Study Guide for "Statistical Report, 2016"

In this concise but informative talk, Brook P. Hales, Secretary to the First Presidency, presents the statistical report for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the year ending December 31, 2016. This report provides a snapshot of the Church's growth and activities, including data on church units, membership, missionaries, and temples. The statistics reflect the global reach and ongoing efforts of the Church to spread the gospel and serve communities worldwide.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What were the key statistics reported about Church units in 2016?
How many new children of record and converts were baptized in 2016?
What were the total numbers of full-time and church-service missionaries at the end of 2016?
How many temples were dedicated and rededicated in 2016?

Topics

Report on Church Units

Brook P. Hales provides detailed statistics on the number of stakes, missions, districts, and wards and branches as of December 31, 2016. These figures illustrate the organizational structure and geographical reach of the Church.

The First Presidency has issued the following statistics concerning the status of the Church as of December 31, 2016.

Stakes: 3,266

Missions: 421

Districts: 556

Wards and Branches: 30,304

What are the different types of church units mentioned in the report?
How many stakes were there at the end of 2016?
What is the significance of having a large number of wards and branches?
How do church units like stakes and wards help in the administration of the Church?
In what ways can you contribute to the growth and strengthening of your local ward or branch?
Reflect on how being part of a ward or branch has impacted your spiritual growth.

Growth in Church Membership

The report highlights the total Church membership as well as the number of new children of record and converts baptized in 2016. This data underscores the ongoing missionary efforts and the growth of the Church worldwide.

Total Membership: 15,882,417

New Children of Record: 109,246

Converts Baptized: 240,131

What was the total membership of the Church at the end of 2016?
How many new children of record were added in 2016?
What does the number of converts baptized indicate about the Church's missionary work?
What steps can you take to help increase the membership of the Church in your area?
How can you support new converts and children of record in their spiritual journey?
Reflect on your own conversion story or the impact of missionary work in your life.

Missionary Efforts and Service

The statistics on full-time and church-service missionaries reflect the dedication and service of thousands of members who contribute to the Church's missionary efforts and community service.

Full-Time Missionaries: 70,946

Church-Service Missionaries: 33,695

How many full-time missionaries were serving at the end of 2016?
What is the role of church-service missionaries?
Why is missionary work important in the Church?
How can you support the missionaries in your area?
What opportunities do you have to serve as a missionary, either full-time or in a church-service capacity?
Reflect on a time when missionary work has touched your life or the life of someone you know.

Expansion of Temples

The report provides information on the number of temples dedicated and rededicated in 2016, as well as the total number of temples in operation at the end of the year. This highlights the Church's commitment to providing sacred spaces for members to participate in temple ordinances.

Temples Dedicated in 2016: 6

Temples Rededicated: 2

Temples in Operation at Year End: 155

How many temples were dedicated and rededicated in 2016?
What is the significance of having 155 temples in operation?
Why are temples important in the Church?
How often do you attend the temple, and how can you increase the frequency of your visits?
What personal goals can you set to prepare for temple ordinances?
Reflect on the blessings you have received from attending the temple.

Impact of Church Growth

The overall statistics presented in the report reflect the growth and global reach of the Church. The increase in church units, membership, missionaries, and temples indicates a thriving and expanding community of faith.

The First Presidency has issued the following statistics concerning the status of the Church as of December 31, 2016.

What do the statistics in the report tell us about the growth of the Church?
How does the growth of the Church fulfill prophetic statements in the scriptures?
What role do members play in the Church's growth?
How can you contribute to the growth of the Church in your community?
What actions can you take to support the Church's missionary and temple-building efforts?
Reflect on how the growth of the Church has influenced your personal faith and testimony.