Loss of members spurred LDS singles ward changes

This generation of Mormons represents future church leaders, who will carry the kingdom of God on their shoulders, LDS apostle M. Russell Ballard told nearly 5,000 young Latter-day Saints on Tuesday evening. “We want you to see yourselves as bishops, Relief Society presidents. … [even] seated on the stand as an apostle,” Ballard told the single Mormons between ages 18 and 30, gathered in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City. “We need you to be prepared.”

It was a historic meeting to explain to this LDS age group who live between North Salt Lake and about 4500 South in Taylorsville about the dissolution of 147 student and Young Single Adult wards and the creation of 121 new Young Single Adult wards (which will include students and nonstudents) divided among 12 new Salt Lake Valley Young Single Adult stakes (each made up of about 10 YSA wards).

Ballard and other speakers acknowledged that the Utah-based faith was worried about massive losses of members in this age group — one of the reasons behind the change in ward structure — and challenged those in attendance to bring at least one other person back into the fold.

Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content