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New Harmony: Current focus concentrates on retaining LDS members

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Confused- reply | 4:29 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Dear Confused,

There are many in my ward who have husbands who are in Iraq serving our country, they work as policeman on the dayshift, and work at Wal-Mart on Sundays.
Some attend less than 40% of the time, but they are still members of the Church who care about their families. You are not required to explain to anyone.

Spouses attend when they can. As long as you attend and can bring the Spirit in your home for your family, that's what counts. Many people have very valid reasons for being gone. I know it's even tougher especially if you bring children.

We attend a fairly young family ward. We don't have any children of our own. We are always asked the question 'How many kids do you have?' in a ward that produces 15 - 20 babies a year.

People say things without thinking fist or just ask out of curiousity. We take it for the latter. When when we tell them we don't have any,they sometimes reply "I'm jealous". We then enjoy a lighter moment together. Alot of those children come and sit with us.

Keep going...it's worth it. Eternity is a long time to spend alone.

Re: William a baumgardner | 4:24 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

So I'm a follower of satan? Hmm, I thought I was a pretty good person living a pretty good life.

Was inactive | 4:32 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

not because of the teachings of the church but rather because it was same same 5-6 families within the ward that had the callings. Each person(17 people) had 3 to 7 callings. When a new person moved into the ward - it was hard to keep them active. The bishop had his friends doing all the jobs within the ward. We are told that there are 3 things that a person needs when they join the church - faith, a friend and a calling to keep them activated. I was so glad when this bishop was finally released - many people were given callings - almost everyone in the ward had a calling. Very few were asked to do more then 2 callings. Today there is another bishop, the ward has grown smaller, but not because of the bishop but rather the cost of living. People are moving out of the ward but staying within the stake. When someone is getting reactivated shake their hand, be a friend and the same goes for those who are new to the church. You can never have too many friends. When we join the church we promise to bear each others burdens.

Comments continue below

Ernest T. Bass | 4:38 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Stop making it guilt and fear.
Stop making poor people pay a full 10%. Time donated should count toward a tithe, but that would hit the church's bottom line a bit too hard.
A guy who makes $30,000 a year is paying a LOT more than a guy making $300,000 a year.

Want to have higher retention? Give those of us with doubts and questions a place, give those of us who figured out a long time ago that God doesn't micro manage the church a legitimate opportunity, don't label us as worthless 'intelectuals' and show us the door.

Anonymous | 4:35 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I left the church because I dont believe it to be true. I dont believe the bible is the word of god and once you dont believe in the bible, the book of Mormon becomes even more of a stretch.
I love the members of my family who still believe in the church and I am grateful they have the church because it makes them feel good. But my family members act nothing like many in the church who chastise and berate many on this message board (NOT A BLOG). My neighbors are great and always invite us to the summer neighborhood dinner, which I am sure they plan at church. I still look at my Mormonism as almost a race, and dont care if my name is on the roles or the elders come around. If I dont want to talk to them I will just tell them that.

Internet Research? | 4:44 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Here's a hint: if you see a puddle and want to step in, be advised that you're going to get either wet or muddy, or both, and you may lose a shoe or get your foot stuck, but it's still YOUR decision.
The "truth" about the LDS Church, as many others have stated herein, is not to be found in some online discussion of Mountain Meadows, the 1978 revelation, or Joseph Smith's dabbling in the Masonic Order. It is that either you believe Joseph Smith to be a prophet or you don't. Either you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon or you don't.
If you have a testimony, then whatever the imperfect members of the church do or don't do, matters not one iota in the long run. Yes, it can sting - a lot even - to be rejected by dorks who don't offer a blessing if you're inactive, or who don't offer a sympathetic hug when you lose a loved one. For those who have had such experiences, you have my sympathy. But the decision to stand on your testimony is still yours and none other's, no excuses necessary. Hope to see you back soon!

Anonymous | 4:45 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

"Concentrating on retaining LDS members?"
Why not just concentrate just leaving them the (blank) alone?

To "Retention" 8:43 | 4:40 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

You think it is the CHURCH'S responsibility to keep you active?!?!

