Be More Strict, Grow the Church

[@OmahaAreaLoya]

In short, to answer your question posed in the video details, yes. If we want to grow the church, we'll grow a spine and stand for truth, being willing to cause offense to those who will choose to be offended.

[@echanungas7768]

No more compromise.

[@br.m]

Don't be so aggressive! You want to seize Jesus and make him king by force. You should not want to cause offence, that is unripe.

[@BrendonKing]

@@br.m No, you are absolutely in the wrong on this.

[@br.m]

@@BrendonKing Go figure. You seem absolutely full of yourself.

[@BrendonKing]

@@br.m Just confident in what scripture says vs what you are claiming now.

[@personalitymanager1580]

We lost a lot of members during COVID because we had hoped for a refuge from the the lies we were being fed. Even young people have an inner sense of truth that is emerging, and would love to have a the cause of freedom to sink their teeth in to, instead of getting the same false narrative were getting from the press etc. All we got at Church was: is "be nice" and don't rock the boat. We must appear super nice and co-operative to the powers that be. As far as I can tell, a lot of valiant members were thrown under the bus. Do we stand for truth or not?

[@Telavian]

Yes, the church seems to want us to play the games of Babylon to further the work of God. In the scriptures this is not how God works.

[@GAILandROD]

Those were some weird years right? I had to laugh at sitting every other row...or only 99 in attendance. What a joke. Like 101 would really make a difference. My old ward bishop instructed us to not have discussions over 10 min with each other. (huh?) They put the primary age kids (who did not get sick) in the chapel, and put the old folks in the RS room for Sunday School....packed in like sardines.....and put the youth in the Primary room because ...who knows why......what a MESS that did not make any sense to me AT ALL. He asked if I would wear a mask to do Primary sing time. I said "NO!" then he asked if I could do a face shield so I could appear to look like I was doing something. I said "Bishop...are we not the church of truth? It's proven over and over again that face shields do NOTHING!" - (maybe not spit on kids! ha ha) He finally said OK...I did have to fight back..... and sat in the empty rows loud and proud...because we were kind of late!

[@Telavian]

@@GAILandROD We wouldn't wear a mask so my Bishop specifically said we were not welcome. I can't believe that whole event actually happened. It really seems like a nightmare. However the next thing is going to be worse.

[@GAILandROD]

​@@Telavianwhaaat? No way. Thats rough. Sorry..that's going too far....I will always wonder why?

[@echanungas7768]

What we needed is leadership, what we got was conformity with the ways of the world.

[@danjohnson8556]

Hinckley: “Stand for something” Monson: “Dare to stand alone” Today: ?

[@Elessar-cy7yc]

"Be good global citizens"

[@xenophone2317]

'Be a coward'

[@3blenders]

Follow the corrupt crooked government because we are subject to them and they know what's best for us.... - Sold out! But that is a good thing. Agency is forcing us to apply it or give it up. Remember, "AGENCY" is the reason we came.

[@3blenders]

@@Elessar-cy7yc I can't hear that anymore. It's disgusting this statement... a f-g global citizen just means to take Moroni's banner of liberty and stick it in the sand upside down.

[@justinseal7778]

"Think Celestial"

[@WyoCutlass71]

It makes you really think about the Savior’s words, “A City set on hill cannot hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Almost as if we shouldn’t mingle with darkness in hopes the darkness accept us into the club

[@utahagentz]

Lifelong member. In my 50s and have thought for the better part of the last decade that the church is not the same church I grew up in and served a mission for. I grew up under Kimball, Packer, Benson. It was doctrinally different with different expectations. The Church is distancing itself from past prophets and doctrines. So much so that recently a talk was given in conference telling members that last prophets and prophesies do not become more valuable over time. When a church relies on apologists rather than truth it cannot survive.

[@michaelhutchings6602]

Are you saying a Church built upon revelation has.....changed?!

[@utahagentz]

@@michaelhutchings6602 I don't know if The LDS Church was built on revelation, it's possible. As a lifelong member having grown up in the 70s and 80s I can say, from my perspective and experience, that The LDS Church is far different than The Mormon Church I was raised in. Not remotely close.

[@BrendonKing]

@@utahagentz Even in my almost 30 years on this rock, I can barely recognize it.

