Nationally, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints is confronting a significant retention issue among members raised in the faith. In a recent video produced by the independent advocacy group Scripture Central, former general authority Seventy Lawrence Corbridge warned that cultural discomfort alone does not explain the decline; he urged believers to ask, “Is the church true?” and to stay committed if the answer is yes.
Recent growth milestones
Despite the retention concerns, the Utah‑based church reported notable achievements in 2025. The organization sent a record number of full‑time missionaries abroad, and it recorded its largest ever annual baptisms—385,490 converts—marking a historic high in its 196‑year history.
Long‑standing retention patterns
Retention has long been a challenge. Late‑20th‑century research showed that only about 25% of international converts and 50% of U.S. converts attended church a year after baptism. Independent researcher Matt Martinich highlighted that the drop becomes even steeper after two, five, and ten years, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement beyond the initial conversion period.
Current statistics on native members
Recent analyses, including a study from Brigham Young University, reveal that roughly half of U.S. members who were raised in the church still identify as members as adults. Attendance figures are lower still: about 40% attend meetings regularly, and the decline is most pronounced among Generation Z women, who now leave at higher rates than their male counterparts. Decades ago, an estimated 80% of native members remained active, a stark contrast to today’s numbers.
Factors cited for the decline
Commentators point to several cultural forces. BYU religion professor Barbara Morgan Gardner attributes part of the drop to social media and liberal political ideas that prioritize individualism over community and foster skepticism toward institutions. Pro‑church social‑media accounts frequently blame “woke ideology,” feminist influences, and “activist therapists” for pulling young women away from the faith.
Other scholars argue that internal pressures also play a role. Joanna Brooks notes five decades of institutional expectations placed on Mormon women, including dress standards and the church’s historic opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. Heather Sundahl adds that contemporary young women are increasingly sensitive to perceived gender imbalances within church practices.
Leadership response and new metrics
Church leaders are seeking ways to reframe growth measurement. President Russell M. Nelson emphasized temple building as a tangible sign of faith, announcing 200 new temples—more than half of the total planned or existing structures. His successor, President Dallin H. Oaks, has shifted the announcement of new temples from General Conference to regional meetings, aiming to focus attention on local youth retention efforts.
These initiatives suggest a strategic pivot: rather than solely counting baptisms, the church is highlighting metrics that reflect long‑term commitment, especially among younger members.
What the future may hold
While the retention trend remains a concern, the church’s record missionary numbers and historic baptism figures demonstrate ongoing vitality. The challenge now lies in translating those early gains into lasting participation. As leaders continue to address cultural influences and internal policies, the faith’s emphasis on truth and community may provide a foundation for reversing the current decline.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
