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LDS one of nation's largest, fastest growing churches
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Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. April 14, 2009
This is like bragging about being one of the fastest growing multi-level
marketing scams!
LOL!
LOL!
Paul Marcel-Rene | 8:54 a.m. April 14, 2009
Of course, we, the LDS church is growing in these last days as our Heavenly
Father collects his children and shares his plan of salvation and eternal life.
Truly, "the truth will set you free".
Brother Paul Marcel-Rene', Akron (Ohio) North Ward
Brother Paul Marcel-Rene', Akron (Ohio) North Ward
Comments continue below
Been there | 9:09 a.m. April 14, 2009
I joined the Mormon Church in California--for all the wrong reasons. I then
came to Utah and knew that I had made a mistake--the Mormons I encountered here
in Utah were a self righteous, holier than thou bunch, who did not behave as
charitable Christians & I returned to my original faith/church. I will tell
anyone who asks that I am no longer a Mormon. My name is still on their rolls.
I understand that I must request a removal of my name in writing. Now why should
I adhere to those rules? What can they do? Maybe excommunicate me? I suspect
my experience may well be typical.
Charles Bailey | 9:18 a.m. April 14, 2009
Mr. Bass, your figures are all wrong. Most of the growth last year came from
convert baptism, more than twice the number of children of record baptized.
This has been the case for many years. Your other figures are wrong also.
Anonymous | 10:01 a.m. April 14, 2009
Despite all the missionary work and rampant reproduction, the stats are really
not all that impressive. All oppressive religions will soon go the way of the
dinosaur.
Jennifer | 10:34 a.m. April 14, 2009
I am also someone who is counted in this erroneous tally but wish I was not.
Why doesn't the Deseret News publish the PEW study in which people in the
US were asked to self report their religious identity? The fastest growing
"denomination" was no religious affiliation at all. The number of
people reporting they were Mormons came in at numbers slightly higher than those
who reported that they were Wiccans. The church likes to make up numbers to
make the members feel good.
Ernest T. Bass | 10:57 a.m. April 14, 2009
Mr. Bailey:
The church counts 9 years olds as convert baptisms, not as child of record.
One year after baptism, only 50% of converts in the US are active. That number dips to only 25% outside the US.
Combine the two figures and that comes out to more than 50% of the convert baptisms are inactive after one year.
A large percentage of "coverts" are of the 9-year-old variety.
The adult inactivity rate combined with those resigning (80,000 to 90,000 per year) make the actual growth either flat or slightly negative.
The church counts 9 years olds as convert baptisms, not as child of record.
One year after baptism, only 50% of converts in the US are active. That number dips to only 25% outside the US.
Combine the two figures and that comes out to more than 50% of the convert baptisms are inactive after one year.
A large percentage of "coverts" are of the 9-year-old variety.
The adult inactivity rate combined with those resigning (80,000 to 90,000 per year) make the actual growth either flat or slightly negative.
Gail | 11:00 a.m. April 14, 2009
It is surprising to me and mind-boggling, as well, to read the hate-filled
messages on this blog. I will be a breath of fresh air to future readers, for I
know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true
church in the world today.
I am a convert to The Church. 28-yrs now. My testimony is stronger now than it was when I joined. I wasn't expecting the members to be perfect, only to be perfecting themselves. I pray daily to forgive my trespasses, as I know they are many. At the same time, I pray to forgive the slights of others.
Jesus only, is my Savior. I am thankful that we have a Prophet to guide us in these latter days.
I would suggest that each of the nay-sayers look to the truth of the restored gospel, rather than the frailties of members. I'm sure that The Church would grow at a faster rate if you had a testimony and shared it with others.
Father, forgive them, they know what they do. I pray to forgive the harm that you are doing too.
I am a convert to The Church. 28-yrs now. My testimony is stronger now than it was when I joined. I wasn't expecting the members to be perfect, only to be perfecting themselves. I pray daily to forgive my trespasses, as I know they are many. At the same time, I pray to forgive the slights of others.
Jesus only, is my Savior. I am thankful that we have a Prophet to guide us in these latter days.