Pls tell me you're kidding.....

If I was your home teacher, I'd come and visit, get to know you and your family, help you move, etc, etc. But, I'd be a pretty poor friend indeed if I never told you to quit acting like a slothful butthead and accept responsibility for your actions.

It's YOUR life, it's YOUR responsibility what you do with it. Please don't settle for less when you can actually have so much more. Good luck.

Listening In Still | 4:44 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

(continued) 3. . . . Christ taught us to love, sometimes that is a very hard thing to do in the culture of the Church. As for 'less-active' work. I have always found it repugnant because I don't want to befriend someone just to activate them. Yes, I believe it's true, yes, I love others (though I still have a lot to learn in this department), but I don't want to make someone a "Laurel Project' just to bring them back to church, it offends me.

4. As others have said, I also see a great difference between the Church inside Utah and out. I hate being a member of the Church in Utah, it stinks. Outside, I love it!!

5. Are there any other churches that believe they are the 'one and only' or are we the only ones who say it so plainly? Isn't it kind of inherent in each church's doctrine that they are the right one?

Sad in Utah | 4:51 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

It is interesting that almost everyone of the stories of people leaving include the lines that nobody "came to them" to fellowship them. While we all need a helping hand, sitting back and expecting people to seek you out doesn't work anywhere human beings are involved. We all need to realize that "participation" is key to fellowship and it cannot take place without effort. We need to be open and friendly and SEEK fellowship. This doesn't take place in the back row of the chapel 5 minutes after meetings start. We are all responsible for each other but in the end we are judged "for our own sins" and not the sins of unfriendly neighbors. I serve in the Church because I want to follow Christ, not because I have friends there.

CuttotheChase | 4:47 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Retention ideally should come within--out of sincere faith in Jesus Christ, the prophet Joseph Smith and successors, continuuing revelation and receiving the ordinances of the Gospel. Those who have received a testimony through the Spirit of the above are not going to hide behind polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, 'lazy hometeachers' or Sister Gossip's latest (or make any other excuses) for not sincerely seeking and then cultivating a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His Eternal Plan of Salvation.

I say to those who have been offended or have suffered loss that IME the best way to respond is to serve the Lord and those around you and forget yourselves. We all have trials whether they be physical, financial, emotional or spiritual. When we serve rather than judge our fellowman we lift ourselves and are more in-tune with God's will. There may be some here who have an argument with God and choose to vent by mentioning this doctrine or that doctrine or saying that 'happiness' is through rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Lord revealed in the Book of Mormon--'He gives us weaknesses that we may be humble.' Love rather than fear ought to dictate testimony!

The Problem Is... | 5:01 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Why is there so much intensity and emotion around activity or inactivity in the LDS Church (as compared to other US based religions) - by both active members, inactive members or former members?

I think the answer is towfold - 1) because the LDS Church is the only church that proclaims that they are the only true CHURCH on the face of the earth. Others may believe they are or that they teach the truth but it is not nearly as central or vocal or tied to a CHURCH as it always has been in the LDS Church. And 2) a central part of that only true church on the face of the earth is ACTIVITY in the Church - not just belief as found in other christian denomination - but activity.

Anonymous | 5:03 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

To those of you who think that you can have your name removed from the church roles just by asking, you are mistaken. My brother (gay) tried to get his name off the roles and they told him he would have to have a meeting with the bishop. It is no simply a matter of calling a number or sending a letter. That said I dont care that my name is still on the roles. It neither picks my pocket or pokes my eye.

What I Learned | 5:10 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

As I sought to carry the emotional feelings of a revelation with me from day to day, and being terribly, terribly frustrated that one simply can't do that.....not even with the most powerful kinds of revelations, I learned how to carry (or "bear") a powerful testimony EVEN WITHOUT THE COMFORTING EMOTIONS THAT ACCOMPANIED THE HOLY SPIRIT. How?