[@MrBillmechanic]

today's prophets will soon be dead prophets. then what nelson says will be largely dismissed by the mormon church.

[@captainmoroni1776]

there's been one big change in your lifetime, in 1978. Otherwise, things are pretty much the same.

[@dianeosborn9293]

Thank you for this podcast. I wish the leadership would hear this message. Why are we not a refuge for people searching for the truth, standards? We seem to be sowing confusion not unity.

[@TruthBTold90]

As Joseph Smith taught: “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”

[@br.m]

Woops is this a mormon channel? I better get out of here before I offend everyone!

[@danjohnson8556]

I agree with the premise, which seems like a paradox, that the church should be more strict and less ‘afirming’ and accepting of worldly values.

[@franciegwin]

I joined the church because they had clear standards. Although it seems since 2005 is less clear now. I think, like children want from they parents guidance, that members want guidance that is clear and strict . Not unloving in individuals( exp: LGBT people are trying to keep their covenants... lovingly sorry them) but demand repentance/ change of some sort for sins. I left Jehovah's Witnesses because after asking for help from the elders they kept telling me i was not really repentant. They didn't treat me anything in love like Jesus would. I went to the bishop here in our church and he was wonderful and really wanted to help me. But it seems like we have no rules regarding sexual conduct anf have adopted this Teddy Bear Jesus that loves you without repentance or change. I think we need a little Baptist Hell fire preached now in this time.

[@echanungas7768]

@@sukt00 they are afraid to speak out because too many worldly previleges would be lost. So they hire a rainbow spokesman to prophesy for them.

[@davidhowse2388]

The church has not gone silent on abortion. It pains my heart to no end, but the church has very much so changed the official stance on the sanctity of life, the value of an unborn child right in the bishop's handbook. They are much more pro abortion than they used to be and i must say, the God I know is in no way pro abortion

[@babymacbean]

Sue and Scott Palmer mentioned you in their most recent KZbin posting and he had a pinned comment to your channel and to this video drop. I love to listen to them so I’m over here listening to you now.

[@merrykrauss5732]

Same thing here.

[@andrewbradley4160]

Don’t need to grow the church, need to build Zion

[@michaelhutchings6602]

What's the difference?

[@donaldjones9830]

@@michaelhutchings6602The Church numbers don’t take anything into account with members, including activity levels Building Zion is based on living a Celestial life and the Law of Consecration as per the temple endowment session that we promise in them.

[@Veevslav1]

@@michaelhutchings6602 Study the scriptures, pray about it and you will find out, but for those of us that understand the statement, it is not for us to tell.

[@quarteralien]

So much yes. When the new For the Strength of Youth pamphlet came out, so many were ecstatic to get to have more of a judgment call. But what ends up happening is, culturally there is less and less to set LDS youth apart. They dress the same. They have the same number of piercings and tattoos. They watch the same media. And while it shouldn't be a defining characteristic, some of these associated things used to be the spark of curiosity for the world at large. Why do these youth look so happy but they dress modestly, etc etc. Now they all look the same. I sort of left the church in 2020. Speaking of things that didn't set us apart, remember the dark ages of March, and lots of members said, oh isn't it providential that we have a DOCTOR as the prophet? Well, what did he say that was in any way unique from what the world offered? All they had to say was completely in line with public health. It was divisive and uninspired. Worse for my family, we move 500 miles that summer. I had it out with my new bishop and SP multiple times about how badly we were treated over masks and capacity limits. I had 3 teens at the time, some of whom were struggling with severe depression over the whole thing. Didn't matter, we feared man, not God. I came back in spite of any leadership, and I'm never going to let them come between me and Christ again. And here's an unpopular opinion. I totally agree about large families falling out of favor even within the church. But any time it comes up, I hear the explanation "I couldn't have more than x number of kids because of______" . Okay, this is between you and God ultimately. But I have the same issue with abortion. Almost every reason people seek abortion is still going to be a problem after the abortion. You'll still be in poverty or abuse, or unhealthy, or whatever it is. So why not fix the root cause? Abortion is a symptom. I see the same thing with family size. If it's a health issue, what have you done about it? If it's finances, what have you done about it? If it's time or other resources, what have you done to simplify or enhance what you have? All of those are problems whether you have another kid or not. Again, ultimately you answer to God not me. But I get very tired of hearing from childless or 1-2 kid people about the population decline. Fix your issues or don't talk about it. FTR, I have 5, and my excuse for not having more is I cannot for the life of my get my husband on board. That's an issue I don't see talked about enough, when spouses receive opposite revelation. But that's a discussion for another day.

