ALarson Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 Is this the first general conference where they did not announce the stats or did I miss something? If so, anyone know why they were not announced? Thanks....
Duncan Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 I think they are trying to eliminate business and just going to straight gospel, which I find nice 1
CMZ Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 Part of general conference is conducting the business of the church. 2
Duncan Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 4 minutes ago, CMZ said: Part of general conference is conducting the business of the church. but it sounds like they conducted it to be online, which hey, makes me no nevermind
VAUFLDS Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 Pres Oaks said the information would be included (I suppose in the printed version). I suspect that the length of time needed for reading the names of those being sustained precipitated the decision. Just my guess.
Garden Girl Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 2 hours ago, VAUFLDS said: Pres Oaks said the information would be included (I suppose in the printed version). I suspect that the length of time needed for reading the names of those being sustained precipitated the decision. Just my guess. Yes, I think he indicated two different places they would be available... GG
JulieM Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, VAUFLDS said: Pres Oaks said the information would be included (I suppose in the printed version). I suspect that the length of time needed for reading the names of those being sustained precipitated the decision. Just my guess. Don’t they always conduct business (sustainings, etc.) at every general conference but still take time for the statistical announcements? I’m reading that it’s because missionary numbers and membership numbers are down even more (along with the closing of two of the MTCs). But that might not be the case. Some will really thoroughly evaluate the statistics when they are published now I’d imagine Edited March 31, 2018 by JulieM 1
Lemuel Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 I assume it's because the numbers are so overwhelmingly positive that the audible gasps from the audience would detract from the spirit of the meeting. 1
JulieM Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 1 minute ago, Lemuel said: I assume it's because the numbers are so overwhelmingly positive that the audible gasps from the audience would detract from the spirit of the meeting. Ha! Oh, I’d imagine if they were way up instead of continually dropping, they would have announced them! 1
The Nehor Posted March 31, 2018 Posted March 31, 2018 (edited) 11 minutes ago, JulieM said: Don’t they always conduct business (sustainings, etc.) at every general conference but still take time for the statistical announcements? I’m reading that it’s because missionary numbers and membership numbers are down even more (along with the closing of two of the MTCs). But that might not be the case. Some will really thoroughly evaluate the statistics when they are published now I’d imagine We usually do sustainings but the solemn assembly type sustainings take much longer. To most listeners the statistical report has little meaning. Not that they do not care but they do not have the previous year's numbers in front of them for comparison. They are already online now for those who want them. Then again they might just be done with sustainings. They said it would be put up at the conclusion of the meeting. It is right here: https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/2017-statistical-report-april-2018-general-conference 75 new stakes. Same # of missions Lost 3 districts (hopefully made into stakes) 202 new wards and branches 235k new members and we broke 16 million Slight drop in number of children of record born Convert Baptisms down about 6k from last year. Lost about 3k missionaries though gained about 3k service missionaries. 4 Temples dedicated and 1 rededicated. Nothing too exciting. Edited March 31, 2018 by The Nehor 3
jkwilliams Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 1 hour ago, The Nehor said: We usually do sustainings but the solemn assembly type sustainings take much longer. To most listeners the statistical report has little meaning. Not that they do not care but they do not have the previous year's numbers in front of them for comparison. They are already online now for those who want them. Then again they might just be done with sustainings. They said it would be put up at the conclusion of the meeting. It is right here: https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/2017-statistical-report-april-2018-general-conference 75 new stakes. Same # of missions Lost 3 districts (hopefully made into stakes) 202 new wards and branches 235k new members and we broke 16 million Slight drop in number of children of record born Convert Baptisms down about 6k from last year. Lost about 3k missionaries though gained about 3k service missionaries. 4 Temples dedicated and 1 rededicated. Nothing too exciting. I thought we were expecting 100,000 missionaries by next year.
Exiled Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 Reporting the numbers seemed to be a tool to show how popular the church was. Now that they are flat or trending down, even, the purpose is no longer there. 2
The Nehor Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 20 minutes ago, jkwilliams said: I thought we were expecting 100,000 missionaries by next year. I wasn't. Was someone expecting that?
