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Youth

Youth Focus in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The youth program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is centered on helping young people become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, strengthen their faith, prepare for temple covenants, missionary service, future families, education, and meaningful careers. Church leaders emphasize both spiritual growth and practical life preparation.

Core Objectives for Youth

The Church’s youth initiatives are designed to help young men and young women:

  • Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Learn gospel principles and apply them in daily life.
  • Build spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual strength.
  • Prepare for temple worship and covenant making.
  • Prepare for missionary service.
  • Develop leadership skills and self-reliance.
  • Prepare for future education, employment, marriage, and family life.
Key Youth Resources

The Church’s youth guide, For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, teaches youth how to make Christ-centered decisions. These lessons are increasingly becoming the foundation of youth instruction worldwide.

Seminary

Youth ages 14–18 participate in Seminary, a scripture-based religious education program. Along with scripture study, Seminary now includes Life Preparation lessons that help youth apply gospel principles to real-world challenges.

Additional Youth Activities

Church youth programs encourage activities that help youth grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually. Examples include:

  • Weekly “Come, Follow Me” lessons
  • For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Conferences
  • Youth conferences
  • Temple trips
  • Service projects
  • Sports nights
  • Music and talent events
  • Family history workshops
  • Leadership training
  • Outdoor adventures and camps
  • Community outreach projects
  • Career and education fairs
  • Mission and Life Prep classes

Summary

The LDS youth program seeks to prepare young people not only for church service and missionary work but also for successful adult lives. Through Seminary, For the Strength of Youth, and other activities youth are encouraged to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ while developing practical skills in education, employment, self-reliance, leadership, emotional wellness, and family life.