As some of you may be aware, I have recently been trying to keep better track of Church unit changes, and have previously offered some theories about the potential for continued unit growth in 2017. Today, I realized that there has been a net increase of 27 stakes within the 25 Sundays so far this year. That works out to the creation of roughly 1.08 stakes each week.
And I also have noted previously the potential for the creation of other units this year. The LDS Church Growth Blog reports that the Church will have 50 stakes total once the Africa West Area goes from its current 78 stakes to the planned 99. And we know that the creation of 3 new stakes was reported last Sunday, in addition to two districts being upgraded to stakes. With the average 1.08 stakes created per week this year, and recognizing that we have not yet reached the peak season for those stake creations, I am venturing a hypothetical prediction that we could have a net minimum of 80 new stakes by the end of this year.
After all, if the West Africa area is anticipating 21 additional stakes by the end of this year, and if other areas of the Church also will be getting additional stakes within the next six months, all it would take is the creation of 2 stakes minimum every week the rest of this year to get there. That said, I know the General Authorities will have their annual July recess starting next Saturday, which means few (if any) new stakes will be created during the 5 Sundays of that month.
But the fall and winter months have, in my observation, been good months in terms of stake creations. I also know that there has been talk of the creation of at least two more stakes prior to the end of this month, one in the Philippines and one in Ghana. I will keep an eye on developments on this front and adjust my thoughts as I become aware of any factors that would change this thinking. And you can be sure that I will pass that information along as I am able to. Thanks for taking time to read this. If you want to and are able to, please let me know your thoughts. If you are not able to comment, let me know that as well. You can do so through my contact information on my Blogger profile. Thanks to you all for your interest and support.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Update on Church unit growth so far in 2017
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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