Given the large number of people who may know nothing about the church, except that it involves young men and women riding bicycles and knocking on doors to teach people about it, it’s obvious that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed a missionary church.

After listening to Elder Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the October 2024 general conference of the church, I found myself thinking that opportunities to teach people about the church were only going to increase — perhaps even in dramatic ways — over the course of the next 10 years.

Elder Stevenson talked about the importance of the decade from 2024 to 2034 in the context of interactions between members of the church and those around them. He talked about serving, joining together and sharing the gospel.

In so doing, he drew a comparison to the initial decade of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Ryan Comer, Standard-Examiner

“​My dear brothers and sisters, the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation is resplendent with divine experiences that demonstrate how the Lord has guided his church,” he said. “There is one decade in our history, however, that stands strikingly supreme above any other — the decade from 1820 to 1830. Beginning with the prophet Joseph Smith’s experience in the sacred grove in the spring of 1820, when he saw God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ, and continuing until April 6, 1830, that decade is unlike any other.

“Consider these remarkable events. The young prophet conversed with the angel Moroni, translated the gold plates and published the Book of Mormon. He was the instrument through whom the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were restored, (Doctrine and Covenants 27:8, 12-13) and then he organized the church. Oliver Cowdery described that era well: ‘These were days never to be forgotten.’ Miraculous events have continued to this very day.

“May I be so bold as to suggest that this year we have commenced a decade that may prove to be as momentous as any that has followed that unparalleled founding decade almost two centuries ago.

“Let me explain. Between now, 2024, and 2034, we will experience seminal events that will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends, and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”

Elder Stevenson went on to explain in more detail some of these events over the next decade, but I couldn’t help but wonder what else he might be alluding to that he didn’t mention. I often find myself wondering what exactly the apostles and the prophet really do know. The use of the word seminal stood out to me. The dictionary used by Google defines seminal as “strongly influencing later developments.” What kind of event might happen beyond what Elder Stevenson mentioned that could be considered a seminal event that would “result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before?” Words that President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would later use in his conference address come to mind.

“The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the savior is coming again,” he said. “The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening his work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.”

If I really let my mind wander in thinking about the possibilities of the next decade, I can’t help but feel excitement.

Speaking specifically about events from 2024 to 2034 that will make the decade such a momentous one, Elder Stevenson said:

“We just witnessed the power of a truly historic moment as we celebrated with tens of millions the 100th birthday of President Russell M. Nelson.

“Reporting on President Nelson’s birthday, Newsweek wrote a headline that read, ‘World’s Oldest Religious Leader Turns 100.’ They then listed the world’s 10 oldest faith leaders — with President Nelson first on a list that included Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama.

“This statement from a New York Times article represents the spirit of much of the international coverage: ‘In a [United States] presidential election cycle that has prompted soul-searching about aging and leadership, Mr. Nelson’s milestone suggests that, at least in his church, a triple-digit birthday does not merit much hand-wringing. He remains a popular figure among church members, who view their president not just as an executive but as a ‘prophet, seer, and revelator.”

“How grateful we are that President Nelson’s landmark birthday gave us an opportunity to introduce a global audience to a prophet of God, a celebration never to be forgotten.”

Like every other Latter-day Saint, I’m sure, as President Nelson’s 100th birthday drew closer and closer, I found myself wanting more and more for him to reach the milestone. I prayed specifically for it. I wanted it to happen because I knew that it would compel people who wouldn’t otherwise necessarily feel a need to write and talk about the church to write and talk about it, and in a way that was positive. The church deserves so much more positive press than it gets, and I saw President Nelson’s 100th birthday as an opportunity for some of that.

Elder Stevenson continued:

“Earlier this spring, a refurbished plaza on Temple Square — featuring a display of international flags representing countries where the church is recognized — was unveiled. The plaza entrance is marked by a granite monument with these prophetic words: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.’ (Isaiah 2:2)

“Surely, the monumental events that will occur during the next 10 years constitute one manifestation this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled.

“Contemplate the unprecedented number of temple open houses and dedications that are planned to take place over the next decade, even the potential of 164 temples and counting. Imagine tens of millions of you and your friends walking through a house of the Lord. The symbolic center of these events will be the rededication of the Salt Lake Temple and the activities associated with it. These certainly will be days never to be forgotten.”

