How the Mormon Youth Program Is Structured

The Church of Jesus Christ has an structured organization for its youth. At 12 years old, boys and girls move from Primary, the children’s organization, to Young Men and Young Women. They stay in the Young Men and Young Women programs until they turn 18 or graduate from high school.

On Sundays youth have their own Sunday School classes with curriculum written for them and addressing their needs. They also attend classes specific to their gender and age group. Young women attend classes taught by Young Women leaders, where they learn about Jesus Christ, temples, and other doctrinal topics, as well as about family roles, education, and conduct standards. Young men attend specific priesthood classes where they learn about the same doctrinal tenets as the Young Women but in context of the priesthood they hold.

Mormon youth also meet once a week for Mutual, which other faiths might call youth group. Sometimes they separate into their Young Men and Women classes, and sometimes they have activities together. Their activities involve everything from sports and crafts to service and doctrinal lessons. They also hold camps and conferences throughout the year.

What Mormon Youth Learn about Jesus Christ

The curriculum designed for Mormon youth all points to Jesus Christ. At this point in their lives, these teenagers are coming to know their Savior better and may even been struggling with believing that He is real. The lessons taught to Mormon youth teach about Jesus Christ and His reality as our Savior and Redeemer. They learn about grace, repentance, and forgiveness. These are lessons crucial for youth, who all face challenging coming-of-age experiences and choices.

The primary focus of all the lessons written and taught Mormon youth is Jesus Christ. These lessons go beyond the basics taught in Primary and really hone in on application and understanding of doctrine. They learn that by living by high standards, they understand and come closer to the Lord.

Mormon youth are taught that they are sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, a piece of doctrine critical to teenagers, who are at a point where solidifying their identities is so important. The leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ has a great desire for the youth to know who they are, because when you know that you’re a child of God, the way you view the world and your choices is deeply affected.

Mormon youth are also given specific standards to uphold. These standards are found in the For Strength of Youth pamphlet issued by The Church of Jesus Christ. Mormon standards include being honest, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, paying tithing, remaining chaste, and expressing gratitude. The aim of all youth curriculum and standards is to bring youth unto Jesus Christ and empower them to make choices that will lead them to God’s temple to make and keep sacred promises.

Mormon Youth Have Achievement Programs

One of the key aspects of youth curriculum is the achievement programs for young men and young women. Young men are involved in Duty to God, a program that focuses on the boy’s priesthood responsibilities and helps him plan project to achieve specific goals. Young men in the United States are also encouraged to participate in the Boy Scouts of America program.

Young women are enrolled in Personal Progress, a program that focuses on applying the eight values of the Young Women program.^[1] This program typically takes four to six years to complete and involves frequent goal-setting and project planning. When young women complete Personal Progress, they receive the Young Womanhood Recognition award from The Church of Jesus Christ. Personal Progress teaches young women about their divine identity, the impact and value of meaningful service, and the active role faith should play in their lives, among other important life lessons.

The Church of Jesus Christ Prepares Mormon Youth

I was able to participate fully in the youth program of The Church of Jesus Christ, and it was an irreplaceable part of my adolescence. Not only did I make lasting friendships with my peers and leaders, but I also came to a deeper understanding of my purpose here on earth. I developed a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ and came to better understand that I am truly a daughter of God. My participation in the activities–as well as my participation in Personal Progress–taught me valuable life skills and essential gospel doctrines.

Mormon youth are especially prepared to face the challenges in today’s world. They have firm foundations in Jesus Christ and know where they need to be to be an effective disciple of the Lord. When people are strengthened and supported in these formative years, they are better equipped to handle the opposition and trials that they will encounter throughout their lives. Youth need to have their own testimonies of the Savior, and The Church of Jesus Christ gives them every opportunity to come to the Lord.

