What Happened to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues its global expansion and humanitarian efforts, reporting significant membership growth and increased charitable giving through 2025. Following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson in September 2025, Dallin H. Oaks was sustained as the 18th President of the Church in April 2026, ushering in a new era of leadership while maintaining a focus on temple building and missionary work.
Quick Answer
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains a rapidly growing global faith, with over 17.5 million members as of late 2024. In 2025, the Church experienced a significant leadership transition with the passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the subsequent sustaining of Dallin H. Oaks as the new President in April 2026. The Church continues its extensive humanitarian work, distributing $1.58 billion in aid in 2025, and is expanding its global reach through new temples, missions, and adjustments to its Sunday meeting schedule to enhance gospel learning.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
15 New Temples Announced at April General Conference
President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct 15 new temples during the April 2024 General Conference, continuing the Church's accelerated temple-building program.
17 New Temples Announced at October General Conference
President Russell M. Nelson announced 17 additional temple locations during the concluding session of the October 2024 General Conference, bringing the total number of announced temples under his leadership to 185 since 2018.
Worldwide Membership Reaches 17.5 Million
The Church reported a worldwide membership of 17,509,781 as of year-end 2024, representing a 1.47% increase from 2023, with convert baptisms reaching 308,682, the highest since 1997.
2024 Humanitarian Aid Report Released
The Church released its 'Caring for Those in Need Summary' for 2024, detailing $1.45 billion in humanitarian assistance and 3,836 projects globally.
15 New Temples Announced at April General Conference
President Russell M. Nelson announced 15 new temples during the April 2025 General Conference, bringing his total temple announcements to 200 since becoming President.
New General Authority Seventies and Young Men General Presidency Called
During the April 2025 General Conference, 16 new General Authority Seventies and a new Young Men General Presidency were sustained.
President Russell M. Nelson Passes Away
President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at the age of 101.
President Oaks Announces Slowdown in New Temple Announcements
During the October 2025 General Conference, newly installed President Dallin H. Oaks stated that the announcement of new temples would slow down to focus on the numerous temples already in planning and construction phases.
55 New Missions Announced
Under the leadership of President Dallin H. Oaks, the Church announced plans to open 55 new missions globally, effective July 1, 2026, significantly expanding its missionary force.
Ensign Peak Advisors Reports $56.6 Billion Market Value
Ensign Peak Advisors, the Church's investment manager, reported a market value of $56.6 billion in its Q4 2025 13F filing.
Elder Clark G. Gilbert Called as New Apostle
Elder Clark G. Gilbert was called as a new Apostle, joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
2025 Humanitarian Aid Report Released, $1.58 Billion Distributed
The Church released its 'Caring for Those in Need 2025 Report,' highlighting $1.58 billion in global humanitarian aid and 7.4 million volunteer hours in 2025, an increase from the previous year.
Seminary and Institute Enrollment Surpasses 1 Million
Seminaries and Institutes of Religion announced that their worldwide enrollment has surpassed 1 million students, marking a significant milestone.
Sunday Meeting Schedule Adjustment Announced
The Church announced an adjustment to its Sunday meeting schedule, effective September 6, 2026, where Sunday School and quorum/class meetings will be held weekly, each for 25 minutes, in addition to the 60-minute sacrament meeting.
President Dallin H. Oaks Sustained as 18th President of the Church
During the Saturday morning session of the April 2026 General Conference, a solemn assembly was held to formally sustain Dallin H. Oaks as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has demonstrated continued global growth and significant humanitarian outreach in recent years, extending its influence and adapting its organizational structure. As of December 31, 2024, the Church reported a worldwide membership of 17,509,781, reflecting a 1.47% increase from the previous year. Convert baptisms in 2024 reached 308,682, marking the highest number since 1997, indicating sustained missionary success across various regions globally.
A pivotal moment occurred in September 2025 with the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, who had led the Church since 2018 and was known for his emphasis on temple building, announcing 200 new temples during his tenure. Following his death, Dallin H. Oaks, who previously served as First Counselor in the First Presidency, was sustained as the 18th President of the Church during a solemn assembly at the April 2026 General Conference. This leadership transition signals a new chapter for the Church, though its core missions remain consistent.
Humanitarian efforts have seen substantial expansion. The Church's "Caring for Those in Need 2025 Report," released in March 2026, detailed $1.58 billion in global humanitarian aid provided across 196 countries and territories, supported by 7.4 million volunteer hours. This represents an increase from the $1.45 billion reported for 2024, highlighting the Church's growing commitment to welfare, self-reliance, and emergency relief worldwide. Initiatives focused on women and children's health, food security, and education were prominent in these efforts.
Temple construction remains a central focus, with President Nelson announcing 17 new temples in October 2024 and 15 more in April 2025. While President Oaks indicated a slowdown in new temple announcements in October 2025 to focus on the large number already in planning and construction, dedications and groundbreakings continue globally, with the Salt Lake Temple renovation open house tentatively set for 2027. Furthermore, the Church announced 55 new missions in October 2025, effective July 1, 2026, significantly expanding its missionary outreach, particularly in Africa and the United States, in response to growing congregations and missionary numbers.
In a notable organizational adjustment, the Church announced on March 30, 2026, that starting September 6, 2026, Sunday School and quorum/class meetings will be held weekly, alongside the 60-minute sacrament meeting, a shift from the previous alternating schedule. This change aims to strengthen gospel learning within homes and congregations. Financially, Ensign Peak Advisors, the Church's investment arm, reported a market value of $56.6 billion in Q4 2025, with top holdings in major tech companies, reflecting its continued significant presence in global financial markets.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made different choices?