There are currently 367 temples either dedicated or announced, and since the start of 2021, there have been an average of 34 temples announced per year. Assuming that pace continues, there will be 673 such temples by the end of 2033. And, really, it seems fair to believe that recent yearly average of temples could increase.

Continued Elder Stevenson:

“The year 2030 will bring opportunities worldwide to commemorate the bicentennial of the organization of the church. Although it is too early to say how the church will recognize this milestone, it will certainly allow us to invite family, friends, colleagues and distinguished guests to ‘come and see’ (John 1:46) and to better understand the powerful impact the church has in the lives of church members.

“In 2034, thousands of dignitaries, visitors and athletes from around the world will flood the streets of Salt Lake City, the stage for the Winter Olympic Games. There is perhaps no greater demonstration of worldwide unity than that embodied in the Olympic Games. The eyes of the world will be upon the church and its members, affording a multitude of opportunities to volunteer, serve and share glad tidings through kind deeds — an event never to be forgotten.

“These upcoming moments will provide members of the church everywhere with increased opportunities to share the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed, a decade never to be forgotten.”

It seems to me that the leaders of the church are seeing the potential for an explosion of new members of the church in coming years and they are hoping that current members do all they can to take advantage of the opportunities these leaders know are coming — some we all know about, and some we may not.

Just how much of an explosion might take place? Speaking about the future of the church, President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the church, was in the Dominican Republic in November 2024 and he said:

“Whatever you think the church is going to be, it’s going to be a lot more than that. It is the one thing that I know for sure is going to succeed. I’m not sure about economies. I’m not sure about politics. I’m not sure about businesses. I’m not sure about universities or hospitals. I don’t know what’s going to work and what’s going to fail. But I know one thing that’s going to work, and I know one thing that is never, ever, ever going to fail. And it is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”

That quote reminded me of something said by Bradley R. Wilcox, current first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, during a talk given at Ensign College on Oct. 12, 2021. He said:

“If one million people wanted to join the church tomorrow, would we be ready? Would we have enough bishops, Relief Society presidents, stake presidents, Young Women presidents? Would we have enough full-time missionaries? Would we have enough full-tithe payers? No. We would be totally swamped. And that’s just one million. So, what’s going to happen when Christ comes and says ‘Hello! By the way, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.’ That’s what he is going to say. Are we going to be ready when two billion people want to join the church in one day? We have to be ready. Jesus isn’t going to come to watch the church fail. He is going to come when the church is ready to succeed. When we have a leadership base strong enough all over the world that we will be able to welcome everyone into the church and we will be able to, as a church, as Israel, gather all of God’s children on both sides of the veil home to him.”

What a jaw-dropping quote. Consider those quotes, as well as what Elder Stevenson said, and just imagine what kind of growth the church could see in the next decade.

Speaking more in depth about the words “glad tidings,” Elder Stevenson said:

“In a meeting just weeks before his birthday, President Nelson shared the reason he cherishes the phrase ‘glad tidings.’ On the face of it, he noted, the phrase rings of joy and happiness. But ‘glad tidings’ conveys much more than that. He explained that this phrase comes from the original Greek word euangelion, which literally means the ‘good news’ or the ‘gospel.’ Happiness and joy in this life and the next are always linked with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, the phrase ‘glad tidings’ captures this double meaning in a wonderful way.

“‘Men [and women] are, that they might have joy.’ (2 Nephi 2:25) Heavenly Father has provided the plan of happiness that enables joy through his blessings. These include living in his presence eternally as families. The atonement of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan to redeem us. To receive eternal life, we must come unto Christ. As we do so ‘and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.’

“This message of the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important message on earth.”

Imagine taking a worldwide poll and asking people what the most important message for the world should be. You’d probably get a lot of important answers. But I’m guessing most, if not all, of those messages would be primarily focused on things pertaining to life on earth. But the reason the “message of the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important message on earth” is because it deals with not just life on earth but eternity and what is eternally possible, and that knowledge brings peace and joy despite some pretty difficult situations on earth.

For the remainder of his talk, Elder Stevenson addressed the youth of the church, highlighting the importance of their efforts over the course of the next decade.