What Happens During Mormon Sunday Worship

It’s true. On Sundays Mormons go to church for three hours, and yes, that is a long time. The three-hour service is divided into three separate blocks, and the order of these varies from congregation to congregation. (Mormons call their congregations wards.) The most important service is sacrament meeting. For this meeting, the whole ward meets together in the chapel, with the service beginning and ending with a hymn and prayer. The crux of sacrament meeting is the blessing and passing of the sacrament, an ordinance similar to communion in other faiths. The sacrament is so central to Sunday worship services because it represents the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf. The sacrament is a time to reflect on the past week, repent of shortcomings, and resolve–through the Savior–to do and be better. This is a time where church members renew the promises they made with God at their baptism. Partaking of the sacrament is very sacred and personal. After the sacrament, the congregation typically hears a set of talks, or speeches assigned to fellow church members on specific gospel topics.

Because The Church of Jesus Christ is a lay clergy, the sermons delivered are often given by regular church members. The bishop of the ward, who is comparable to a pastor or minister, presides over sacrament meeting and will often spend a few moments speaking to the congregation himself. The second block of Sunday services is usually a Sunday School class. There are often several classes members can attend, ranging in topics from scripture study to family history to missionary work to family relationships. The teenagers and children have their own classes that they attend with age-appropriate curriculum. The final block on Sundays is dedicated to specific church organizations. The men convene together in priesthood classes, the women gather for Relief Society, teenagers separate to attend their respective Young Men and Young Women classes, and children go to Primary. All church members are given ample opportunity each Sunday to strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ and serve one another.

Blessings from Sunday Worship

One of the things I love about my Sunday worship is that Sundays feel different from the other days. I know that I will dress up and take my family to church, that we won’t engage in other work or pastimes because our focus will be on worshipping God. When Christ created the world, He rested on the seventh day, and He has asked us to do the same. Sundays and Sunday worship services provide me a simple and direct way to dedicate my time to Heavenly Father. I get to rest from my other stresses and responsibilities and focus on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Sundays are beautiful days. I’ve been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ my whole life, so I’m accustomed to my Sundays being dedicated to worship. I won’t pretend, however, that sometimes those three hours can feel long. Especially now that my husband and I have a baby, Sundays are sometimes a challenge to get through. Every single week, though, I am grateful for the opportunity to renew my promises with God through the sacrament. I love that I get to learn about my Savior and learn more about His gospel and doctrine. I have opportunities to connect with other church members and learn from them. I know that God blesses me when I go to church. Our friend has been to sacrament meeting with my family once or twice. I could see the Spirit touch him, even though he didn’t stay for the full three hours. I pray that someday he’ll understand the blessing of Mormon Sunday worship and see that those three hours are a special time in the week.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church, has created programs for its youth that help to develop moral character, belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the desire to serve God, family, and community.  These programs are in effect in the global church.  Because of its historic focus on the above attributes, the Boy Scouts of America program has been incorporated into Church of Jesus Christ youth programs for boys, and Mormon congregations (called “wards”) sponsor their own troops for youth in the local vicinity.  In light of the spring 2013 decision of the Boy Scouts of America to allow openly gay youth to join Boy Scout troops, The Church of Jesus Christ issued the following statement.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded today to the Boy Scouts of America vote on its membership policy with the following statement:

For the past 100 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has enjoyed a strong relationship with Boy Scouts of America, based on our mutual interest in helping boys and young men understand and live their duty to God and develop upright moral behavior. As the Church moves forward in its association with the Boy Scouts of America, Church leaders will continue to seek the most effective ways to address the diverse needs of young people in the United States and throughout the world.

The Church’s long-established policy for participation in activities is stated in the basic instructional handbook used by lay leaders of the Church: “young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 8.17.3). This policy applies to Church-sponsored Scout units. Sexual orientation has not previously been—and is not now—a disqualifying factor for boys who want to join Latter-day Saint Scout troops. Willingness to abide by standards of behavior continues to be our compelling interest.