I would suggest that each of the nay-sayers look to the truth of the restored gospel, rather than the frailties of members. I'm sure that The Church would grow at a faster rate if you had a testimony and shared it with others.
Father, forgive them, they know what they do. I pray to forgive the harm that you are doing too.
Bill | 11:28 a.m. April 14, 2009
Actually there are fewer 9 year olds that are baptized than children of record.
Generally 9 year olds are in part member families or less actives. The
retention rate that Earnest relates has been highly inflated. In our Ward we
had 18 baptisms last year. Of those all are currently active in the Church.
Through out our stake the activity is the same. Why because people are
beginning to learn that the LDS Church has a standard that many of the rest of
the world wish they had or could maintain.
The problem withe Mr Bass' statistics is based on his own facts not those produced by the Church. These are from nay sayers not those who have the actual statistics. Regardless, anyone and I mean anyone can make statistics lie. The question is who are you going to believe, the actual people making the count or those who are using hate and bias to make a count.
If you refuse to remove your name because of self-centered ideas shows selfishness on your part. Remove your own selfishness and look deep inside yourself.
This is the only true Church upon the Earth.
The problem withe Mr Bass' statistics is based on his own facts not those produced by the Church. These are from nay sayers not those who have the actual statistics. Regardless, anyone and I mean anyone can make statistics lie. The question is who are you going to believe, the actual people making the count or those who are using hate and bias to make a count.
If you refuse to remove your name because of self-centered ideas shows selfishness on your part. Remove your own selfishness and look deep inside yourself.
This is the only true Church upon the Earth.
Maggie | 11:34 a.m. April 14, 2009
Many are called, few are chosen!
Boise Cougar | 12:11 p.m. April 14, 2009
I love you all as brothers and sisters and my hope is you will all be able to
experience the happiness and joy that is in my life as a result of my Savior,
Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church in these latter days. Come on
in, the water's just fine.
Re Ernest and Anonymous | 12:15 p.m. April 14, 2009
"Ernest T. Bass | 8:17 a.m." and "Anonymous | 8:40 a.m." are
like two peas in a pod. Always sharing such uplifting and noble messages.
They're almost never critical or negative like the neocons they abhor. And
never try to sow division or make negative comments about the people or group
they oppose. Nothing like Rush Limbaugh or the other talk radio nuts :-)
Peter | 12:28 p.m. April 14, 2009
What is mind-boggling to me are those people who choose to "leave" the
Church but who refuse to take the step of doing this in writing. Joining the
Church is a personal choice one makes at the time of baptism (with the candidate
or parent signing the baptismal form), so why should it seem odd that the Church
ask members to affirm in writing the choice to leave it? Is it because
you're afraid the Church might be true and you want to cover all of your
bases? Or is it because you know this is what the Church requires, so you
won't do it just out of spite? I am a bishop and have two members who say
they don't want to be members, but who refuse to give me the letter (out of
spite). While I never want anyone to leave the Church, I also believe that
everyone has the freedom to choose. We have a scriptural duty and obligation to
watch over our sheep, and while they are still members, they are part of our
flock. Do yourself, your bishop and the Church a favor and send the letter to
your bishop.
Ammon | 12:38 p.m. April 14, 2009
I have been so blessed by the Lord for being a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. His kingdom will roll forward like Daniel
prophecied in the Bible. It will roll forward with or without us. Prophets are
real! That is the same pattern the Lord has always used throughout the thousands
of years of history. Why would He deviate from that today, when a prophet is
needed despratly in this ever increasing generation of people that think they
are smarter than the Lord. He is in control, He is doing His work the way He
always has, and there will always be nay sayers and bashers. No one can say
that I don't know this church is true.
Long time member | 12:41 p.m. April 14, 2009
It's so amusing that anyone who disagrees with official church statements
is apparently "filled with hate."
Many of us think the church promotes excellent values and certainly does more good than harm. Most reasonable people would agree with that.
The problem is that many of us have delved into the history of the origins of the church and have learned that it didn't exactly happen as we were led to believe.
We have chosen to remain Mormon in name. It's part of our heritage, but we just don't believe it's the Kingdom of God here on earth. We weren't offended by members. We didn't leave because the members or the bishopric didn't fulfill some supposed expectation of perfection.
