What Is Our Church Community Like?

Church isn’t just a place to worship God, it’s also a place to serve Him. And one of the best ways to serve God is by taking care of the people around us. That might be bringing a hot meal to someone in need or simply being a good friend. Church members also volunteer to fill specific roles in their congregation like teaching Sunday School, playing music, organizing activities, or doing missionary work.

What is a Church Community?

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Learn a bit more about our people and community.

Our congregations, called wards or branches, are made up of Church members in nearby neighborhoods. Your ward can become much like an extended family. You might have even heard members of our church call each other “brother” or “sister.”

Caring for others

A program called Ministering helps us make sure all Church members have a friend they can lean on in times of need. Adults and youth are asked to befriend and care for specific individuals and families. Ministering helps us follow Jesus’s example of how to love our neighbor as ourselves. We visit each other, pray for each other, serve each other, and comfort each other.

Lift: The Power of Service

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Jesus set the Example of selfless service. In this short film, we meet people discovering the power of living that simple principle.

Family Time

Because families are so important, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reserve one night a week for family night, commonly referred to as Family Home Evening (FHE). They spend time together, learn the gospel, eat treats, and have fun.

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Find a Church Near You

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also provides classes and programs to help every member live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Women’s group

The women’s group is called the Relief Society. And though you might not have heard of it, it’s one of the largest women’s organization in the world. It’s a sisterhood committed to helping those in need, building faith, and strengthening families. The Relief Society holds various social and service activities throughout the year. Come join us!

Elizabeth Edwards on Church Community

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Liz was used to serving others, but after her surgery, she had to let others serve her.

Men’s group

The men’s group is called Elders Quorum. As part of church, they meet together for faith-building lessons. One of their major responsibilities is service; they care for the widows, do yard work, or even haul furniture. They often arrange social activities, such as barbeques or sporting events.

Youth groups

Young men and women ages 12–17 have their own Sunday School classes during church. One evening a week, they meet for activities like hiking, sporting events, service projects, and lessons on life skills. They also have dances a few times a year.

Children’s classes

Children ages 3–11 attend a Sunday School class called Primary. On Sundays, Primary children sing songs, participate in fun learning activities, and have lessons about Jesus and His teachings.

Common Questions

Below are questions often asked about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to see the full list.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many cultural traditions and customs that focus on the family. For example, we try to reserve one night a week for a home evening, or family night. Other activities throughout the week include Church gatherings like potlucks, small parties, or youth groups for teenagers. Many of our traditions are standard—like celebrating holidays with our families—and others are more unique—like offering a blessing for a new baby during church. As families, we pray together, read scriptures together, and on the first Sunday of every month, we even fast together.

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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are just like anyone else. We have ups and downs and everything in between. Latter-day Saints have a reputation for being a happy, peaceful people. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges. Everyone in life is fighting a hard battle—but when we try our best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have additional strength and peace to make it through.

As far as lifestyle is concerned, Latter-day Saints try to keep Jesus front and center. Our beliefs about the Savior and His teachings affect our day-to-day decisions about how we speak, dress, and act. For example, we try to avoid working on Sundays so we can attend church, serve others, and spend time with family. Faithful members of the Church do not smoke, drink alcohol, or gamble.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is safe a place where people can come for the hope of a better life through Jesus Christ. The Church provides sacred tools, practices, and teachings that help you develop and nurture a relationship with God. And on top of all that, being a member of the Church means belonging to a community of people who care about each other.

What You Can Expect at a Church Service

The Sacrament

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Raising a Strong Family

God created families so we can find happiness, learn in a loving atmosphere, and prepare for eternal life together.

Following Jesus Christ

Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus is the Savior of the world. As we follow Him, we find greater peace and happiness in life.

Jesus Christ’s Church

When Jesus was on the earth, He established His Church. That same Church exists today.

Coming Closer to God

He is our Father. He created the world and all of us. He knows and loves you.

Sunday Services

Church is a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. Attending church services gives us time to focus on worshipping God and loving our neighbors. It’s a spiritual recharge and a perfect way to help us keep Jesus front and center in our lives.

How Do I Find the Right Christian Church?

When looking for a church, it is helpful to think about what Jesus and His apostles and prophets have taught.

Six Ways Church Can Benefit Your Life

There will always be obstacles to attending church. Maybe you work or have sports practice on Sundays, you don’t think church is necessary, or you just want to relax after a stressful week. Whatever obstacles you face, you will be blessed for choosing to follow God’s commandment to worship at church. Here are six reasons why you should go to church:

How Do You Become a Member?

People can learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many ways. You can attend church meetings, ask your friends who are members what they believe, or meet with our missionaries. After you learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want to become a member, you can choose to be baptized.