Church is "losing 40% of 16-24 year old members"

[Requiem]

Attended a special Regional Singles Conference last weekend. The speaker (an Area Authority) made a surprising comment. He said that the Church is "very concerned" about the attrition rate of members in the 16-24 age group. According to recent statistics communicated by Elder Bateman, the Church is "losing" 40% if this age group. Losing is defined as either being inactive in their current ward/branch, or having moved and made no attempt to retrieve their membership records (i.e. Church has no idea of location). In Salt Lake and Utah counties alone, 57,000 young people fall into the "lost" category.

The Area Authority made a strong argument for strengthening the outreach and effectiveness of single/student wards and stakes. Apparently there is a proposal under consideration among the brethren to form more single/student stakes and eliminate the "one off" singles wards in regular stakes. Such single stakes would provide a stronger identity and more opportunities to serve. Having been a member of a student ward in a university stake and a singles ward treated like outcasts in a resident stake, I strongly support this proposal. The risks inherent in losing 40% of the youth demand something positive be done.

[BYU71]

This response is for conversation purposes.

That solves the socialization part of the problem. While they have them on a socialized setting, perhaps the message could become more appealing. I don't mean change the doctrine, but maybe they could go a little lighter on things such as white shirts, facial hair, etc.

16-24 years olds aren't in the obedience stage of life. They also aren't as succeptable to guilt trips as earlier generations.

[SeattleUte]

For the love of God leave them in peace. It's obvious why this is happening.

[Requiem]

Originally Posted by BYU71

That solves the socialization part of the problem. While they have them on a socialized setting, perhaps the message could become more appealing. I don't mean change the doctrine, but maybe they could go a little lighter on things such as white shirts, facial hair, etc.

16-24 years olds aren't in the obedience stage of life. They also aren't as succeptable to guilt trips as earlier generations.

I agree with your comments re; socialization; however, it goes deeper. Singles stakes foster more opportunities to serve in responsible positions and create a greater sense of purpose and identity - the positives greatly outweigh any negatives. It is sobering to think of the future implications of losing 40% of the next generation

[Requiem]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

For the love of God leave them in peace. It's obvious why this is happening.

I am honestly interested in your comments re: "why".

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Requiem

I am honestly interested in your comments re: "why".

Don't expect an honest reply.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Requiem

I am honestly interested in your comments re: "why".

They are more enlightened and should not be punished into remaining in the hellhole which is Mormondom, would be his likely response. He believes Mormondom tortured his soul, singling him out intentionally above all others.

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Attended a special Regional Singles Conference last weekend. The speaker (an Area Authority) made a surprising comment. He said that the Church is "very concerned" about the attrition rate of members in the 16-24 age group. According to recent statistics communicated by Elder Bateman, the Church is "losing" 40% if this age group. Losing is defined as either being inactive in their current ward/branch, or having moved and made no attempt to retrieve their membership records (i.e. Church has no idea of location). In Salt Lake and Utah counties alone, 57,000 young people fall into the "lost" category.

The Area Authority made a strong argument for strengthening the outreach and effectiveness of single/student wards and stakes. Apparently there is a proposal under consideration among the brethren to form more single/student stakes and eliminate the "one off" singles wards in regular stakes. Such single stakes would provide a stronger identity and more opportunities to serve. Having been a member of a student ward in a university stake and a singles ward treated like outcasts in a resident stake, I strongly support this proposal. The risks inherent in losing 40% of the youth demand something positive be done.

Maybe we should raise the bar higher. 40% is too low for my tastes.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Attended a special Regional Singles Conference last weekend. The speaker (an Area Authority) made a surprising comment. He said that the Church is "very concerned" about the attrition rate of members in the 16-24 age group. According to recent statistics communicated by Elder Bateman, the Church is "losing" 40% if this age group. Losing is defined as either being inactive in their current ward/branch, or having moved and made no attempt to retrieve their membership records (i.e. Church has no idea of location). In Salt Lake and Utah counties alone, 57,000 young people fall into the "lost" category.

The Area Authority made a strong argument for strengthening the outreach and effectiveness of single/student wards and stakes. Apparently there is a proposal under consideration among the brethren to form more single/student stakes and eliminate the "one off" singles wards in regular stakes. Such single stakes would provide a stronger identity and more opportunities to serve. Having been a member of a student ward in a university stake and a singles ward treated like outcasts in a resident stake, I strongly support this proposal. The risks inherent in losing 40% of the youth demand something positive be done.

This has been the case for a while, sadly. I remember a similar statistic and push being issued about 10 years ago. It's a dangerous age to be losing people.

There are some interesting distinctions when it comes to singles units. They have their own section in the handbook. Interestingly, although there are allowances for singles wards, there is no provision for a singles stake--only "university" stakes. That is, there's not supposed to be singles stakes that exist independently of the university environment. Given the growing numbers of "older" singles (25-35) who aren't typically still in school, I imagine this might have to evolve.

I've been told that our current stake president is opposed to all singles organizations and will not permit a singles ward in his stake. I wonder how he'll take this news.

Originally Posted by Requiem

I agree with your comments re; socialization; however, it goes deeper. Singles stakes foster more opportunities to serve in responsible positions and create a greater sense of purpose and identity - the positives greatly outweigh any negatives. It is sobering to think of the future implications of losing 40% of the next generation

This is the single most important function of a singles ward, IMO (some will say marriage, of course). The opportunities to serve in capacities (RS President, Ward Mission Leader, etc.) that they would never otherwise get is just invaluable.

Originally Posted by Requiem

I am honestly interested in your comments re: "why".

No, you aren't. Trust me.

[cougjunkie]

I was inactive for quite a while about 5 years ago, and we moved a few times and never updated the church. We recieved letters from the church asking if we were so and so. With our names and birthdates. We were supposed to fill out hte form they sent us and send it back.