These standards are outlined in the booklet For the Strength of Youth and include abstinence from sexual relationships. We remain firmly committed to upholding these standards and to protecting and strengthening boys and young men.

The Church appreciates BSA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to “duty to God,” which includes service to others and moral behavior—central principles of our teaching to young men. As in the past, the Church will work with BSA to harmonize what Scouting has to offer with the varying needs of our young men. We trust that BSA will implement and administer the approved policy in an appropriate and effective manner.

A letter signed by the First Presidency of the Church is being sent to all Latter-day Saint congregation leaders throughout the United States. The letter will include the reaffirmation of Church policies and standards referenced in today’s public statement.

What this Means on the Ground

We are a Mormon family with two grown sons, both of whom are Eagle Scouts.  Scouting was an important part of their upbringing, supporting the moral teachings and religious teachings in our home.  Scouting was so beneficial, it’s difficult to imagine their youth without it.  We know how important families are to God’s eternal plan and to the health of societies around the world.  We follow our prophet in standing against all things that would destroy the traditional family and the fabric of society.

At the same time, we raised our boys to be kind and compassionate, and to appreciate diversity.   The result of the vote to welcome gay boys into scouting would not change our desire to participate, knowing that they have taken an oath to uphold scouting’s high moral principles.

See also:

Church Leader Addresses BSA on “Duty to God”

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ counsel members not to put off and not to prohibit children from being born into their families for worldly reasons.  An example would be not to have children until you have a house, or are finished school, or have finished all the traveling you desired.  Many young husbands and wives in the Church have accepted this counsel and are still in school when their first few children are born.

The Plan of Salvation as revealed to ancient and modern prophets tells us that we are all eternal beings.  Before we began our mortal lives on earth, we lived with God as His literal spirit children.  Mortality is the next step in our progression to become more like our Heavenly Father.  Mormon parents have a lot to offer God’s spirit children—a life of spiritual abundance, a secure sanctuary of a home, stability, security, and the presence of the priesthood power from God.  Thus, they should be ready to welcome as many spirits into their home as possible.

That said, birth control is between a husband, a wife, and God.  How many children they have and when is up to them.  Mormons are prayerful about these important decisions, and they are privy to personal revelation when they seek guidance about child-bearing.  The following statement is from a book called True to the Faith, a Gospel Reference.

When married couples are physically able, they have the privilege of providing mortal bodies for Heavenly Father’s spirit children. They play a part in the great plan of happiness, which permits God’s children to receive physical bodies and experience mortality.

If you are married, you and your spouse should discuss your sacred responsibility to bring children into the world and nurture them in righteousness. As you do so, consider the sanctity and meaning of life. Ponder the joy that comes when children are in the home. Consider the eternal blessings that come from having a good posterity. With a testimony of these principles, you and your spouse will be prepared to prayerfully decide how many children to have and when to have them. Such decisions are between the two of you and the Lord.

As you discuss this sacred matter, remember that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved. While one purpose of these relations is to provide physical bodies for God’s children, another purpose is to express love for one another—to bind husband and wife together in loyalty, fidelity, consideration, and common purpose. [1]

The wisdom of God is manifest in these paragraphs.  Intimacy between husband and wife is sanctioned by the Lord, and matters of childbirth are between them and God.

Abortion

Abortion is another matter entirely and is wholly condemned by the Church of Jesus Christ.  It is considered next to murder in its seriousness as a sin, and even in cases of incest, rape, and danger to the life of the mother, should be undertaken only when absolutely necessary.  Following is the counsel regarding abortion:

In today’s society, abortion has become a common practice, defended by deceptive arguments. If you face questions about this matter, you can be secure in following the revealed will of the Lord. Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion, referring to the Lord’s declaration, “Thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:6). Their counsel on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. If you encourage an abortion in any way, you may be subject to Church discipline.

Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider abortion only after consulting with their local Church leaders and receiving a confirmation through earnest prayer.

When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child is to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services. [2]

A person who participates in an abortion can face church discipline.