[@GAILandROD]

Thanks for your heartfelt reply. 2020 was rough...we are retired...and can't imagine navigating that with a family. This us how I see it. We as a church fasted and prayed for help with covid. ...the Lord gave the answer...a cheap proven and abundantly avail no prescription medication that was already manufactured works wide. Hydroxychloquine. That was the simple answer. Satan shut that down and we saw the evil men in hospitals do the unimaginable. My husband and I took the pills..are older...we did not even get a head cold.... no Wuhan cooties in our home. No masks..no SD. We have seen some members get the jab and have suffered vaccine injuries. The did this after it was deemed a God-send. That breaks my heart. Keep on the good ship Zion. Glad you spoke up...I had a ruffle with my bishop too about all that nonsense.

[@crayonXcore393]

You sound like a miserable person to be around.

[@Reformed2023]

The problem with the LDS church is that thier are tons of liberals in the church who are confusing love is love with affirming that’s the problem. I am on my way out the door. As a convert to the church of 15 years I am disgusted and disappointed with the leadership of the church…especially that they just hires Aaron a lover of same sex marriage. You can’t be a Christian and be liberal or democrat sorry their is no grey area…

[@GAILandROD]

​@sukt00 That was beautiful! I think we need to throw out "follow the prophet"..no prophet has EVER said "follow me". Sustain them that they are set apart in their callings....I like "align with them" in righteousness. Go side by side. If we followed Pres Nelson's everyting...everyone should be a heart surgeon...have 10 kids and only marry brunettes! 😅

[@mkm1206]

And if we listened to the prophet we would all have taken the jab and 4 boosters. You know safe and effective wrong 😮 😢😮 not me ! I prayed and he said No ! I’ll talk with Jesus and Heavenly Father with the gift of the Holy Ghost !

[@Veevslav1]

They are called tares. Prophesied to be there.

[@Adam-ww8ei]

I think a lot of people are craving consistency right now. I think that’s why the Catholic and orthodox churches are seeing more growth right now. There is a certain appeal to religions that have stood the test of time doing the same thing they have always done (even if that isn’t necessarily 100% true). In a world where things are changing at hyper speed people are looking for something that has stayed solid over time. I think people see a lot of big changes in our church (LDS) over it’s short history and are turned off by it unfortunately

[@juliezurcher9874]

I always look forward to your weekly podcast. Your musings give me a lot to think about and inspire some lively conversations within our family. Today's podcast was no exception but what I really loved was learning that the Merrilee Boyack of Pro-Life Utah is your mother! Her remarks at the March for Life rally on Saturday were wonderful - informative and inspiring. My husband and I were wondering why there was not a more pronounced church presence there??? Grateful for your Mom and the work she is doing. She motivated us to stand up and do more! I guess standing for truth and right is a family affair with the Boyacks.

[@echanungas7768]

The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. Joseph Smith Jr. We need Captain Moroni nowadays to hold up the standard of truth.

[@jasonsellers56]

Bear in mind, however, that that quote comes from the Wentworth Letter, which was written by W. W. Phelps, not Joseph Smith, but Joseph Smith approved it after W. W. Phelps wrote it. So be careful not to take that quote as a revelation or prophecy. But yes, we absolutely need a Captain Moroni today to hold up the standard of truth. I agree 1000% on that.

[@Avoicecyringinthesuburbs]

@@jasonsellers56 I would also add, that the statement could be true, but it doesn't specify who is left to carry that standard of truth. It could be another group of people as a whole.

[@jasonsellers56]

@plainlymanifest Ooo! Yeah, that's a very good point!

[@WyoCutlass71]

And yes, we need help with teaching and speaking in the church

[@robynmills5534]

Amen! I have thought a lot lately about how we have become so afraid to offend that we just seem to join the club. It’s not good. Peculiar people. That’s who we have been but not where we are anymore in my opinion. We are compilers. Makes me sad😢

[@Mikelray-df9my]

I agree with you so much.Back in 60's and 70's I was so proud of being a strange and peculiar person ( Mormon).

