The Great Mormon Missionary Decline? - 1635

Introduction, The Great Mormon Missionary Decline

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is facing an unprecedented decline in its missionary force. Once enjoying a peak of 85,000 missionaries in 2014, the numbers have since plummeted to a mere 54,000 by 2021. This steep downturn raises questions about the future of one of the church's most vital programs. Is this decline a temporary setback or a sign of deeper issues within the church? According to the Mormon Stories Podcast, hosted by John Dehlin, this phenomenon may be a critical turning point for the LDS Church and its global outreach.

Background, Context and History

The LDS Church has long placed considerable emphasis on missionary work, viewing it as a "priesthood duty and obligation" for young men. This mandate is deeply rooted in the church's history, with missionary service becoming almost a rite of passage for young Mormon men. Traditionally, young women were encouraged, but not required, to participate. However, as the podcast highlights, this dynamic shifted dramatically under the leadership of Thomas S. Monson, who actively encouraged all worthy young women to serve missions, effectively doubling the prospective missionary pool.

Key Claims and Evidence, Causes of Decline

Despite these efforts to bolster the ranks, the missionary force has not sustained its numbers. The Mormon Stories Podcast suggests several reasons for this decline. First, it mentions the decrease in church activity among young men, dropping from 49% in 2016 to an alarming 26% in 2022. Additionally, there's been a shift in focus from regions with declining numbers, like Western Europe and Latin America, to areas with growing potential, such as Africa. This tactic, however, appears more like a shell game than a sustainable strategy.