“Now, while this upcoming decade may be filled with days never to be forgotten for every member of the church, this especially can be true for you of the rising generation. You are here on earth now because you were selected to be here now. You have the strength and capacity to be disciples of Christ in an unprecedented way.

“President George Q. Cannon taught, ‘God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the courage and determination to face the world and all the powers of the evil one [and to] … build up the Zion of our God fearless of all consequences.’

“To that end, I wish to speak to you of the rising generation, to invite you to imagine how exciting this next decade, one never to be forgotten, can be for you. I also offer a few simple words of counsel and encouragement that may empower you during this coming decade.

“Like many of you, I have a smartphone that, on occasion and without any prompt, pulls together a reel of photos showing what I was doing on a certain day. It is always surprising to see how much things have changed for me and my family in just a few years.

“Picture the photos your phone will serve up 10 years from now. You may see yourself graduating from high school or college, receiving your endowment, going on a mission, getting married and having your first child. For you personally, this will be a decade never to be forgotten. But it will be doubly so if you actively strive to become a light unto the world of how the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ can enrich and enhance not only your lives but also those of your family, friends and social media followers.”

To help teach the youth how to achieve this, Elder Stevenson mentioned “four simple activities, referred to as divinely appointed responsibilities.” They are “first, living the gospel of Jesus Christ; second, caring for those in need; third, inviting all to receive the gospel; and fourth, uniting families for eternity.”

Said Elder Stevenson: “Remarkably, each can be done in the most normal and natural ways.”

He went on to talk in greater detail about how to embrace those responsibilities, saying:

“First, live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Study the words of the prophets, and learn to love your father in heaven. Incline your hearts to him and strive to walk in his way. Be lifted by the ‘covenant confidence’ that Elder Ulisses Soares has described. This confidence comes from making covenants to follow Jesus Christ, knowing that the savior will in turn strengthen and support you.

“Let your friends see the joy you feel in living the gospel, and you will be the best gospel message they ever receive.

“Second, reach out in compassion to care for those in need. Your generation is unusually mindful of the less fortunate. Whenever disaster strikes and church members rush to help clear away debris and comfort the afflicted, it seems the majority wearing ‘Helping Hands’ T-shirts are teenagers and twentysomethings. It is in your nature ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ and ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’ (Mosiah 18:8-9) By doing this we ‘fulfil the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2)

“Evan, a young Primary-age boy, decided to spend his summer vacation from school gathering supplies for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to donate to his local food bank. He found the project on the JustServe website. Young Evan enlisted his entire school class to help collect over 700 jars of jelly. Let the people you serve know that your concern for them is rooted in your love of God and your desire to treat your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-40)

“Third, invite all to receive the gospel. This year we opened 36 new missions worldwide to accommodate all who desire to serve full-time missions. In an era when many youth are opting out of formal religious activity altogether, this is remarkable and speaks to the magnificent nature of your testimonies. Whether serving full-time or not, please realize your immense capacity to influence your peers as you love, share and invite them to explore the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Fourth, unite families for eternity. As I visit temples around the world, I marvel at the standing-room-only crowds of youth waiting at the baptistry and the increased numbers of young adults serving as ordinance workers. Recently, a group of over 600 youth from Scotland and Ireland traveled to the Preston England Temple, performing over 4,000 ordinances, many of which were for their personal deceased ancestors. I urge you to become engaged in family history, spend time in the temple and carefully prepare yourself to be the kind of man or woman ready to marry an equally worthy companion in the temple. Develop a pattern in your life now to make the temple a regular part of your lives.”

Concluding his remarks, Elder Stevenson said:

“My beloved brothers and sisters, my dear young friends, there will likely be difficulties for each of us in the days ahead. However, as we enter this coming decade of unprecedented moments, may we share glad tidings through the simple activities of living, caring, inviting and uniting. As we do so, the Lord will bless us with experiences never to be forgotten.

“I testify that those who approach the Lord with a sincere heart and real intent, those who have the name of the savior upon their lips and the holy spirit in their souls, those who embark upon this grand and glorious pilgrimage will discover and experience bounteous celestial blessings and receive a witness that God hears you, knows you and loves you. You will experience days never to be forgotten. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Contact Ryan Comer at rcomer@standard.net. Follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rbcomer8388.