[@keithmlarsen]

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you"

[@pigetstuck]

I love that you call it The Way... the OG name for Jesus people

[@tootilee9651]

Thank you so much for this video!! All members of the church need to hear this. I have said similar things as you and people say I’m mean and hateful. Glad I’m not alone!

[@Avoicecyringinthesuburbs]

How are we different than other churches? We aren't much different in my opinion. Ezekiel 34 describes the wicked shepherds of Israel who feed themselves and not the flock. It won't be until the church is cleansed, its leaders replaced, (JST Matthew 21) and God pours out his wrath upon the mother of abominations (1st Nephi 14:17) that the actual gathering of Israel takes place and are gathered home to the lands of their inheritances. That is when real growth occurs, when we will have the power of godliness manifest verses the form of godliness but denying the power thereof we have now. We were set to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth, but we as a whole have failed and have rejected the fullness of the gospel (3rd Nephi 16:10-15) 3rd Nephi 21: 7-29 also describes what is about to occur. The Lord will send a servant who will speak with power and authority. He will give us gentiles one last chance to repent. This is the Lord's marvelous work and a wonder, which will cause a major division in the church (1st Nephi 14:7) and once the saints in this country especially reject his message, all of those pouring across the borders will be as a lion among the sheep and they will go forth and tread us down. Those who repent will help build Zion, then the Lord will gather in from the four quarters of the earth the House of Israel to repopulate the desolate cities of the gentiles after they were just wiped out. That's when real grow will occur as Isaiah 54:1-3 54 “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear! Break forth into singing and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife,” saith the Lord. 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. 3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

[@FleeingBabylon-Now]

Great comment. I can only add that the sons of Lehi are the blacks, who are the indigenous people in the East and South of the USA. Of course mixed with a few blacks from Africa. They are the ones who do the cleansing as well as those you mentioned. I don't believe any church now operating will be the one this servant comes from and his authority will be from God and not man. This is the second gathering. The new watchman to build up the hedges and towers. But I believe the wasting comes first before the remnant is restored and the waste places rebuilt, with the tribes returning. Thanks for your perspective.

[@nonrepublicrat]

@@FleeingBabylon-Now lol. We absolutely need bigger hedges and towers. So when will YOU build them up, Rick??

[@nonrepublicrat]

If our church is the same as all the others, you should get to work creating a better one more to your own liking. That would be cool!

[@FleeingBabylon-Now]

@@nonrepublicrat That is according to Jacob in BOM a servant that works directly from the Lord of the vineyard. He is not here but will come as per Isaiah quoted by Nephi and the Savior. It is the BOM that says all churches have become corrupt. I know your comment is sarcastic. No one should build any church unless commanded too. That would be taking the Lords name in vain. We already have 5000 different varieties of fruit and the world does not need another. When the servant comes to purge the vineyard there will be new growth. Until that time we are on our own with only like Lehi in his dream a path that one can take by him or herself.

[@Avoicecyringinthesuburbs]

@@FleeingBabylon-Now Interesting comment about the blacks. That of course would make Joseph Smith incorrect about the American Indians. Not saying you are wrong, because I have heard that possibility and I think most of what we know about history could be false. John the Revelator may play a very large role as he is the Elias who is to come to gather the house of Israel and restore all things as it states in D&C 77.

[@br.m]

It's not our job to grow the church. Just to spread the Gospel. It's troubling how eager some people are to make the church grow. To "save" people. It is not our power to do so. It's up to God to grow the church and save people. We just spread the word that's enough. John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

I was thinking the same thing. Invite others to come unto Christ.

[@IBNED]

Sounds like the view of Calvinist

[@br.m]

@@IBNED You sound like a demoniac

[@tburbank1]

People in my life that are 18 -29 year olds that I know say they have no desire to be part of any religious institution as too many issues of hiding/protecting

[@gadiantonrider]

The Church supporting the RFMA really turned off my non-LDS Christian friends. They really were turned away from hearing anything after that.

[@captainmoroni1776]

Isn't Connor's point that we need to stand for truth and if it turns some people away, so be it. It will also help the rest of us stand firm.

