The Dynamics of LDS Growth in the Twenty-First Century

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experienced an expanding field of opportunities in the second half of the twentieth century, yet its growth prospects in the twenty-first century are more limited due to a combination of societal and institutional factors. While growth prospects vary by region, the decline of Christianity, narrowing freedoms in much of the world, falling Latter-day Saint birth rates and retention of LDS youth, and fewer converts per missionary are among the headwinds to church growth. Legacies of the LDS Church’s early history and prior institutional decisions have facilitated growth in some ways while presenting impediments in others. This chapter explores key drivers and inhibitors of Latter-day Saint growth, as well as the impact of current and potential future institutional decisions.