Utah‑based leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints are confronting a sobering trend: fewer members raised in the faith are staying active as adults. In a widely shared video, former general authority Seventy Lawrence Corbridge urged members to ask, “Is the church true?” rather than focusing on cultural fit, emphasizing that belief should outweigh discomfort.
Retention numbers reveal a steep decline
Analyses from Brigham Young University and independent researcher Matt Martinich show that roughly 50% of U.S. members raised in the church still claim membership as adults. Attendance drops further, with only about 40% attending meetings regularly and even fewer women of Generation Z remaining involved. By contrast, estimates from a few decades ago suggested that 80% of native members stayed active.
Historical context and recent successes
While the overall membership has not yet reached the 18‑million mark projected by earlier sociologists, the church recorded milestones in 2025: a record number of full‑time missionaries and the highest annual baptisms (385,490) in its 196‑year history. These achievements, however, do not offset the long‑standing challenge of keeping converts and native members engaged beyond the first year after baptism.
Scholars point to cultural pressures
Historians and scholars attribute the decline to several factors. BYU religion professor Barbara Morgan Gardner links the loss of young women to social‑media influence and liberal politics that prioritize individualism over community. Feminist scholars such as Joanna Brooks argue that institutional pressures on women, including dress codes and the church’s stance on the Equal Rights Amendment, contribute to the exodus.
Leadership’s response
President Russell M. Nelson has shifted focus toward temple building, announcing 200 new temples—more than half of the total planned. Successor President Dallin H. Oaks now announces new temples at regional meetings rather than at General Conference, signaling a move toward localized outreach. Both leaders stress that youth retention, measured by missionary numbers and other metrics, remains a priority.
What this means for members
For families and congregations, the data suggest a need to reinforce doctrinal teaching and community bonds. The church’s emphasis on truth and personal conviction aims to counter cultural forces that many see as “woke ideology” or “activist therapists.” While critics argue that institutional policies also play a role, leaders maintain that a focus on truth will keep members steadfast.
Looking ahead
Whether the recent surge in missionary numbers signals a lasting trend remains uncertain. Church officials acknowledge the importance of addressing both external cultural influences and internal practices that may alienate members, especially women. As the LDS community navigates these challenges, the core message from its leaders remains clear: belief in the truth of the church should guide members through cultural discomfort.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