[@Elessar-cy7yc]

@@captainmoroni1776 The reason that the rest of the Christian world fought the RFMA is that it still enshrined gay marriage - and punishes those who oppose it. The LDS Church supported it only because it was finally amended to protect Churches & Church schools from having to perform gay marriages or to allow gay dating / house trans students in dorms for those opposite from the non-genetic sex. The rest of the Christian world (at least in the USA) is disgusted with the LDS Church/Utah for this.

[@11thHourCreator]

This is the best thing I've heard in a long time. Thank you so much.

[@daleclark7127]

Amen!! The standards of teaching, talks are just bad. Training is needed and the quality of our Sunday meetings are just at a all time low. I believe many are just not interested in the lackadaisical repetition we are seeing today. Discipline is lacking as compared to what I recall in the older days. A change is needed and it appears that local leadership seems fine with it…and that is a key reason we are at this situation.

[@GAILandROD]

Oh my gosh....funny "avoiding eye contact"....notice in Conference they just begin. No fillers....Even Elder Cook said you may not always be edified at church...but you are there and partake of the sacrament...When we did the new Come Follow Me...I was so excited to discuss this in Gospel Doctrine. NOPE just as flat as the prior years. Just getting through the lesson instead of a discussion.

[@3blenders]

We need to start a ward / branch for the rebellious self-thinkers and of higher expectations. I am in.

[@LDS_Truth_Seeker]

The guy in charge of church advertising has since apologised for his trying to get the church more main stream , he wrote to the brethren and asked for their forgiveness. He also wrote an email to the new Australian convert David Alexander, he has a pod cast really uplifting.

[@alindalt2897]

I'm sorry... Could you explain more? Is this the new communications director, or someone else? And who is the new Australian convert and what happened with him?

[@LDS_Truth_Seeker]

@@alindalt2897 search david Alexander, I can't put links in here , you will see the video in he's library.

[@williamriedel1686]

He’s actually an American who lives in Australia. He’s almost a cult figure but not of his own choice. Evangelical convert, dynamic personality. KZbin channel; David Alexander

[@TheHappyNarwhals]

it was an old director, (who apologized) not the new one just hired. David Alexander is a convert from Catholicism and evangelical christianity. He is gaining subs on youtube because he defends the church and right now it needs defended :) @@alindalt2897

[@asarg1776]

I’d be interested in learning a bit more about whoever was in charge of church advertising you mention. Can you give more detail ? Or point me to it? Thanks

[@ej1597]

If we can follow the example of Ammon and his fellows. That might turn the tide.

[@darkwinterprepper8495]

I find myself agreeing with you, which is strange, because I always thought you were kind of an apostate lol. I’m still struggling with being told during the pandemic that the vaccines were safe and effective, and to be a good global citizen.

[@captainmoroni1776]

Everyone I know got the vaccine. Most of them have had all the boosters.

[@GAILandROD]

That "good global citizen...." is a big turn off

[@GAILandROD]

I wish we could meet with others in person and talk about this. It was a gut punch.

[@gretamoney8017]

My husband is a physician. He has paid a heavy price for pushing back on the false Cv-19 & vax narrative. The bitterness he has received from some members ( who have no medical training) for contridicting Nelson & other leaders council regarding this issue has been abhorrent! Never have we experienced more loneliness living among the "Saints" ​@@GAILandROD

[@jake8882]

I think the best approach is stop the lies. No one likes a lying church. Next, teach truth and final tell the history so people can be informed.

[@nonrepublicrat]

Who do you think is lying??

[@Elessar-cy7yc]

Not the "truth" according to Leonard Arrington, Richard Bushman, and the like......

[@charlesmendeley9823]

​@@nonrepublicratprobably referring to the SEC scandal where the Church tried to obfuscate its wealth by distributing it in a dozen shell companies.

[@robwilliams2265]

What about their " truth" do you find issue with?​@@Elessar-cy7yc

[@charlesmendeley9823]

Thanks for the detailed commentary on the state of the LDS Church. After listening, I was wondering whether studying more conservative groups within the Restoration movement might help. E.g., Christ's Church (the branch) kept many of the original teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. They have a form of the United Order, perform the original 6-hour temple ordinances, do missionary work and often spend their Saturdays establishing God's kingdom with construction projects, just like the early Saints did. According to your suggestion, they should benefit from the lenient positions of the LDS Church. You could verify your assumptions by comparing and contrasting the two denominations. (I am not a member, just watched a few interviews with Benjamin Shaffer).

