Church of Jesus Christ sees record growth in global membership

[InCognitus]

From a Deseret News article, July 11, 2025:

Church of Jesus Christ sees record growth in global membership

Record-high convert baptisms during the past 12 months mark a milestone year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported July 9 that, as of the end of June, it has recorded the highest number of convert baptisms in any 12-month period throughout its 195-year history."

Elder Quentin L. Cook, speaking to newly called mission leaders at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo, said that "in 2024, the church saw 308,000 people join — approximately 50,000 people more than in 2023. He then explained that in the first quarter of 2025, every region of the world saw at least a 20% increase in convert baptisms compared to the same period the previous year."

This is a good turnaround from COVID times.

[Calm]

2 hours ago, InCognitus said:

This is a good turnaround from COVID times.

I wonder if Covid has led to more people seeking community, including religious community.  We may not notice how important something is to us until deprived of the choice.  Lockdowns, especially the more severe ones, or perhaps even the threat of them happening if things got worse might trigger greater desires for connection with our neighbours.

Another possibility would be seeking meaning, comfort after losing loved ones, of course. 

 See https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3515557/#:~:text=Recent laboratory studies offer preliminary,with their stress [11]. for a non COVID example.

Quote

On 22 February 2011, Christchurch New Zealand (population 367,700) experienced a devastating earthquake, causing extensive damage and killing one hundred and eighty-five people. The earthquake and aftershocks occurred between the 2009 and 2011 waves of a longitudinal probability sample conducted in New Zealand, enabling us to examine how a natural disaster of this magnitude affected deeply held commitments and global ratings of personal health, depending on earthquake exposure. We first investigated whether the earthquake-affected were more likely to believe in God. Consistent with the Religious Comfort Hypothesis, religious faith increased among the earthquake-affected, despite an overall decline in religious faith elsewhere. This result offers the first population-level demonstration that secular people turn to religion at times of natural crisis….

After surveying the damage, Prime Minister John Key told the media: “It is just a scene of utter devastation. We have to work as fast as we can to get people out of environments where they are trapped. This is a community that is absolutely in agony” (source BBC News, website accessed:

Also https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-018-0512-3 for a brief abstract for responses to war, but the article has to be paid for.

This is one that looks at those who were exposed to 5 years of rocket fire:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1462373023000524#:~:text=In addition%2C religiosity provides many,the traumatic exposure [20].

A study tracking where the current baptisms are occurring and seeing if there is any correlation with how hard the area was hit by Covid would be interesting to me.

Edited July 12, 2025 by Calm

[Pyreaux]

20 hours ago, Calm said:

I wonder if Covid has led to more people seeking community, including religious community.  We may not notice how important something is to us until deprived of the choice.  Lockdowns, especially the more severe ones, or perhaps even the threat of them happening if things got worse might trigger greater desires for connection with our neighbours.

Another possibility would be seeking meaning, comfort after losing loved ones, of course. 

 See https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3515557/#:~:text=Recent laboratory studies offer preliminary,with their stress [11]. for a non COVID example.

Also https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-018-0512-3 for a brief abstract for responses to war, but the article has to be paid for.

This is one that looks at those who were exposed to 5 years of rocket fire:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1462373023000524#:~:text=In addition%2C religiosity provides many,the traumatic exposure [20].

A study tracking where the current baptisms are occurring and seeing if there is any correlation with how hard the area was hit by Covid would be interesting to me.

Hmmm. A part of this rise could be due to broader generational trends, too. Zoomers (Gen Z) and the rising Alphas are coming of age in the shadow of COVID lockdown isolation, but that was all enforced by big government overreach and followed by a sharp increase in exposure to aggressive ideologies particularly in education and media, that many consider "secular" at its core. Could it be that this is creating a sort of pendulum swing back toward religion and structure?

We’ve seen similar swings before - countercultural reactions often emerge from overreach or disillusionment. Might the new generation be searching for identity, stability, and community in faith settings like the Church provides?