Adoption

LDS Family Services provides adoption help for unwed mothers who cannot or will not marry the fathers of their babies.  This service is a loving way to help infertile couples in the Church bring children into their homes.  Unwed mothers who give up their children can be assured that every blessing that can be provided in a good LDS home will come to their children.  LDS adoption services have a special website, It’sAboutLove.org. Help and guidance are available for unwed mothers and fathers, their parents, and adoptive parents. Following is the statement on adoption from True to the Faith:

Children are entitled to be raised by parents who honor marital vows and who provide love and support. Adoption can be a great blessing for many children who are born without this opportunity.

When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services. Placing the infant for adoption through LDS Family Services helps unwed parents do what is best for the child. It ensures that the child will be sealed to a mother and a father in the temple, and it enhances the prospect for the blessings of the gospel in the lives of all concerned. Adoption is an unselfish, loving decision that blesses the birth parents, the child, and the adoptive family.

If you are married and you and your spouse want to adopt a child, be sure you know all legal requirements of the countries and governmental agencies that are involved. Counsel with your priesthood leaders and, if possible, with staff members in LDS Family Services. If LDS Family Services is not available in your area, work with your priesthood leaders to locate licensed, authorized agencies that protect both the children and the adoptive parents.

Mormons doctrine teaches that a good base for any family is a strong commitment between husband and wife. Mormons support a traditional view of marriage, consisting of a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Worthy members of the Mormon Church are married in the Mormon temple where they make eternal commitments to each other and God. An interesting fact is that the divorce rate of those who are married in the temple is lower than those who are married outside of the temple, emphasizing the seriousness of the eternal covenant and the eternal nature of the Mormon family.

Beliefs concerning the Mormon family can be found in a statement called “The Family: a Proclamation to the World.” It was released by the Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley in response to the rising liberal views on the family. The address outlines the purpose of marriage and its importance. He reminds us of the importance of fidelity and trust in marriage.

Chastity before marriage is absolutely emphasized. Modern science upholds what the Lord has told us since the beginning of time, that chastity outside of marriage and fidelity in marriage brings happiness.

Mormon prophets have encouraged women to stay in the home and raise the children if they are financially able. This brings stability and love to the home, with the focus on the unity of the family rather than on material gain. Mormon men have been encouraged to work and provide monetarily for the family. The roles of father and mother are seen as equally important and necessary, and family culture is a matter decided upon by husband, wife, and the Lord. A number of Mormon wives work outside the home, and some Mormon fathers stay in the home, as necessary. The Mormon family is encouraged to prayerfully find a system that works for its individual financial and emotional needs.

Having and supporting a family through this life is the most important thing we can do on earth. When we die, we cannot take money, our jobs, or our material possessions with us. Family is the only thing we can take into the next life. It is through the family that we will find everlasting happiness. Through God’s plan, families can be together forever.

The temple is the House of the Lord, and therefore is employed for the most exalted of ordinances. “Sealings” may be performed in the temple to unite husband and wife for “time and all eternity,” as well as to seal children to their parents. Sealings are performed in “sealing rooms” in the temples. Sealing rooms vary in size, according to the number of guests invited to witness the sealing. A sealing room is beautifully and reverently decorated, and has an altar with a kneeling pad at the center of the room. Bride and groom kneel facing each other during the sealing ceremony. Chairs are placed next to the walls for guests, and facing mirrors on the walls allow the bride and groom to see themselves an infinite number of times, symbolizing the eternal covenant. Both bride and groom must be “temple worthy;” that is, they must each hold a “temple recommend” granted after an interview with their bishop and stake president. Worthiness is determined by obedience to the laws of God–chastity, temperance, and virtue are necessary. Worthy individuals keep the “Word of Wisdom,” the health code given by commandment, pay an honest tithe, dress modestly, serve in the Church, profess a believe in God the Father, have a testimony of Christ’s atonement, and believe in the restored church. Only those with a Mormon temple recommend may attend the ceremony as guests. Family sealings are performed for couples who are married already but have not yet been sealed in the temple. Husband and wife come to the temple (with the required recommends) to be sealed to each other, and then their children kneel around the altar with them to be sealed to their parents. Mormons believe that if sealed families continue in worthiness, the marriage and family unit can endure through the eternities, bringing great joy to family members. Mormons believe the highest kingdom in heaven, the realm where God dwells, is comprised of couples who have been sealed together and have continued in worthiness.