We left because we've come to believe (through much study and prayer) that the church just wasn't what it claimed to be.
We'll see if my comment gets posted.
Many of us think the church promotes excellent values and certainly does more good than harm. Most reasonable people would agree with that.
The problem is that many of us have delved into the history of the origins of the church and have learned that it didn't exactly happen as we were led to believe.
We have chosen to remain Mormon in name. It's part of our heritage, but we just don't believe it's the Kingdom of God here on earth. We weren't offended by members. We didn't leave because the members or the bishopric didn't fulfill some supposed expectation of perfection.
We left because we've come to believe (through much study and prayer) that the church just wasn't what it claimed to be.
We'll see if my comment gets posted.
RB | 12:48 p.m. April 14, 2009
Numbers...schmumbers.
I could careless about the numbers, it's the level of faith that is the real measurement of any religion and I'm afraid that the LDS today are a far cry from those who forsook everything to escape persecution.
I pray for the day when those who have those monster 5,000 - 10,000+ sq ft homes and gas-guzzling SUVs and boats, are asked to consecrate it all to the poor and needy.
There will be a sifting of the wheat from the tares, and those numbers will mean nothing.
Those who came to Utah to build Zion were the poor and destitute, but rich in faith -- it will be the same for those who leave Utah to build the real Zion.
It will happen, it will happen....
I could careless about the numbers, it's the level of faith that is the real measurement of any religion and I'm afraid that the LDS today are a far cry from those who forsook everything to escape persecution.
I pray for the day when those who have those monster 5,000 - 10,000+ sq ft homes and gas-guzzling SUVs and boats, are asked to consecrate it all to the poor and needy.
There will be a sifting of the wheat from the tares, and those numbers will mean nothing.
Those who came to Utah to build Zion were the poor and destitute, but rich in faith -- it will be the same for those who leave Utah to build the real Zion.
It will happen, it will happen....
crmeatball | 12:53 p.m. April 14, 2009
Membership in the Church is not based upon attendance, it is based upon the
making of sacred covenants at the waters of baptism. While this covenant is
administered by the Church through the priesthood, the covenant is between the
individual and the Lord, not with the Church. The Lord has dictated that all
those who have made this covenant be counted as members of the Church (Moroni
6:4). Should a person decide to no longer attend church, they have not
necessarily renounced this covenant. This is why the removal of membership must
be communicated to the local bishop in written form. It makes the persons
intentions clear, as many people who were once inactive members of the Church
return to full activity later in their lives.
Convert | 1:00 p.m. April 14, 2009
It took me awhile, but when I learned more about Brigham Young and how bad this
man truly was, and that the LDS people had statues all over the place of him,
and some worshiped him, i was out of the church at a moments noticed. Brigham
young's history was a bit more than i could accept.
CB | 1:01 p.m. April 14, 2009
Letter sent or not, the Lord knows our heart. It is by our actions that we will
be judged, not our membership card. A Bishop is a Bishop to all within his
boundaries, members or not. Imagine that even those hateful to the church are
remembered in the prayers of the faithful. I have lived long enough to see the
love of our Savior expressed even to those who vilify the church by answering
their needs through others. The Gospel is true, the members are striving for
perfection by trying to live by it's principles and ordinances. Of course
they will fall short, they are human. All are invited to come to the feast, but
we know that many will refuse because they think that they have more important
things to do with their lives, that is why we have free agency.
This is what makes the Atonement of Jesus so much more meaningful. He submitted his 'will' to that of his Father. So few chose or are capable of following this example.
This is what makes the Atonement of Jesus so much more meaningful. He submitted his 'will' to that of his Father. So few chose or are capable of following this example.
