading its message, why would an increase be a surprise, regardless of the number of "nones"? Don't you think that a deliberate decrease might be more surprising.
===
" Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church". Can you explain this?

Perhaps it's just me, but I'm just not seeing this - it looks a bit paranoid to me, especially when you consider that the "online environment" is neither sentient nor goal driven.

[MG 2.0]

I think folks might be overlooking the fact that in a western world/society that has had an increase in 'nones' it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase. Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church

One might consider that the mission growth patterns and the numbers of missionaries could have something to do with "testimony" and happiness in living the Gospel and wanting to share that with others.

Regards,
MG

"... it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase."

For a church with the goal of spreading its message, why would an increase be a surprise, regardless of the number of "nones"? Don't you think that a deliberate decrease might be more surprising.
===
" Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church". Can you explain this?

Perhaps it's just me, but I'm just not seeing this - it looks a bit paranoid to me, especially when you consider that the "online environment" is neither sentient nor goal driven.

Young people are ‘plugged in’. The anti-Mormon influencers and podcasters are prolific in their efforts to turn people away from the church. Even at that, we see the missionary force and missions increasing.

Earlier I mentioned that the MTC complex in Provo, Utah is going through a huge renovation/expansion. Almost as if the Brethren could “see around the corner”.

The work will roll on unhindered although impacted, of course, by those fighting against the cause of Zion and the latter day work of bringing souls to Christ.

Regards,
MG

[Res Ipsa]

Math is hard. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... 2?lang=eng

I was relying on what was in the Church News article.

Regards,
MG

I’m confused. Are you rejecting the numbers in the annual statistical report?

[Res Ipsa]

Yes, a good point. Any birth rate above replacement tends to produce a younger population, because in a growing population, the older people all come from a time when the population was smaller. The larger the family size, the younger the group.

I think folks might be overlooking the fact that in a western world/society that has had an increase in 'nones' it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase. Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church

One might consider that the mission growth patterns and the numbers of missionaries could have something to do with "testimony" and happiness in living the Gospel and wanting to share that with others.

Regards,
MG

I’m not surprised at all. As I said. The number of missions is arbitrary, just as are the number of wards or stakes. Unless we have figures on the number of missionaries per mission, the total number of missions tells us nothing.

Similarly, there would be nothing inconsistent between observing more missionaries in total alongside greater numbers of disaffiliation from the LDS Church. The number of people serving missions is influenced by the GA’s communicated expectations. The emphasis on both women and seniors serving missions would naturally result in higher numbers of missionaries.

Given that missionary service note starts right after High School, most of the disaffiliation should take place after missionary service. What is the rate of people leaving the church? The church ain’t saying. But there is nothing inconsistent about increasing numbers of missionaries and an increasing rate of people leaving the church.

[Res Ipsa]

"... it is somewhat of a surprise, isn't it (?), that missions and missionaries are on the increase."

For a church with the goal of spreading its message, why would an increase be a surprise, regardless of the number of "nones"? Don't you think that a deliberate decrease might be more surprising.
===
" Especially in an online environment that has tried to stack the deck against the church". Can you explain this?

Perhaps it's just me, but I'm just not seeing this - it looks a bit paranoid to me, especially when you consider that the "online environment" is neither sentient nor goal driven.

Young people are ‘plugged in’. The anti-Mormon influencers and podcasters are prolific in their efforts to turn people away from the church. Even at that, we see the missionary force and missions increasing.

Earlier I mentioned that the MTC complex in Provo, Utah is going through a huge renovation/expansion. Almost as if the Brethren could “see around the corner”.

The work will roll on unhindered although impacted, of course, by those fighting against the cause of Zion and the latter day work of bringing souls to Christ.

Regards,
MG

What is your source for an “expansion” of the MTC. I see they are replacing the cafeteria and administration buildings (which are nearly 50 years old), but I see nothing about an expansion.

[MG 2.0]

But there is nothing inconsistent about increasing numbers of missionaries and an increasing rate of people leaving the church.

You're probably right on that.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

Young people are ‘plugged in’. The anti-Mormon influencers and podcasters are prolific in their efforts to turn people away from the church. Even at that, we see the missionary force and missions increasing.

Earlier I mentioned that the MTC complex in Provo, Utah is going through a huge renovation/expansion. Almost as if the Brethren could “see around the corner”.

The work will roll on unhindered although impacted, of course, by those fighting against the cause of Zion and the latter day work of bringing souls to Christ.

Regards,
MG

What is your source for an “expansion” of the MTC. I see they are replacing the cafeteria and administration buildings (which are nearly 50 years old), but I see nothing about an expansion.

I took another look. You're right. What might be more accurate to say is that the church is 'forward looking' in its investment in the Church’s missionary program.

Regards,
MG