I learned that the way to bear a testimony is NOT to (currently) tell someone (even yourself) how you feel about your revelation "now", but to instead tell the person "now" (meaning in the present) how you felt about the experience THEN. In other words, don't try to emotionally recreate the experience of your revelation when you first found yourself believing in the Gospel. What happened, happened. It is a matter of fact and history and nothing can ever, EVER change it. Not even God, for how can God change truth? So you have a great revelation but can't recreate it emotionally to believe again? That's OK. The fact is, your revelation DID occur and you KNOW it.

So...stick to your guns. Sure, delve further into your religion but ignore those who want you to deny what you know is true.

REPENT! | 5:13 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I say LDS members quit placing yourself above all of Gods other children. You may not be number one as you may think. God will judge us all by what is in our hearts and in our thoughts. I say search your thoughts and decide who you really are. It may surprise you.

How to Discuss? | 5:14 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I would be honestly interested, for those many of you who have said so, in knowing how it is that you would like to go about being able to discuss your opinions? What does this mean to you? What would it look like? Are you talking a public forum? During church meetings? In private conversations? I really would be interested, how do you want to do this?

Comforting | 5:10 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I think one of the reasons the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so incredible is because its doctrine (as opposed to any foibles of members) is so merciful. A loving Heavenly FATHER (ie not just a creator) who knows us each and wants us to be like Him. Doesn't this make so much more sense than a detached Supreme Creator who might now care for us more than a pot made by a potter? Just knowing He is my Father brings such great comfort and meaning to this life.

Anonymous | 5:12 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I've got a great idea!
Why doesn't the LDS church publish a number of members scorecard each week in this paper?
Example:
A number of the faithful
A number of the not-so-faithful
A number of those who quit
And a number of those who quit but haven't been removed from the records
Number of dead people who have recently been baptized.

Ariticle of Faith | 5:14 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The 11th Ariticle of Faith states:

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

Seek God the source of all truth | 5:17 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

To Jazz Fan:

Good points.

Contrary to misleading posts here, people are welcome to ask tough questions and not face excommunication. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to feed Christ's sheep and help us all come unto Christ. Sadly, some revile/advocate against the doctrine and dissociate themselves with the Church, until it reluctantly must consider their removal.

As far as 'the thinking has been done.' It's more accurate to say, God's truths are unchanging. The Church is run by God or else doctrine would be put to popular vote/thought. It is good to be an independent thinker, if it affords us more truth from God, but we have to be careful our thoughts are not independent of God, or it is not truth.

By all means, keep asking questions. God's gospel knows all. The prophet speaks for God. Hold him to it. But don't take truths out of context (ie. Animal sacrifices aren't necessary now, but they were in the Old Testament. Truth didn't change, but Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfilled that law). So don't hold the truths of one prophet to a changing context for another prophet. Some mysteries will always remain.

wallyworld | 5:24 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The Church will always have me. The Church is true, even if some of it's members are not. The Church won't lead you astray only people will. If you do not like what the Church teaches or has taught, then leave, you won't offend me by leaving, and let US enjoy the peace the Gospel brings. And "IF" us mormons are "wrong", then there is no true church. But remember if your in or out of the Church, Jesus will ALWAYS love you.

Anonymous | 5:22 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Good one, Article of Faith!

Greg | 5:36 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Wow! This is so strange, to read such stuff in 21st century USA. It really illustrates all those things that people talk about when they talk about Mormons, Scientologists, and other religious cults.

I feel badly for those who are not allowed to leave this group, and have to be pestered by members for the rest of their lives. I also feel badly for those who seem so frightened to think for themselves. So much fighting and squabbling over religion, which is supposed to make one's life peaceful. How sad. Good luck to all of you. Peace!

Honest Question | 5:35 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Something I genuinely struggle with:

Joseph Smith claims to have experienced what I believe would be the two greatest events to occur on earth since the Savior's resurrection - that both Christ and the Father appeared to him and spoke to him and that the authority of the Priesthood was restored to him by angelic visitation.

Why then would not a SINGLE WORD be uttered (as far as anyone knows) or written about those two events until several years after they occurred AND several years after the founding of the Church? No journal entries, scripture, sermon manuscripts, letters, newspaper articles, even from those bent on destroying Joseph Smith and the Church mentioned the occurrence of these two supposed magnificent events until several years after their supposed occurrence.
The first time Joseph Smith did sit down and in his own hand write his history he said that Jesus appeared to him but not a word about the Father. Long articles and sermons were given by Joseph Smith and other leaders about the Godhead during these early years and yet no mention of the first vision. I truly do not understand this and it is something I struggle with greatly.