Baptisms

The doctrine of baptism for the dead is spoken of in the Bible by the Apostle Paul. Christ taught that the dead continue to live as spirits before resurrection and judgment. These spirits retain the same personalities they had during their mortal lives and have free agency to make choices as well as the ability to learn and progress. In the “spirit world,” the place where the dead go to await resurrection, the gospel is taught to those who never had an opportunity to hear the good news on earth. A spirit who gains a testimony of Christ in the spirit world has no opportunity to be baptized there, since baptism necessitates a physical body to perform the ordinance. The Lord, therefore, has ordained a practice whereby ordinances can be performed by proxy in temples. The spirit is free to decide whether or not to accept the ordinances performed for him. Young Mormon youth can obtain a limited-use temple recommend to perform baptisms for the dead. One of the reasons why the Mormon Church is heavily involved in genealogy and family history is to do baptism for the dead. Baptisms for the dead are performed in the baptistry of the temple, which according to biblical dictates, is below ground. The baptistry is constructed in the same manner as in Solomon’s Temple.

The Endowment

In the Doctrine and Covenants it says,

…and build a house to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein.

For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood.

…for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name (Doctrine and Covenants 124:27, 28, 39).

The endowment is a gift of power and protection from the Lord in return for learning of and keeping covenants. These covenants resonate in the covenants made at baptism–to take upon oneself the name of Christ, to keep His commandments, to be chaste and reverent, to be willing to sacrifice worldly things in order to build up His kingdom on earth and prepare for His second coming. The endowment is a review of the Plan of Salvation for the education of the “Saints”. The Plan of Salvation teaches that men existed as spirit children of God before they were born on earth, that Adam’s fall was part of the plan, that the atonement of Christ is the central event of our existence and provides a way for us to overcome sin and qualify to regain God’s presence in order to become like Him. The endowment is also performed by proxy for the dead, as are baptism and sealing ordinances.

ah….Mormons are encouraged to attend the temple at least once a month, in areas where there is a temple nearby. This can be challenging for those who do not live near a temple. Some faithful members drive hours or even journey to other countries just to attend the temple. The church is trying to obviate this problem by constructing more temples. Because the temple is a place of refuge from the outside world, Mormons prefer to keep the ordinances and ceremonies performed within the temple private. In fact, Mormons take a vow not to publicize what is done in the temple with anyone. The temple ceremonies are sacred, not secret.

Mormons do not attend Sunday meetings in the temple, for those are held in chapels in meeting houses.

There are some who have a basic understanding of what a Mormon, or Latter-day Saint (the proper name used for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is, but even with that limited understanding there exists many myths that seem to overshadow the realities. Unfortunately, it is often the myths that people use, especially the news media, to formulate their opinions about this “peculiar” people known as Mormons. A prime example of this is the amount of errors that are found in media sources about the Church of Jesus Christ, its members, and what they believe, as the news media takes a keen interest in Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate for President of the United States, who also just happens to be a Mormon.

With the fact that Romney could very well become the first Mormon President of the United States, it seems that it would prove more fruitful for the press to seek after the truth about Mormons and Mormonism to help dispel the myths, and to give the populace a better understanding of what the LDS Church actually believes and teaches. Perhaps the best way to accomplish this is by going directly to the source, that is, talking to actual Latter-day Saints and getting the facts first hand.