[@BrentMayberry]

I agree with this premise 100 percent.

[@Veevslav1]

4 months late here... How to grow the church... 1. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ as contained in the scriptures. ALL OF IT. Not voting to set aside parts that might hinder petty ambition...

[@3blenders]

Somebody killed the Three Musketeers. Agency is frowned on and "do what I tell you" seems to be 'the thing'. Unrighteous dominion is applied more often. We just need to cherish those that live by AGENCY, the real reason we came to this earth. Agency rocks! "Honey, you left the church. While I am sad you did, I am proud of you that you made a decision and you are on your way to keep making more choices".

[@deborahjones8175]

I think I agree with most of what you are saying. When I heard that trans kids who want to go to FYI are housed with whatever gender they “identify” with. A dude who “identifies as” a girl can stay with the girls at FYI. Question- why is the church going along with this???? Can you investigate and confirm this?

[@deborahjones8175]

Sorry, early morning comment. not FYI - but FSY! Please check out and see if this is true. Thanks.

[@GAILandROD]

That one is weird..."they will accommodate them" how ?😮

[@WyoCutlass71]

Where was this at that you heard it? I was a student teaching for seminary in Idaho last year and we had this question asked, and it was shot down abruptly. The kid was going sleep in the dorm where they genetically fit

[@WyoCutlass71]

I think an interesting musing would be examine the affect that the Chosen has had on the Church. I have gone back and forth on if the show is a good thing. I feel like it has made it easier for many to connect to the words of the Savior in the New Testament, but I think many have started treating the show and its actors as false idols. Anyways, appreciate what you do, and always remember, taxation is theft.

[@GAILandROD]

I can't stomach "the Chosen "...good for those who know little...there are creating characters and adding lots of fiction. They are developing how they see the Savior...not remotely how I know Him in my heart.

[@WyoCutlass71]

@@GAILandROD I am afraid that people will miss the mark of knowing the Savior, instead they will know a dramatized version of Him.

[@Mikelray-df9my]

To grow the church,forget about numbers teach original doctrine and policy,no wavering.

[@tiffanibenson5131]

My bishopric actually does give tips and pointers about giving a talk. Most are not heeded 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@jaredscott8027]

@Conner Boyack Should the church reaffirm doctrines such as the temple penalties? What are your thoughts on the law of consecration?

[@Veevslav1]

Dunno much about his take, but my question that gets me flagged as Anti is when I ask people if the Church under Brigham was more like that of King Noah or the peoples of Alma. FYI, I am not anti, but I do study the Book of Mormon and there is a glaring difference between it and what we have.

[@deborahjones8175]

Interesting thoughts.

[@PJStanaway]

This was amazing.

[@incognito137]

I don't necessarily agree that the church has to be more strict. Punishment isn't always the best answer. I believe that they need to stop affirming and promoting everything that goes against doctrine. They need to focus more on the righteous choices members are making and focus less on "keeping" people in the church.

[@francoisrobillard3164]

such deception of church stance on covid😒😒😒

[@rodneyjamesmcguire]

The problem that can't be fixed, no matter what we do, is the foundational claims are not true. You can't fix it.

[@aBrewster29]

8:50 I’d like to juxtapose that JS quote against one from Jesus Christ: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” By design, the commandments serve eternally pragmatic ends. They are not a mere loyalty test. Also from Christ, “by their fruits ye shall know them.” Society has reached a tipping point on where artificially imposed costs of leaving the Church have diminished, while information accessibility has grown exponentially. What kind of person is going to learn about the eternal importance in doing what’s right only to set aside their God-given conscience in favor of institutional loyalty? People, especially the upcoming generations, are evaluating things by their fruits, as directed by Christ, and certain things aren’t shaking out in the Church’s favor. Retrenchment is not inherently rooted in truth, and is therefore not the answer. The Church needs to engage with the issues instead of avoiding them.

[@Uke1111-to8xj]

Ok, I might be missing something but the Church statistics show that we are growing. The general population is growing, the number of missionaries has grown. I am confused why we are declining?