Margie | 5:39 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Many of us are more concerned with spreading the message of Jesus and living it then worrying about "heaven". Jesus had a wonderful criteria that is found in the 25th Chapter of Matthew. Those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for those in prison are those who will inherit God's kingdom. Building community is so much more important then 'retention" and "heaven". If we care for one another and others, any "heaven" will take care of itself.

Activity Rate Revisited | 5:39 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I am very much aware of the statistics you are bringing up. They are the very statistics that make my point. Could they improve? Of course. Are they better than any other mainstream christian denomination? I believe so. Which large church are you aware of that has better attendance figures? Have you ever seen anywhere on the planet as many chapels per square mile as there are in this State? Do most church's need to fit 3 separate congregations in each building just to handle the attendance? Is there another denomination that completes the construction of a new chapel everyday to handle the growth? Activity can improve for sure, but relatively speaking, I am impressed.

Marvin J. Ashton | 5:40 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

When I was a missionary years ago struggling for a solid testimony of the Church, my mom mailed me an article about how Marvin J. Ashton gained his testimony(for those who may not recognize the name he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the 70s and 80s).

He said as a missionary he wanted one very badly so he read the Book of Mormon and prayed about it. No answer. So he read it again more intently and prayed more sincerely. Still nothing. This happened several times until he read the entire BofM in a couple of days. (Now that's really wanting to know!) He said that after reading the whole BofM in just a few days, as he was praying, he felt no emotional outpouring of knowledge but instead the thought entered forcefully into his mind and heart, "Marvin, you've always known the Church is true so get up off your knees and go to work!" And so he did.

Like Mormon says, "You receive NO witness until AFTER the trial of your faith".

Come on!, let's work! The answer WILL come.

It did for me.

God Knows Who U R | 5:42 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

re- Senior,
Are you certain this is a LDS site? It looks more to me like a killing ground. It will be interesting to see how God will JUDGE EACH OF YOU.

WOWSERS!

LEAVE ME ALONE | 5:43 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I'm in the process of leaving this cult now that I know what it really is. DO NOT get the idea that you can love me back in. I know the REAL TRUTH about this organization and have no intention to ever support it. I'm sick of the hypocrites and the excuses, the back stabbing and the lies. Why can't you respect my right to leave? Unfortunately, you will in typical mormon fashion believe that I just had a weak testimony or that I wanted to sin instead of accepting that I can actually think for myself.
Keep living in lala land if you want. As for me, I'm out of here.

Reply To: Leave me Alone | 5:54 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Don't give up, we need you.

To BRENT...... | 5:51 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Your question, "So for those who have left the church and feel it is not true but have not removed their names from the records my only question is why not?"

It's because they have wasted more then enough of their time, sweat and effort, and their life, and refused to give thought and waste anymore of their precious life in giving even a single second to it. They don't care what the church does with their names, anymore, they're out, and want to stay out and not have anything to do with it anymore.

Having your name in the church is nothing more than having your name in a bank that you no longer use, it doesn't a difference to one's life.

The Choice is Ours | 5:54 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I wonder from time to time, as I read the large number of anti-LDS posts on these Deseret News boards, if there will not be a great falling away from the Church at some point....members perhaps leaving by the tens of thousands. Maybe hundreds of thousands or even millions.

"Too restrictive", they say. Led by a bunch of old men, they claim. "Out of touch" or "they just don't care about me", some say.

Joseph Smith saw in vision beforehand the apostasy of nearly 1/3 of the members while the Church resided in Kirtland, Ohio. A scene so frightening that he begged the Lord to close up the vision. The Lord did for a while but later showed him the rest. Joseph then went to the members and literally begged and pleaded with them to the point of tears not to abandon the restored Gospel. Perhaps a few listened. Many obviously did not.