Interesting | 1:09 p.m. April 14, 2009
Interesting stats - The LDS Church may be ONE of the fastest growing, but
it's still only representing about .002% of the worlds population -
they've got a LONG LONG way to go to save the world:
Christianity: 2 billion
Islam: 1.5 billion
Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
Hinduism: 900 million
Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
Buddhism: 376 million
primal-indigenous: 300 million
African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
Sikhism: 23 million
Juche: 19 million
Spiritism: 15 million
Judaism: 14 million
Mormon: 13 million
Baha'i: 7 million
Jainism: 4.2 million
Shinto: 4 million
Cao Dai: 4 million
Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
Tenrikyo: 2 million
Neo-Paganism: 1 million
Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
Scientology: 500 thousand
Christianity: 2 billion
Islam: 1.5 billion
Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
Hinduism: 900 million
Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
Buddhism: 376 million
primal-indigenous: 300 million
African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
Sikhism: 23 million
Juche: 19 million
Spiritism: 15 million
Judaism: 14 million
Mormon: 13 million
Baha'i: 7 million
Jainism: 4.2 million
Shinto: 4 million
Cao Dai: 4 million
Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
Tenrikyo: 2 million
Neo-Paganism: 1 million
Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
Scientology: 500 thousand
Re CB | 1:14 p.m. April 14, 2009
Not true. The wool is covering your eyes because you choose to live the way you
want to live. Some out here in the real world have brains and use them.
interesting | 1:19 p.m. April 14, 2009
I love it when people call other people "self-righteous" because while
doing so, they themselves are acting "self-righteously" by definition
Anonymous | 1:58 p.m. April 14, 2009
It will double once all of the states and other churches begin to support gay
marriage.
Bass is bad a math | 2:04 p.m. April 14, 2009
Bass. I hate to be the one to point this out but even if half the
"converts" are 9 year olds that then go inactive and then most adult
converts go inactive based only on your unsubstantiated statistics, the church
is still growing because 1) everyone else stays active and grows the church and
2) even inactive members are still members. It's funny how inactive
members of the church assume everyone else is inactive or dissatisfied with the
church like themselves. As a former missionary in South America I can say the
retention rate could be much better for many converts, but saying that the lack
of retention pushes the church into negative growth is just Bass showing us all
that his bias is bigger than his brain.
Clifton | 2:08 p.m. April 14, 2009
Long time member | 12:41 p.m. April 14, 2009
It's so amusing that anyone who disagrees with official church statements is apparently "filled with hate."
Many of us think the church promotes excellent values and certainly does more good than harm. Most reasonable people would agree with that.
The problem is that many of us have delved into the history of the origins of the church and have learned that it didn't exactly happen as we were led to believe.
Having read the comments above, it impressed me enough to ask the writer if she had ever delved into the histories of those Churches who are currently holding the lead in total membership in the US. Could be she would find that these Churches don't quite measure up to what they seem to be on the surface. Perhaps she needs to check their origins and espeeptcially the Holy Trinity concept then check that against Biblical principles. She may be surprised!
It's so amusing that anyone who disagrees with official church statements is apparently "filled with hate."
Many of us think the church promotes excellent values and certainly does more good than harm. Most reasonable people would agree with that.
The problem is that many of us have delved into the history of the origins of the church and have learned that it didn't exactly happen as we were led to believe.
Having read the comments above, it impressed me enough to ask the writer if she had ever delved into the histories of those Churches who are currently holding the lead in total membership in the US. Could be she would find that these Churches don't quite measure up to what they seem to be on the surface. Perhaps she needs to check their origins and espeeptcially the Holy Trinity concept then check that against Biblical principles. She may be surprised!
More interesting... | 2:18 p.m. April 14, 2009
They can leave the Church, but they can't leave it alone! Some people just
gotta have something to complain about.
SJ | 2:24 p.m. April 14, 2009
The parable of the sower holds true today. So does the one of the wheat and the
tares. The comments on this page are evidence of both.
Sister Me | 2:34 p.m. April 14, 2009
Carry on Bishop Ammon! Additionally, I wonder if most of the negative comments
come from those who read the Deseret News only looking for positive articles
about the LDS church so that they can criticize. It is unfortnuate that such
people cannot spend their time reading information that will uplift themselves
and others.
And to the latest "Anonymous", IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN IN THE LDS CHURCH!
And to the latest "Anonymous", IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN IN THE LDS CHURCH!
LNRD | 2:38 p.m. April 14, 2009
Re: Clifton. Oh how truly said...THANK YOU, buddy.
Blessed by my wife's conversion | 2:48 p.m. April 14, 2009
The hate and false information on these blogs is appalling and shocking to me,
to say the least.
