New Converts .

[curios]

I want to discuss a topic, statistically 50% of new LDS members leave the church or become inactive within two years of joining, this is not me saying, it is official statistics,,, why do you think this happen and how can this be treated ??

I remember asking this question to missionaries before joining the church, and they confirmed the fact, saying that the church puts more attention to investigators much more than it does to new members, when I was an investigator almost every member knew me by name and greeted me, when I'm leaving some one always volunteered to give me a lift, I always told the missionaries I cant wait to get out of the spot light, I just want to be confirmed and be just another regular member, because I was sure this luxury won't last, and felt sorry for investigators who got spoiled and used to being in the spot light .

During my investigation period I saw 3 confirmations, two of them already stopped attending now !!! after my confirmation I was giving many books to read through, I don't know which one to start with, missionaries who used to call me every day, don't call any more now, I found out that I only know most members by their last names and faces, same did they, my only real friends were the missionaries who keep on rotating and never last, and being a single adult meant that I will hardly fit with families .

I know myself very well, I will keep on trying again and again until I fit in, and make good friends. because I know that every new convert has a big role, and it is his responsibility to work hard and secure his place in his ward, but don't you agree that the strategy should be changed, and that new converts should be given some assistance for the first year or 6 months, don't you think that being very friendly to an investigator just because he is an investigator and then not being friendly any more after he is a member is offending and annoying ??

Is it really our role as members to make sure that an investigator join or to make sure that converts stay ?? I guess both are at the same level of importance, whats the use of new converts if they wont last ??

[prospectmom]

We should be doing all we can to help the new converts stay........... I have seen this problem before.... Keep on going as the church is true .... the people make mistskes

[not_ashamed]

yes this does happen and its sad but, i don't think it is intentional. It has been said before and it is so true, our faith is not just a religion it is a lifestyle. Conversion is a process and it doesn't always happen quickly. For most of us the process of conversion never stops, we are always learning new things about the church. Stay strong in the faith, a year from now you will look back and not be able to remember when you still felt uncomfortable. In time walking into church will feel like walking into your house, you will be comfortable and happy.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by curios

I want to discuss a topic, statistically 50% of new LDS members leave the church or become inactive within two years of joining, this is not me saying, it is official statistics,,, why do you think this happen and how can this be treated ??

I remember asking this question to missionaries before joining the church, and they confirmed the fact, saying that the church puts more attention to investigators much more than it does to new members, when I was an investigator almost every member knew me by name and greeted me, when I'm leaving some one always volunteered to give me a lift, I always told the missionaries I cant wait to get out of the spot light, I just want to be confirmed and be just another regular member, because I was sure this luxury won't last, and felt sorry for investigators who got spoiled and used to being in the spot light .

During my investigation period I saw 3 confirmations, two of them already stopped attending now !!! after my confirmation I was giving many books to read through, I don't know which one to start with, missionaries who used to call me every day, don't call any more now, I found out that I only know most members by their last names and faces, same did they, my only real friends were the missionaries who keep on rotating and never last, and being a single adult meant that I will hardly fit with families .

I know myself very well, I will keep on trying again and again until I fit in, and make good friends. because I know that every new convert has a big role, and it is his responsibility to work hard and secure his place in his ward, but don't you agree that the strategy should be changed, and that new converts should be given some assistance for the first year or 6 months, don't you think that being very friendly to an investigator just because he is an investigator and then not being friendly any more after he is a member is offending and annoying ??

Is it really our role as members to make sure that an investigator join or to make sure that converts stay ?? I guess both are at the same level of importance, whats the use of new converts if they wont last ??

I am also a convert of 10 years. I have seen some come and go as well. It has nothign to do with the doctrine and much to do with deciding to hold on to the iron rod. The letters of Paul detail his constant exhortation to the brethren to remain steadfast on the faith and the doctrine they have received from them and not to go back to the ways of the world. The parable of the seeds on Matthew 13 comes to mind.

People can recognize the truth. But they don't always do what it takes to stay the course. They find the path but walking in it all the days of our lives, being faithful to the word of God; that is the real errand.

[ztodd]

President Hinckley said that every new convert (and really, everyone in the church) needs 3 things- friends, a responsibility, and nurturing with the Word of God. We all have the duty to help provide these things to them.

[Loudmouth_Mormon]

Originally Posted by curios

statistically 50% of new LDS members leave the church or become inactive within two years of joining, this is not me saying, it is official statistics,,,

Call for references. Where are these official statistics and who keeps them, and how do they know? If you have a ward telephone list, how exactly do you tell which are active and which aren't?

* We take roll during sacrament meeting and in classes, but not showing up on roll doesn't mean you're inactive.

* The church doesn't keep any official records of members who have requested no contact. Bishops might keep their own records on the back of a paper bag, but there's no way to mark an individual as "not active" in the church computer.

I've never seen anything official on the subject, other than to discuss retention issues. Sure, it is an issue, but I'd really like to know how exactly you've quantified that issue to claim a 50% inactivity rate.

LM

[Palerider]

what source do you get this info from?????

[pam]

I want to discuss a topic, statistically 50% of new LDS members leave the church or become inactive within two years of joining, this is not me saying, it is official statistics

May I have a link that shows those statistics so I can read it for myself?

[bmy-]

From personal experience.. it's true. I've been inactive off and on. Mainly due to work, etc.

In my experience.. it's because converts are generally pretty open minded. Thus their minds change frequently. They take full advantage of the saying 'Bring your truths and let us add to them'.

It also does not help that the general LDS congregation is no different than the typical protestant one. Nobody is really sure what they believe.. which I find slightly ironic. If I ask a question it seems like I get 5-6 different answers. One other factor would probably be culture. Try as we might.. we simply don't fit in all the time

[spiritseeker]

I don't know if it is 50% but it is high. I think as Islander said I think part of it is many don't hang on to the Iron Rod. But I feel the Church needs to do more to integrate the new convert in to the fold. I have thought a good idea might be a mentor program where each new convert is hooked up with a member and that member checks in with the convert periodically. (Kind of like a sponsor in twelve steps) Because I too believe that being LDS is more than a religion it is a way of life. I will confess here to all of you as a new convert , Oh how do I say this? Please forgive me ..... I am a registered DEMOCRAT I know it's not a normal thing for you guys I hope it doesn't keep me out of the Celestial Kingdom!!!!! All kidding aside I do think we need to address this issue because peoples souls hang in the balance.... And since I am coming clean here...... I voted for Obama!!! I hope Pam will still want to marry me......