Will we drop from 13 million members to 12 million? 10? 8? I don't know. But I do know this: the Church will grow and cover the earth like the waters cover the seas for God has said so.

The caravan moves on.

Are you coming?

Anonymous | 5:59 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Activity Rate -
Some lucky people make a very good living selling the church property, building the churches, etc.

Love Is The Answer | 6:04 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

To my faithful LDS brothers and sisters:

What is needed is an honest and listening heart for the weary. So others doubt. We need to listen to them as to why. Answer their questions as best as we can and encourage them to go to the Lord through the scriptures and in prayer and fasting as well. Pray for them and love them with no less affection than if they were seated beside us in church each week. The Lord is indeed displeased with those of us who judge others harshly because of their struggles. Yes, sometimes we bring our problems upon ourselves but who are we to judge that someone is not worth a second try or they will "never" learn to live the Gospel?

Perhaps the person we will nurture today will be the very person who helps us when our own faith is lacking. Alma and his father were once what we often call "less active", weren't they?

Easier said than done? Sure, but the Lord loves them as much as he loves us. Unconditional love is an amazing thing. I don't fully have it for my fellow man yet, I admit, but I've felt it.

russ | 6:16 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Gives new meaning to the old Christian hymn: Bring them in, Bring them in, Bring them in from the fields of sin..." Salvation Army uses it, doesn't it?

Great Hymn. Probably will appear soon in the latest authorized version of the latest Mormon hymn book near you. If it hasn't already.

Bring them in... bring them in...

inactive rose pedal | 6:46 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The truth is out there! However and wherever I do not know. It could be anywhere and i'm not certain just where. Although I will keep praying. I have prayed all my life, and I will keep praying till the day i die. I study hard, but still no answer. I still look but my eyes still see nothing and say NO! So until that day I will just remain a nice person, live well, stay morally clean, do my very best that I know, and always be genuine in my character and kind to all others.

To - The Choice is Ours | 6:49 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

You wondered if the Church will drop from 13 million to 12,10,8? Do you realize activity rates are already most generously estimated at 6 million but likely downward to 4.5? The stone is rolling backwards rather than througout the world and this is exactly why the Church is focusing on retention and reactivation (which strategically they should). A teenager who translated ancient scripture through a rock in his hat, married his devoted colleague's wives while they served missions, and proclaimed that Adam and Eve and all others up until Noah lived in Missouri just is not resonating with many people anymore.

Chris Plummer | 6:59 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

The Irony is this article is about retaining members. read some of these mean spirited self righteous posts from members and you have to wonder; is that what Christ would say?

in vermont, to the "I left" | 7:03 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

to those who have stated they have left the church and are at peace and are happier, remember believing and obeying are not all about being happy now, but more so later after this life and your kids' lives. temporary happiness always comes to those who do what they want when they want to. remember your pioneer heritage, did they live to see the church flourish? nope, if you summed up their lives---tough. so remember it's like getting an education, the studying the tests not so much fun, but then once you get a good job it pays off. so I will keep believing when I don't understand it all, keep feeling the guilt of not doing enough, keep denying the body all it wants--all with faith that life will be better then, and life for my kids will be better now and then

timely topic | 7:16 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Is there any better example in the Church of someone who personally reaches out in love to help individual people than our new prophet president Monson?
he has story after story of being at the right place and at the right time to give a blessing, to say a few uplifting words...impressive and I hope to do my part

? | 7:21 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

If the book of mormon is true, who cares how people treat you in the church, no-one is perfect. I keep hearing about discrepencies in church history, and that's why people leave. Guess what, only one of the four gospels mentions Mary at the tomb, does that mean she wasn't real, or that the other gospels were lying?

Yes, people can be mean, yes people can hurt you, yes Joseph Smith wasn't perfect, neither was Moses or Aaron.

But come on, leaving because of the "holier than thou" perception, just means the house wasn't built on the rock.

Something different | 8:01 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I was born and raised in the church, did the BYU thing, served a mission, married in the temple, have had priesthood callings, and I think the church is AWESOME!

That said, can someone please tell me what possesses people to present themselves with a "church resume?" For those who leave the church, the extensive resume, and need to begin a paragraph with it, is even more pathetic.