The Nehor Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 17 minutes ago, Exiled said: Reporting the numbers seemed to be a tool to show how popular the church was. Now that they are flat or trending down, even, the purpose is no longer there. How? Except for a few people who loved stats those hearing it did not know whether they were up or down. Even if your cynical take is correct why not trumpet the 16 million member mark? That sounds good right? 1
jkwilliams Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 Just now, The Nehor said: I wasn't. Was someone expecting that? https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2249417&itype=CMSID 1
The Nehor Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 1 minute ago, jkwilliams said: https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2249417&itype=CMSID That was March 2015 and the prediction was four years out. We still have another year. Yeah, I do not think we will make it. Doesn't bother me. I doubt it counts as prophecy.
jkwilliams Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, The Nehor said: That was March 2015 and the prediction was four years out. We still have another year. Yeah, I do not think we will make it. Doesn't bother me. I doubt it counts as prophecy. I don’t think anyone counts it as prophecy. It’s just interesting that projections have not panned out. Edited April 1, 2018 by jkwilliams
Tacenda Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 Here is this guy's breakdown that makes for an interesting look. http://www.churchistrue.com/blog/lds-membership-statistics-2018/
rockpond Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 6 hours ago, ALarson said: Is this the first general conference where they did not announce the stats or did I miss something? If so, anyone know why they were not announced? Thanks.... I think they’ll phase out the number reporting since our growth rate continues it’s steady decline. First, they stop reporting in gen con. Next it will move out of the Ensign but still be online. Eventually, it will get hard to find online. And at some point, it will be gone for anyone outside of HQ so that by the time our raw numbers are decreasing (as opposed to just the growth rate) nobody will know. 4
The Nehor Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, rockpond said: I think they’ll phase out the number reporting since our growth rate continues it’s steady decline. First, they stop reporting in gen con. Next it will move out of the Ensign but still be online. Eventually, it will get hard to find online. And at some point, it will be gone for anyone outside of HQ so that by the time our raw numbers are decreasing (as opposed to just the growth rate) nobody will know. Or it may be back next conference when they are not pressed for time. Note to self to do some thread necromancy if that happens. Edited April 1, 2018 by The Nehor 3
SteveO Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 1 hour ago, rockpond said: I think they’ll phase out the number reporting since our growth rate continues it’s steady decline. First, they stop reporting in gen con. Next it will move out of the Ensign but still be online. Eventually, it will get hard to find online. And at some point, it will be gone for anyone outside of HQ so that by the time our raw numbers are decreasing (as opposed to just the growth rate) nobody will know. When do you think they’ll start cooking the books?
jpv Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 3 hours ago, jkwilliams said: I thought we were expecting 100,000 missionaries by next year. It's now over 103,000 counting service missionaries. Number of baptisms doesn't seem to be affected very much by the number of missionaries. https://www.lds.org/church/news/april-2018-general-conference-news-and-announcements?lang=eng
Rajah Manchou Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 1 hour ago, SteveO said: When do you think they’ll start cooking the books? 10 years ago 1
jpv Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 Also slowest growth rate since 1937: http://ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com/2018/03/2017-statistical-report.html?m=1 2
Bernard Gui Posted April 1, 2018 Posted April 1, 2018 (edited) 5 hours ago, rockpond said: I think they’ll phase out the number reporting since our growth rate continues it’s steady decline. First, they stop reporting in gen con. Next it will move out of the Ensign but still be online. Eventually, it will get hard to find online. And at some point, it will be gone for anyone outside of HQ so that by the time our raw numbers are decreasing (as opposed to just the growth rate) nobody will know. Decline should be no surprise. It has happened many times before. Noah and the Flood, the Israelites in the wilderness, the disciples leaving Jesus when they didn’t like what he was saying, the Great Apostacy, the Lámanse and Lemuels, the Nephites just a few generations after Christ’s visit, Kirtland. The scriptures plainly state the number of Saints in the last days will be small. A good example....the Nephites after the wonderful reign of King Benjamin.... Quote Mosiah 26 1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. 2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. 3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. 4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. These are the numbers that count in the last days, according to Jacob, brother of Nephi.... Quote Jacob 6:4 And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God..... 11 O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life. 12 O be wise; what can I say more? Agency prevails over all. Edited April 1, 2018 by Bernard Gui
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