The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to make significant strides in faith, humanitarian outreach, and temple expansion as 2026 begins. Known widely for its emphasis on family, service, and self-reliance, the Church remains one of the fastest-growing Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 17 million members worldwide. As of January 2026, the Church is actively advancing temple construction, expanding education initiatives, and promoting global charitable work.
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Leadership and Direction in 2026
President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continues to lead the Church with a focus on spiritual renewal and temple accessibility. Now in his late 90s, President Nelson has emphasized personal revelation and covenant keeping as central themes for Church members worldwide.
The First Presidency, consisting of President Nelson and his counselors President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, has continued to guide the Church through global challenges with messages of hope, unity, and peace. The Twelve Apostles, including leaders such as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, have actively engaged with members through social media and Church events, reinforcing the message that faith in Jesus Christ is central to modern discipleship.
In 2026, Church leadership maintains a steady approach toward modern challenges—balancing tradition with digital engagement and global communication. The Church’s semiannual General Conferences, broadcast to millions, remain a hallmark of spiritual guidance and unity for members across continents.
Temple Growth and Construction Updates
One of the most significant ongoing efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its temple-building program. By early 2026, the Church has announced or dedicated more than 350 temples worldwide, a record number in its nearly two-century history.
Recent U.S. Temple Updates:
- Orem Utah Temple: Dedicated in late 2023, serving one of the densest LDS populations in the world.
- Taylorsville Utah Temple: Opened its doors in 2024, symbolizing continued growth along Utah’s Wasatch Front.
- Washington County Utah Temple (Red Cliffs Temple): Dedicated in 2024 and now welcoming thousands of visitors weekly.
- Burley Idaho Temple: Nearing completion with an expected dedication date in 2026.
- Cleveland Ohio Temple: Announced during a recent General Conference, marking renewed Church presence in a historically significant region for early Latter-day Saints.
Temples hold deep religious importance for members, serving as sacred spaces for eternal ordinances, family unity, and worship. The Church continues to bring temples “closer to the members,” ensuring that more Latter-day Saints worldwide can participate in sacred temple work without extensive travel.
Humanitarian and Community Outreach
In 2026, the Church remains a leader in humanitarian service, both in the U.S. and internationally. Through Latter-day Saint Charities, the Church donates millions annually to provide food, clean water, disaster relief, and refugee assistance.
Recent efforts include:
- Natural Disaster Relief: Immediate aid to areas impacted by hurricanes and wildfires across the U.S.
- Refugee Support: Continued partnerships with global organizations to help displaced families in conflict zones.
- Food and Agricultural Programs: Expansion of community food pantries and the Church’s “JustServe” volunteer network, which connects people to local service opportunities regardless of faith.
The Church’s humanitarian work emphasizes self-reliance, encouraging education, job training, and personal preparedness. These programs reflect the belief that helping individuals become self-sufficient strengthens entire communities.
Education and Youth Programs
Education remains a cornerstone of the Church’s mission. Brigham Young University (BYU) and its sister schools—BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and Ensign College—continue to provide faith-based higher education to tens of thousands of students. BYU remains one of the top-ranked private universities in the nation, known for its strong academic programs and honor code emphasizing integrity, modesty, and service.
Youth participation is also a growing focus. The For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences, held annually across the U.S., encourage spiritual growth and community among teenagers. These events have seen record participation since their post-pandemic return, strengthening the rising generation of Latter-day Saints in faith and fellowship.
Missionary Work in a Changing World
Missionary service remains central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ identity. In 2026, over 65,000 full-time missionaries are serving across the globe, teaching about Jesus Christ in more than 150 countries. The Church’s missionary training centers, including the flagship Provo MTC, continue to adapt to digital tools and language programs that enhance communication and cultural understanding.
The Church has expanded the use of online teaching platforms, allowing missionaries to reach people through social media, video calls, and digital study materials. This approach, which grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a key outreach strategy today.
Membership and Global Growth
Membership growth continues steadily, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of the United States. While Utah remains the Church’s headquarters, states like Texas, Arizona, Idaho, and Florida have seen notable increases in congregations.
As of 2026:
- Total Membership: Over 17 million members worldwide.
- U.S. Members: Approximately 6.8 million.
- Congregations: More than 31,000 wards and branches.
- Temples Announced or Dedicated: Over 350 globally.
The Church attributes this sustained growth to its family-centered doctrine, community outreach, and consistent focus on Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith and life.
Media, Technology, and Public Image
In the digital era, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has fully embraced technology to share its message and engage members. Official Church websites, mobile apps, and YouTube channels offer inspirational messages, scriptures, and updates in multiple languages.
The Church’s social media presence has grown significantly, with leaders posting uplifting messages, conference highlights, and personal reflections on faith. The Church’s YouTube series, “Book of Mormon Videos,” continues to gain millions of views, presenting dramatized stories of scripture to global audiences.
Efforts to clarify public understanding of the Church have also continued. Since President Nelson’s 2018 direction to use the full name of the Church rather than abbreviations like “Mormon Church,” there has been a consistent emphasis on centering all communication around the name of Jesus Christ. This effort has reshaped branding, public messaging, and even media references worldwide.
Social and Cultural Presence in the U.S.
Within the United States, the Church remains active in civic and interfaith discussions. Church leaders continue to promote religious freedom, family values, and moral responsibility while encouraging kindness and understanding across different beliefs.
The Church’s community presence includes:
- Support for public service and disaster relief initiatives.
- Interfaith collaboration on humanitarian causes.
- Sponsorship of cultural and historical exhibits celebrating the Church’s pioneer heritage.
Utah, home to the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, continues to see strong economic and population growth. The Church’s influence in education, arts, and public life contributes to the state’s unique balance of faith and modern development.
Recent Highlights and Announcements
Some notable updates from late 2025 and early 2026 include:
- Temple Dedication Announcements: Multiple new temples announced in Asia, South America, and the U.S. Midwest.
- Humanitarian Aid Milestone: Over $1 billion in global charitable contributions reported in 2025, a record figure.
- FamilySearch Expansion: The Church’s genealogy platform now hosts over 14 billion searchable records, helping millions trace ancestral roots.
- Media Projects: New family-centered video series and documentaries focusing on personal faith stories launched in late 2025.
These developments showcase a vibrant, forward-looking organization committed to spiritual growth, humanitarian service, and global unity.
The Church’s Future Outlook
As 2026 progresses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to balance growth with faith-centered priorities. With ongoing temple construction, humanitarian expansion, and digital innovation, the Church shows no sign of slowing down. Members worldwide are encouraged to strengthen their personal connection with Jesus Christ and serve their communities with compassion and integrity.
In a world marked by division and uncertainty, the Church’s message of peace, family unity, and eternal purpose continues to resonate with millions. Its steady leadership, emphasis on service, and global reach make it one of the most influential Christian organizations today.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to shape lives through faith, service, and unity—inviting all to discover the peace and purpose found in following Jesus Christ. What are your thoughts on its growing impact? Share your perspective below.