My wife is a convert to the LDS Church. She joined while she was in college, not when she was nine!
She is still just as active in the Church as ever, almost ten years later. She is a Primary teacher in our ward and loves her calling. Her testimony is strong and growing stronger each day.
It doesn't matter to me what others say--my wife is a witness to me of my Savior's love. When I see her each day and feel her love for me, I feel the love of my Savior.
I know that the message we have is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that his account of the First Vision was true. I know the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God as another testament of Jesus Christ.
I thank God every day that I have my wife in my life--I hope that all of you are grateful for the blessings you have as a result of your conversions too!
My wife is a convert to the LDS Church. She joined while she was in college, not when she was nine!
She is still just as active in the Church as ever, almost ten years later. She is a Primary teacher in our ward and loves her calling. Her testimony is strong and growing stronger each day.
It doesn't matter to me what others say--my wife is a witness to me of my Savior's love. When I see her each day and feel her love for me, I feel the love of my Savior.
I know that the message we have is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that his account of the First Vision was true. I know the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God as another testament of Jesus Christ.
I thank God every day that I have my wife in my life--I hope that all of you are grateful for the blessings you have as a result of your conversions too!
St George Dude ! | 2:52 p.m. April 14, 2009
I think it is funny to read all the people that have "left the church"
but yet they always come back to websites like this and stay current on it. IF
you dont like the church why don't you just leave in peace and go about
your lives! You know very well the this paper, Website, is more prone to write
about the church and church news. What you can't get enough of the church
or do you fell guilty ? what ever the case, i hope you find what you are truly
seeking, The church is true, just pray and the lord will guide you !
sarah | 3:11 p.m. April 14, 2009
The LDS church is not out to convert everyone, just those who believe and are
willing to accept the message of the restored gospel. Missionary work is simply
fulfilling the words of Christ when he said "Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature." He didn't say that we HAD to
convert everyone or anyone. But what we did ask is that we go and that we
preach. If you don't like the message, speak up and say so respectfully.
If you are thinking about joining the church, do your homework beforehand so you
won't regret it like others on this blog. If you joined a club and then
decided you didn't like it would you then bad mouth the group or have only
yourself to blame?! Believe it or not, there are a lot of people looking for the
restored gospel and we simply need to find them.
Douglas Gingerich | 3:17 p.m. April 14, 2009
I was converted and joined the Church at age 19. At age 65 I am still active.
That's the truth.
A few thoughts | 3:24 p.m. April 14, 2009
I always look forward to the statistical reports in General Conference.
It's exciting to see the Church grow and to know that many, many people are
experiencing the joy I have experienced myself. I hope I can always have the
courage to help that effort and that I can play some small part in helping heal
the various spiritual injuries that keep people away from full activity in the
Church. I know the Church is all it claims to be and I'm grateful for its
impact on my life and my family.
Re: Long Time Member | 3:48 p.m. April 14, 2009
You stated that when the origins of the Church didn't happen the way you
were told. How so?
It is recorded all over that Joseph Smith as a mere 14 year old boy went into a grove of trees to pray to ask which of all the sects were true. It was there that the Father and the Son spoke to him. This is recorded in all of Church History. It is also record as to how he obtained the plates for the Book of Mormon. Try doing what he did to write a book much as he did in the same amount of time that he did. It is recorded that he took approximately 60-90 days to completely translate the Book Of Mormon. The Church was officially organized as a Religion on April 6, 1830. There is nothing else that describes the history of the Church better. That is why the General Conference in April is stated as the Annual Conference and the one in October as the Semi-Annual Conference. Those of us that have researched ourselves have found the Church to be exactly as it is stated, nothing more, nothing less. It is True.
It is recorded all over that Joseph Smith as a mere 14 year old boy went into a grove of trees to pray to ask which of all the sects were true. It was there that the Father and the Son spoke to him. This is recorded in all of Church History. It is also record as to how he obtained the plates for the Book of Mormon. Try doing what he did to write a book much as he did in the same amount of time that he did. It is recorded that he took approximately 60-90 days to completely translate the Book Of Mormon. The Church was officially organized as a Religion on April 6, 1830. There is nothing else that describes the history of the Church better. That is why the General Conference in April is stated as the Annual Conference and the one in October as the Semi-Annual Conference. Those of us that have researched ourselves have found the Church to be exactly as it is stated, nothing more, nothing less. It is True.