For instance, weren't some Eastern Orthodox churches, particularly in the U.S. and parts of Europe, seen a noticeable influx of younger converts over the last several years. This trend is often discussed in similar generational terms: A reaction against postmodern relativism, craving objective moral frameworks. Aesthetic and liturgical richness appeals to those burned out by "entertainment-style" worship of Evangelical groups. A desire for tradition and rootedness to pushback against Secular-nihilistic ideologies.

Might these same motivations also explain part of the growth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a structured worldview, strong community, clear moral expectations, and a sense of purpose. Are all appealing to youth who feel adrift or spiritually hungry.

Is this is being observed more in some regions than others? Not just among Latter-day Saints, but across multiple conservative faiths - as younger generations push back against the uncertainty of modernity? I would love to hear what the missionaries notice.

Edited July 13, 2025 by Pyreaux

[Tony uk]

I think, during the COVID lockdown. People had to step back from the normal routines of their daily lives. Giving people sometimes to reflect on things they may not have given much thought to before the lockdown. Many of these people may have lived in an environment of little or no religious belief, especially among the younger generations. With time on their hands, and the internet ready available. Their search for answers and understanding may have been found through searching a new found interest/belief in God. 

[halconero]

Baptisms by calendar year, in both absolute terms and several per capita metrics. I'm happy to extend out the time period, but changes in growth over the past 15 years are of particular interest to me.

[Okrahomer]

“According to a news release, the church has “more members (17.5 million), missionaries (80,000), congregations (31,670), missions (450) and temples (382) than it has ever had.” 

There’s that missionary number again:  I can’t remember exactly what he predicted, but something tells me Scott Lloyd might have been right about that one.

[Calm]

Halconero’s graphs would seem to indicate a steady rate per unit and total membership, which I consider quite acceptable.  Slightly lower per full time missionary, which doesn’t surprise me either.  I would be interested to see how they are currently using full time missionaries and if it’s significantly different than in previous years, as in what percentage work primarily online; how much tracting is done (which is very inefficient, but probably gets people that wouldn’t be reached any other way).

Edited July 15, 2025 by Calm

[blackstrap]

There is also the possibility that the Lord has a hand in it.

[Tacenda]

11 hours ago, blackstrap said:

There is also the possibility that the Lord has a hand in it.

And the church offers a lot of life lines, besides the spiritual ones.

[Tacenda]

I listened to a podcast with Greg Prince and he spoke on how well the church handles things in the world, and the good they could do for the world if only it would. But to listen to it is much better than I can put in words. Overall message the church could do wonders, far more than it already has. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-prince-returns/id1682941294?i=1000716996582copy/paste of the intro:

Ian and Jim welcome back acclaimed historian and author Greg Prince for a follow-up conversation about the future of missionary work in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they explore how the Church's immense resources—real estate, membership, and financial strength—can be leveraged to transform communities through service rather than traditional proselytizing.

[InCognitus]

18 hours ago, blackstrap said:

There is also the possibility that the Lord has a hand in it.

"Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73)  This is that time.

President Nelson, October 2024 General Conference, "My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work."

[Calm]

 

On 7/14/2025 at 12:31 PM, halconero said:

Baptisms by calendar year, in both absolute terms and several per capita metrics. I'm happy to extend out the time period, but changes in growth over the past 15 years are of particular interest to me.

Do you have a graph of the rate for total membership from the beginning of the stats, 1920?  I would be interested to see how it’s changed over the last hundred years.  Of course smaller total membership means smaller baptism numbers might be a higher rate than higher baptism numbers with a much larger membership and there are also many other factors involved, such as improved communication and travel ability (not only for missionaries, but for church leadership), so I am not sure what nuanced analysis such graphs could actually supply.

Edited July 15, 2025 by Calm

[Robert F. Smith]

On 7/12/2025 at 12:33 PM, Calm said:

I wonder if Covid has led to more people seeking community, including religious community.  We may not notice how important something is to us until deprived of the choice.  Lockdowns, especially the more severe ones, or perhaps even the threat of them happening if things got worse might trigger greater desires for connection with our neighbours.