Basic Mormon Beliefs

Perhaps beginning with a reason as to why Latter-day Saints are commonly referred to as Mormons will help clarify a few of the myths that exist. The name “Mormon” is derived from the fact that in addition to the Holy Bible, which Latter-day saints revere as sacred scripture, they also use another volume of scripture known as The Book of Mormon which they believe and testify is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Mormons further testify that the book was translated from an ancient record. That translation was performed by Joseph Smith, who was chosen to be the instrument in the Lord’s hands to bring about the fulness of the everlasting gospel in these the latter days. Of Joseph Smith, Latter-day Saints testify that he was indeed a prophet of God. At the young age of 14 years, after reading the verse in the Bible found in James 1:5, he decided to seek an answer to all of the religious confusion of the day. As he knelt in a grove of trees not far from his home, he was visited by God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He was instructed to join none of the churches, and was also given other instructions. This is known as Joseph Smith’s First Vision.

Concerning the Book of Mormon, Mormons believe that the book does not in any way attempt to detract from the Bible, but rather it enhances those teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ that are taught in the Bible and enlightens their understanding of gospel truths. Mormons testify that both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible are the Word of God, and that both volumes of sacred writ testify of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the tremendous love that He has for all of His children. As part of their religious studies, Mormons also use two other volumes of scripture known as the Doctrine and Covenants (which contains revelations given from the Lord to Joseph Smith concerning various matters in helping him to govern the Church of Jesus Christ), and the Pearl of Great Price.

One of the main reasons that many people feel that Latter-day Saints are not Christian is because of the use of these other scriptures, and in particular, the Book of Mormon, which most are familiar with. Many believe and feel that because Mormons do not use the Bible solely as their source of Christ’s teachings, then they do not teach and preach the same Christ as mainstream christianity. However, if a person takes careful note, he will see that even the very name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bears the name of the Savior and is a testimony to the world of whom Latter-day Saints honor, revere, adore, and worship.

Another issue of Mormon doctrine that mainstream christianity disagrees with is that Mormons do not believe in or teach the trinitarian concept of the Godhead. Mormons do, however, believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. They believe that these three members of the Godhead are separate and distinct personages who are one, but one in purpose and mission. Mormons further believe that the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bone, but the Holy Spirit does not have a body of flesh and bone.

Mormons also believe that God has living prophets on the earth today who are the mouthpiece of God to lead, instruct, and direct His people in the way that they should go, just as prophets of old were called to do. The present prophet is Thomas S. Monson, the President of The LDS Church. In addition, Mormons believe that the heavens are still open, and that God still speaks to His people today, just as He always has.

Latter-day Saints strive to live their lives according to the doctrines and precepts of the gospel with an “eye single to the glory of God.” They are not perfect, but they are striving to become perfect, even as the Father in Heaven is perfect. They know that as they are faithful and obedient, and endure to the end, that one day they will return to the loving arms of the loving Father who awaits to welcome them home, and hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

The Mormon Lifestyle

Who are the Mormons? They are really no different than any other people who live in any given  neighborhood. They raise their families based on gospel principles, and so their standards of living are a little higher than some others. They don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or indulge in drugs. They strive to live chaste, pure lives, abstaining from things such as premarital sexual relationships. In fact, they do not date until the age of 16. They work in vocations similar to other people, and are influential in the communities in whicch they live. They attend schools and universities the same as other students, and attend worship services on Sunday.

If a person would take the time to get to know who Mormons really are, and what they truly believe, he or she may discover that they are not so “peculiar” after all.