Hey Convert | 3:53 p.m. April 14, 2009
There are strange people everywhere, in every church.. but I've yet to see
anyone worshipping (or even coming close to it) Brigham Young, or any other
prophet. Sounds to me like you ran into a nut or two and decided everyone was
the same, that's a shame. As to statues, we have statues of George
Washington, Abraham Lincoln, etc, etc, if you applied the same thinking, then
the American people all worship them, and are nuts.
re: Clifton | 3:57 p.m. April 14, 2009
Um, Clifton - what are you getting at? That I've joined or am more
sympathetic to another church? That I believe another church has
"more" truth than the LDS church? Let me put your mind at ease -
that's not the case.
I challenge you to delve into the history of your own church too. But don't limit yourself to official church publications. Read Michael Quinn. And Grant Palmer. And Todd Compton. And Gregory Prince. They are all church members (or in Quinn's case, a former but still believing non-member).
I think it's silly when people suggest that if you want the truth about something, you should go straight to the source and ask. Why? If you wanted to know if a Honda was the best car to buy, would you only ask Honda Motor Co for information? What kind of publications do you think you would get? Or would you look at other sources to supplement your study with some unbiased information?
I'm not going to get my hopes up for any level of intelligent discourse on this comment board.
I challenge you to delve into the history of your own church too. But don't limit yourself to official church publications. Read Michael Quinn. And Grant Palmer. And Todd Compton. And Gregory Prince. They are all church members (or in Quinn's case, a former but still believing non-member).
I think it's silly when people suggest that if you want the truth about something, you should go straight to the source and ask. Why? If you wanted to know if a Honda was the best car to buy, would you only ask Honda Motor Co for information? What kind of publications do you think you would get? Or would you look at other sources to supplement your study with some unbiased information?
I'm not going to get my hopes up for any level of intelligent discourse on this comment board.
The Real measure of growth | 4:12 p.m. April 14, 2009
The biggest sign of the growth of the Church is the buildings. I worked for a
while recently in the Physical Facilities department of the Church (now I'm
in Family History) and talked daily with the facility managers throughout the
world. The growth for example in Texas is about 19% and they can't build
chapels fast enough. The Church currently completes about 435 new chapels every
year to accomodate the new membership. That's more than one a day! And they
really need more as several Stakes are just waiting for new buildings to be
finished so they can divide the Stake (that is my case here in Springville, UT).
I can also attest to the fact that out of 87 converts in our Stake last year, 80
of them are still 100% active (I am the High Councilor over missionary work so I
have to be on top of that...) So for me, the naysayers are just being bitter for
whatever reason. I don't really worry about it. I am too busy handling the
millions of members needing help with their genealogy now!
A | 4:18 p.m. April 14, 2009
It really doesn't matter what we all say here pro or con. The bottom line,
and the only thing that is at stake here, is how we live OUR lives. The church
will continue to grow and progress weather WE support it or not. All the
negative talk here will not change a thing. If you believe in it great. If you
don't you have that option as well. It really doesn't matter to the
rest of us what anyone else believes or disbelieves. We will see in the end who
was right and who was wrong...In the mean time choose how you want to live and
let others do the same.
Nancy | 4:32 p.m. April 14, 2009
I challenge all to go read church history and dig into it deeply and NOT just
the buttered up stuff. I mean the real stuff out there. Read time lines if you
can find them. Have a nice research.
Truth is converts are staying | 4:44 p.m. April 14, 2009
I am the ward mission leader in my Spanish branch and we have had almost 100%
retention of the seven people who have been baptized since I was called.
The converts we have brought into the Church are being fellowshipped, they have callings and home and visiting teachers, and they come to church regularly to be "nourished by the good word of God."
I regret that we cannot keep 100%. But people have the ability to choose to stay active after baptism. Missionary work and fellowshipping don't stop after baptism and confirmation--if anything, they become even more important!