Another possibility would be seeking meaning, comfort after losing loved ones, of course. 

..............................

A study tracking where the current baptisms are occurring and seeing if there is any correlation with how hard the area was hit by Covid would be interesting to me.

One major effect of the COVID experience has been in technology:  So many were introduced to Zoom of necessity, aside from families who began having sacrament meeting in the home -- with daddy blessing and passing the sacrament.

[Robert F. Smith]

On 7/14/2025 at 3:04 PM, Calm said:

Halconero’s graphs would seem to indicate a steady rate per unit and total membership, which I consider quite acceptable.  Slightly lower per full time missionary, which doesn’t surprise me either.  I would be interested to see how they are currently using full time missionaries and if it’s significantly different than in previous years, as in what percentage work primarily online; how much tracting is done (which is very inefficient, but probably gets people that wouldn’t be reached any other way).

Online proselyting has long been the most efficient mode, since it winnows out the wheat from the chaff -- for the missionaries who make the crucial contact and lessons leading to baptism.

[Calm]

So a random question just popped into my brain and I am throwing it out to everyone.

I know early in the Church, apostles were sent on international missions and could be away from the center of the Church for significant time periods.  I am wondering when that stopped.  I know some apostles have served as mission presidents or over regions.  Did any do that as apostles and if so, when did apostles start functioning solely out of Salt Lake area as a home base (going on tours of the mission field, but never having a permanent residence outside of SL?

I know George Albert Smith was president of the British and European missions, but for just two years apparently (1920-21).  Was he considered living in Britain at the time?  His wife went with him, serving as RS head for Europe while there, so I assume so.

Edited July 15, 2025 by Calm

[Calm]

11 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said:

Online proselyting has long been the most efficient mode, since it winnows out the wheat from the chaff -- for the missionaries who make the crucial contact and lessons leading to baptism.

Yes, so it would be interesting to find out total hours of online missionary work vs teaching vs service vs tracting as well as any other forms of contact.

[halconero]

18 hours ago, Calm said:

 

Do you have a graph of the rate for total membership from the beginning of the stats, 1920?  I would be interested to see how it’s changed over the last hundred years.  Of course smaller total membership means smaller baptism numbers might be a higher rate than higher baptism numbers with a much larger membership and there are also many other factors involved, such as improved communication and travel ability (not only for missionaries, but for church leadership), so I am not sure what nuanced analysis such graphs could actually supply.

Yes, see below:

[halconero]

Note, the above graph for total converts in absolute numbers (i.e., not the rate) doesn't conflict with the Deseret News article. The figures use calendar year data, while the data cited by Elder Cook uses midyear data. This isn't obfuscation on either part: using midyear estimates (typically July 1 to June 30) is very common among national and international statistics agencies: the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, EU, and UN all use the midyear point as the their annual population count.

For various reasons the midyear estimate yields better denominators for annual population changes than a start- or end-year snapshot, dampens seasonal swings in population, and tends to align well with close of the accounting period, which matters given the interplay between demographic and fiscal policy. There's also some institutional inertia: we use midyear estimates because that's what we've done forever and we need to use some sort of international standard, so whatever has been around the longest wins.

[webbles]

18 hours ago, Calm said:

So a random question just popped into my brain and I am throwing it out to everyone.

I know early in the Church, apostles were sent on international missions and could be away from the center of the Church for significant time periods.  I am wondering when that stopped.  I know some apostles have served as mission presidents or over regions.  Did any do that as apostles and if so, when did apostles start functioning solely out of Salt Lake area as a home base (going on tours of the mission field, but never having a permanent residence outside of SL?

I know George Albert Smith was president of the British and European missions, but for just two years apparently (1920-21).  Was he considered living in Britain at the time?  His wife went with him, serving as RS head for Europe while there, so I assume so.