If a homeless person started his life story with how he was born into a wealthy family, had access to the finest schools, and yet had somehow managed to direct his privileged path into a life of squalor, it would be sad. But when he says this proudly, the story becomes ridiculous. These are not stories that leave the listener inspired or impressed.

The Choice Is Ours - my reply | 8:17 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Yes, I know that our activity rate is far, far below 13 million. I meant people actually removing their names completely from the rolls of the Church. Will this actually happen? Again, I don't know. Does this concern me? Enough to try and be a good home-teacher and friend to those in my ward, yes. Enough for me to lose faith in the truthfulness of the restored Gospel, never.

It is God who has said that the stone cut out of a mountain without hands would break down all earthly kingdoms of men and would grow until it literally filled the earth, so who are you or I to stop it? Don't believe it anymore? Fine. But yet it is true.

I am absolutely amazed at how many people I've "met" online due to Mitt Romney's campaign who do not have the foggiest understanding of "truth", ie, they honestly think that just because they believe something hard enough it must be true. That is simply not in line with reality.

If you leave the Church and don't abide by it's teachings, you will be held responsible when you die and the same goes for me.

Let us choose wisely.

Dave | 8:24 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I have discovered, after a long life of activity in the church, that we really should go to church to give and not to receive. A wonderful insight came to me years ago that the more we give the more we take home. This is a marvelous principle. Let's all try to spend our lives in service, to those who are active or inactive. That's what it should all be about!

I Suspect That.... | 8:35 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

more than just a few people will choose to leave the Church based on things they were shown by on-line bloggers and posters who were blatantly anti-Mitt and anti-LDS. If you want to leave and you are my neighbor I would try to help you alleviate your concerns. But if you still insist on leaving then I won't stop you from doing as you choose.

How many of the posters in this group tonight are in that situation? How many of you had testimonies that were hanging by a thread to begin with? How many of you felt guilt for doing something that you knew to be wrong and now have found "proof" that you really shouldn't feel bad because, "hey, I just learned the Church isn't true anyway"? (Now before anyone freaks out and labels me as "mean" or "holier than thou", I admit that I have moments of weakness too and do things I know I shouldn't. The difference is I'm willing to admit "I'm" wrong and not "the Church".

So, people will leave due to the Romney experience but I know people will join due to the same experience too.

Please, please, "pray before you leap".

observer | 9:13 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Isn't it nice that we can chat like this?

John Lambert | 9:17 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

This article has convinced me the Mormon Times is a good thing. Jerry hit the nail on the head. Retention and being active are not about coming to church. You want people to come to church so they will be nourished by the good word of God, and develop strength with fellow members.
I have seen people retained in the gospel and I have seen people fall away. I have known people who came back to the fold when a loving reach and a helping hand came when they had previously been ostracized. I have known people who stopped coming to church because no one reached out to them in there new ward, and I have met people who referedto me as their son in a loving way from the first time we met.
I just think we need to remeber activity is not as much a measure of how often one goes to church, or even how often one reads the srciptures but how often one feels the spirit. We can not measure it, so all we can do is reach out with love and true concern and try to bless our brothers and sisters.

John Lambert | 9:21 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Personally I think most people appreciate when others show love and concern for them. I think those who do not want any contact with the church are the rare majority. I hear just as often of people feeling they are too isolated as non-members as people saying that church members reach out too much to their fellow believers.
At baptism we accept to mourn with those that mourn and confort those who stand in need of confort, and that includes all people, not even just church members and definantly not just those who are our good friends because they are at church each week.

Ready or not | 9:32 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I hope when the bridegroom comes your lamp will be ready. From a lot of the blogs, most of us will be left out. So sad. Remember: we are free to make choices (to believe or not)- BUT we're not free to choose the consequences.

Arizona Mormon | 9:48 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

I am an inactive member, no one offended me,and I do believe the church is true. I live in a ward with some of the finest men I have ever known, they are compassionate ,and always willing to help. So why am I inactive ? Nascar , NFL football. and oh by the way Go BYU Football

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