I am grateful to be God's servant in His vineyard. I pray I can bring as many of His children into the Church as possible--I want only for them to have the blessings I currently enjoy.
The converts we have brought into the Church are being fellowshipped, they have callings and home and visiting teachers, and they come to church regularly to be "nourished by the good word of God."
I regret that we cannot keep 100%. But people have the ability to choose to stay active after baptism. Missionary work and fellowshipping don't stop after baptism and confirmation--if anything, they become even more important!
I am grateful to be God's servant in His vineyard. I pray I can bring as many of His children into the Church as possible--I want only for them to have the blessings I currently enjoy.
Live and let live | 4:52 p.m. April 14, 2009
Well, if Des-News is going to put up these blogs on their site, then they also
know good well that there will be much opposition written here. I, myself have
learned to accept that not everyone thinks or believes like me, or views the
church in the same manner as i do. I suppose instead of fighting with people who
don't believe in Mormonism that we too must accept that they have their own
voice and opinion the same as we do.
I have notice while reading here that the LDS people are just as sarcastic as the non-believers.
I have notice while reading here that the LDS people are just as sarcastic as the non-believers.
LDS in TN | 4:59 p.m. April 14, 2009
Charles Bailey,
I have read Ernest T. Bass's comments for a long time with a considerable amount of humor. I wonder why he chose a pen name from an ignorant, backwoods character from the Andy Griffith show.
Maybe to explain where he comes up with his comments?
I have read Ernest T. Bass's comments for a long time with a considerable amount of humor. I wonder why he chose a pen name from an ignorant, backwoods character from the Andy Griffith show.
Maybe to explain where he comes up with his comments?
realitycheck | 5:15 p.m. April 14, 2009
if you wanted to critisize someone, probably best if you didn't admit you
were from the backwoods of Tennessee...
bc | 6:35 p.m. April 14, 2009
It seems that believers in Christ would want to withhold attacks...and this is
for both sides. It was an article - we liked it or we didn't. None of
these comments are changing the world. Let's stop seeking out all the
storms. If you hate the article or love it fine. Don't understand what is
gained from attacking each other.
re:re:Clifton | 7:23 p.m. April 14, 2009
I would not go to Toyota and ask them to evaluate a Honda either. Were is the
unbiased information? Just like you said, "go to the source." Too many
Toyota owners trying to tell us that Honda is the wrong choice.
EdM | 8:23 p.m. April 14, 2009
Hey, how about us Catholics? 67 million and still going strong! WOOHOOO!
This will probably be censored by the DNews folks but hey...HOW BOUT THEM
CATHOLICS! >
Dorrie | 9:35 p.m. April 14, 2009
I joined the LDS church in Jan.1956, at the age of 23.(ok, add it up)after many
months of investigation and study.Knowing it meant a complete change of
lifestyle and giving up my favorite vices, I had to be sure I made the right
choice. My conviction has grown stronger through the years. As I have served, I
have grown, doing things beyond my natural capabilities. I taught church history
over several years and the more I delved into church history the more I saw the
hand of the Lord in it. Sure, we have our dropouts; being an active member
requires more effort and daily repentence than many are willing to put forth.
Are there self righteous, hypocritical or ignorant members? Of course. I've
met some of them and have probably been one of them at some time in my groping
for perfection. Mortality is a time of testing and it's a tough school
indeed. It is not which rung of the ladder we're on but whether we're
going up or down that really matters. And as Elder McConkie stated, the caravan
rolls on!
Adam | 9:59 p.m. April 14, 2009
My ward in Missouri just split and we are now in a newly formed ward. Many
inactive people have become reactivated since this is happened and we have to
once again open the overflow of the chapel to fit everyone. Yes, there are
those who are baptized and fall away..but there are those that stay. Christ
taught that many are called and only a few are chosen. There is much truth to
that. The church's meetinghouses average to about 1.5 being constructed
per day. And add all the temples, too. If that isn't a sign of growth, I
don't know what is. The church will not build a temple or a meetinghouse
if there aren't enough members to justify doing so.
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Most of the adult converts never go to an LDS church again, within a few months of their baptism date.
Combine the lack of retention and those who remove their names from the records of the church and the net growth is zero or slightly negative.