Most recent I know of is in 2002.  Elder Holland was the area president in Chile and Elder Oaks was area president in Philippines.  They resided there. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/05/news-of-the-church/two-apostles-will-serve-overseas?lang=eng talks about those assignments and other similar assignments.  It is definitely rare.

 

[Robert F. Smith]

13 hours ago, halconero said:

Note, the above graph for total converts in absolute numbers (i.e., not the rate) doesn't conflict with the Deseret News article. The figures use calendar year data, while the data cited by Elder Cook uses midyear data. This isn't obfuscation on either part: using midyear estimates (typically July 1 to June 30) is very common among national and international statistics agencies: the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, EU, and UN all use the midyear point as the their annual population count.

For various reasons the midyear estimate yields better denominators for annual population changes than a start- or end-year snapshot, dampens seasonal swings in population, and tends to align well with close of the accounting period, which matters given the interplay between demographic and fiscal policy. There's also some institutional inertia: we use midyear estimates because that's what we've done forever and we need to use some sort of international standard, so whatever has been around the longest wins.

Yep.  The Fiscal Year.

[Robert F. Smith]

13 hours ago, webbles said:

Most recent I know of is in 2002.  Elder Holland was the area president in Chile and Elder Oaks was area president in Philippines.  They resided there. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2002/05/news-of-the-church/two-apostles-will-serve-overseas?lang=eng talks about those assignments and other similar assignments.  It is definitely rare.

Modern transportation and modern technology make long foreign stays less necessary.

[ZealouslyStriving]

On 7/15/2025 at 8:38 AM, Tacenda said:

and the good they could do for the world if only it would

If only the Church would do things the way I want them to everything would be so much better. Think of the success it would have if the leaders would just listen to me. 🙄

[The Nehor]

On 7/15/2025 at 6:42 PM, Calm said:

So a random question just popped into my brain and I am throwing it out to everyone.

I know early in the Church, apostles were sent on international missions and could be away from the center of the Church for significant time periods.  I am wondering when that stopped.  I know some apostles have served as mission presidents or over regions.  Did any do that as apostles and if so, when did apostles start functioning solely out of Salt Lake area as a home base (going on tours of the mission field, but never having a permanent residence outside of SL?

I know George Albert Smith was president of the British and European missions, but for just two years apparently (1920-21).  Was he considered living in Britain at the time?  His wife went with him, serving as RS head for Europe while there, so I assume so.

In the early revelations the Quorum of the Twelve was seen as equal to the Standing High Council which was over the stakes and their councils. The Standing High Council was equal or even higher than the apostles at first (at least in some ways). The standing high council worked with the church where it was established and the Apostles built it where it wasn’t. The Standing High Council was around in Missouri and Illinois. During the succession crisis some pushed the head of the Standing Council to make a case that he was the trustee of the Church and its new leader but he threw his support behind Sidney Rigdon.

When the church got to Utah the Standing High Council was reestablished but in a lesser capacity and now subordinate to the apostles. Mostly they dealt with things like church court appeals and distributing information to stake presidencies. The council was quietly dissolved afterwards and the apostles took over virtually all of their functions.

In any case the apostles continued to travel and do overseas work and some were serving as mission presidents or regional leaders overseas at times. I don’t know the exact time that all of the apostles started staying permanently in Salt Lake but I believe it was in the 1970s. Before then you often had an apostle in Europe and others overseas doing things. Ezra Taft Benson spent a period of time in Europe running elements of the church there for example. Easy access to air travel is probably the primary reason for the shift.

Edited July 17, 2025 by The Nehor

[Tacenda]

On 7/17/2025 at 2:33 AM, ZealouslyStriving said:

If only the Church would do things the way I want them to everything would be so much better. Think of the success it would have if the leaders would just listen to me. 🙄

Haha, I may have deserved that.

[ZealouslyStriving]

12 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

Haha, I may have deserved that.

🤝