Record seminary and institute enrollment blesses young people worldwide
Church News
Church News
4.9 • 782 Ratings
🗓️ 21 October 2025
⏱️ 43 minutes
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Summary
Seminary and institute enrollment among youth and young adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at a record high, following the late President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to become closer to Christ through regular attendance and participation. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards is joined by Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, and Becky Scott, associate administrator of operations for seminaries and institutes, to discuss the growth and impact of these programs. They emphasize the importance of seminary in fostering faith, supporting youth and encouraging life, missionary and temple preparation.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This podcast was recorded prior to the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, 17th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some edits have been made to note his passing and some interviews include remarks made before his death. Seminary is just a program that allows young people to study the scriptures with the Holy Ghost |
| 0:26.8 | in an environment with supportive friends who have similar life goals, who support them |
| 0:31.8 | on their journey, on their trying to stay on the covenant paths, and that really supports |
| 0:36.3 | and helps them. It just reminds me that Heavenly Father loves his children, |
| 0:41.3 | that He has a perfect plan for all of us and for each of us, |
| 0:45.3 | that Jesus Christ is the central figure in that plan, |
| 0:48.3 | as the Savior and Redeemer of the world, |
| 0:51.3 | that He is the perfect example of what it is to follow the will of our Father |
| 0:55.3 | in heaven and what a privilege it is to teach his gospel from his scriptures each day as we |
| 1:00.6 | try to help young people to follow his teachings and to watch the impact of the Holy |
| 1:06.0 | Ghost in this experience as the Holy Ghost testifies of truth and answers questions and gives direction |
| 1:11.7 | and brings peace and brings healing and all of the roles the Holy Ghost performs to bless us. |
| 1:17.1 | But it's remarkable to watch this generation. There is something wonderful happen. |
| 1:25.1 | This is Mary Richards, reporter at the Church News. |
| 1:28.3 | Welcome to the Church News podcast. |
| 1:31.3 | Today we are taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| 1:39.3 | Currently, more than 900,000 students worldwide are enrolled in seminary and institute, the highest |
| 1:49.1 | enrollment in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| 1:53.7 | These programs enrich young people's lives in 38 languages across more than 180 countries. At a time when religious activity is declining among young people, the trend is reversed |
| 2:05.7 | among the youth of the church, with more than 235,000 seminary and institute students added |
| 2:12.2 | over the last four years. |
| 2:14.4 | On this episode of the Church News podcast, we are taking a look at seminary in particular |
... |
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