According to the latest data from the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB) U.S. Mormon growth rose 45.5% “jumping from 4.2 million in 2000 to 6.1 million in 2010.” This incredible growth does not accurately reflect the growth in adherents during the last decade; it reflects a change in the data being reported. More specifically, ASARB tracks self-reported data given to them by some 153 bodies.
What happened?
- In 2000 Mormons reported 4.2 million, a number they used internally for planning purposes rather than the 5.2 million listed in their own almanac
- In 2010 Mormons reported 6.1 million, the same number used in their almanac
- Real growth between 2000 and 2010 was 18% (from 5.2 to 6.2 million)
So What?
Even with the reduced figure, Mormon growth is incredibly high when compared to that of other religious groups from 2000-2010. What factors do you believe contributed positively to a growth rate of nearly 20%? What lessons can your religious tradition learn from this success, and how might each be leveraged in contextually appropriate ways within your tradition?