According to the research, which was conducted by Ram Cnaan of the University of Pennsylvania, about 30% to 50% of Americans report that they participate in volunteer service. Most who do volunteer spend, on average, about 3 or 4 hours a month. By contrast, committed Mormons participate in much higher levels of volunteerism. Cnaan and his colleagues found that an average Mormon spends 430 hours a year in church and community service, which is 8.2 hours a week or about 25 hours monthly, 6 to 8 times the amount the average American who volunteers contributes.
Mormons spend time serving in the church, in their neighborhoods among other members of their congregations, and in the community at large. Much of their time is spent in religious activities, but Mormons also spend significant amounts of time in community service outside their congregations. According to Cnaan,

For religious activities, [Mormons] give on average 242 hours [annually]. For church-affiliated volunteering to help meet social needs of people in the church, 96 hours. For church-affiliated activities helping people outside the church, 56 hours. And for activities outside of the church totally, 34 hours.

Mormon Church Service: Callings

One reason that Mormons spend so much time in volunteer service is that the Mormon Church utilizes a lay clergy. The “Bishop,” or clergyman for the congregation, is a volunteer who serves unpaid for a period of 5 or more years, supporting himself and his family by continuing to work at his profession during that time. In turn, members of the congregation accept “callings” from the Bishop to be teachers, clerks, youth leaders, etc. in the congregation. The Bishop seeks inspiration from God to know whom to ask to perform various callings, and members of the congregation almost invariably agree to do whatever the Bishop asks. In the Pew survey, 99% of callings were accepted. One experienced Bishop reported that he had been turned down only five times in eight years.

Callings can be demanding, yet 86% of the Mormons surveyed reported having a church calling at the time of the survey. The researchers described the process this way:

Calling is a specific responsibility that a member of the church is asked to fulfill. A bishop or somebody of authority comes to a person, a member of the church, and says: You have a calling. This is a task that we want you to fulfill. It may go on for a few years. And usually, once you end a certain calling, you’re being asked for another calling…So almost all members of the church are expected to fulfill a calling. This is a culture that is very unique.

Serving Other Church Members

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also serve one another outside the avenues of their regular church callings. Mormons reach out to each other to provide for social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Cnaan reports that he was very impressed by the service he witnessed:

When a Mormon leaves a place or comes to a new place, there’ll be members of the church helping load the car and members of the ward where this person is coming helping unload, providing food, assisting in coming. When somebody needs babysitting, there will be help…there is wonderful support, amazing support. I tell people a quick anecdote: I waited for a bishop in one of the wards (congregations). And a 17-year-old girl came to a person who sat next to me also waiting for the bishop and said to him…something like, do you know my uncle? And he said, yes, why? She said, he’s depressed now. Would you be willing to give him a call and cheer him up?

Mormon Humanitarian and Welfare Service: Helping the Poor and Needy

One other way in which Mormons serve is in care for the poor and needy, both within and without their congregations. They seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ in loving and relieving the suffering of those around them. Committed Mormons view caring for the poor and needy to be not just important, but essential to their religion, as reported by Greg Smith of the Pew Forum in a separate study:

Our survey finds that nearly three-quarters of Mormons say that working to help the poor and needy is an essential part of what it means to be a good Mormon. It’s not just an important part. It’s not just a nice thing to do. Helping the poor is essential to what it means to being a good Mormon.

I was struck by the number of Mormons who say working to help the poor and needy is essential to their religion. The number who say that is almost as high as the number who say it’s essential to believe that Joseph Smith actually saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Mormons serve the poor and needy through humanitarian and welfare service. The Church’s humanitarian programs target victims of disaster and poverty worldwide with programs that administer emergency relief and also long-term aid with food, shelter, medical supplies, clean water initiatives, etc. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has a highly effective welfare program dating back to the time of the Great Depression. Members of the Church donate their time and resources to produce and purchase food, clothing, and other essential supplies. These are made available mostly to needy Church members, but also to others in need. Contributions made to the Church are sent to Church headquarters and then redistributed throughout the world.

The Mormon religion lends itself to volunteerism of all kinds. By doing so, it blesses the lives of both Church members and members of the community at large. By forging strong bonds among themselves and reaching out to others, Mormons make huge contributions to the welfare of society as a whole.

Additional Resources:

The Pew Forum: Mormons and Civic Life

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.