[@cboyack]

The growth rate is declining.

[@OmahaAreaLoya]

@Uke1111-to8xj As Connor explained, the growth *rate* is declining. Does that make sense? Yes, we are technically growing, but the *rate* at which we're growing is substantially lower. In the late 80s we were doing better than 5% each year, and lately were only slightly above 1% yearly growth (if I remember the years/numbers correctly). As to *why* the rate is declining, that's what Connor proposes throughout the video, that we aren't strictly faithful to our own doctrine, we don't expect much from those we seek to convert, we don't meaningfully differentiate ourselves from the world, etc.

[@Elessar-cy7yc]

@@OmahaAreaLoya Plus the significantly lower birth rate among LDS between the 1950s-60's and now

[@Uke1111-to8xj]

@@OmahaAreaLoya , oh, I see now. Yes, this makes more sense. Thank you for clarification.

[@katelonrey-grant8863]

I'd like to know if the increasing death rate has impacted our growth rate. Could it be that all these needless deaths from the plandemic and it's propagandized solution have cause a net loss as compared to the baptism and birth rates among the members?

[@JesseFSegovia]

May I ask where the 30% activity rate comes from? And thanks very much for all the work you do!

[@cboyack]

Here you go: mormonr.org/qnas/qDXeR/church_growth_and_activity

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Okay. Got my answer. LDS. The one true church. Okay. Thanks.....

[@rickyde0255]

Something to consider, the Church is the Bride. Do we expect the bride to fight for us?

[@Avoicecyringinthesuburbs]

He only fights our battles if we trust in him, not in wise government leaders.

[@3blenders]

​@@Avoicecyringinthesuburbs In this new dispensation, at least for myself, I am learning more independent faith in what is true with the close companionship of the Holy Ghost. This is something highly recommended by the prophet. You can't beat the HG and Agency. Love it all.

[@katelonrey-grant8863]

The priesthood is to fight for and protect the BRIDE. Where was the valiant priesthood standing up by simply saying "You are all invited to meet at 10 am for sacrament meeting at my house, even if the chapel is not available to us"? We did not stand up for our Bill of Rights God-given rights.

[@veritasrestituta812]

Although I agree with your core message. The real dynamic of the changing growth in the church is a result of the internet’s increasing influence. The church has always been a little behind utilizing new technology to its benefit. The things that you find new and progressive creeping into our church today, has always been there. You are aware now because of the internet. The larger an organization gets the harder it is to control and the more concessions must be made. Your intentions are sincere but your scope is minuscule. Although there are times when I personally feel the church leader’s are missing this or that and should do this or that, I humbly recognize that I don’t see what the prophet sees and accept that there strategies are divinely inspired. The church will emerge from this internet influenced changing of our culture as dramatically more successful than all other religious groups. The timing of sticking it to the man is critical to the success of a large organization. Be patient realize that you don’t see all the things that the “Brethren” see, when the timing is right you will see a more bold stance and a more offensive posture. The Dunning Kruger effect hits us all at times, take a deep breath place your own house in order, which should be a full time job. Trust that God is in charge, realize things weren’t as great in the 80s as you think they were and there not as bad now as you suppose. ✌️

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Okay. Just asking. What church are you talking about.????

[@awfulwaffle1341]

Do we need to get stricter about the lgbt stuff too?

[@thereluctantwatchman]

"Teach correct doctrine, grow the church" may be a better approach. :)

[@StandforTruth712]

So Conner, Have you been able to share your message with the Brethren?

[@3blenders]

They might not like it.

[@katelonrey-grant8863]

They need to hear it

[@tombaker6083]

RLDS was not a break off from the Brighamite church. 70 churches broke off of the original Church of Christ restored by Joseph Smith.

[@agarber1932]

The new head of communications for the church supports same sex marriage. I thought it was a sin, but i guess it no longer is.

[@MikeBayardMe]

Pearl clutching to the max! Live in reality, it's great here.

[@Kristy_not_Kristine]

Sounds like the definitions of cults.... that should be alarming...or at least people should be aware of the similarities.

[@WyoCutlass71]

What is the fundamental difference between a church and a cult?

[@Veevslav1]

What is the fundamental difference of any group that has a leader and a cult? Do you even know the history of the word or its meaning?