As I noted last week, I wanted to provide some additional analysis of membership growth by country for 2018. See below for a list of countries with reported Church membership in 2018. Countries are ranked in order by the percentage growth in membership for the year 2018. I also provide whether this growth rate is the slowest or fastest growth rate since the previous year that surpassed it. Of the 156 countries/territories in the analysis, eight appeared to have had the slowest year of membership growth ever reported during 2018 (Albania, Benin, Brazil, Lithuania, Madagascar, Serbia, the United States, Venezuela). No country reported its fast membership growth rate ever during 2018. Seventy-eight (78) of the 156 countries (50%) reported a slowdown in membership growth compared to 2017. Thus, in regards to the number of countries with a reported Church presence membership growth did not appear to significantly change in regards to acceleration or deceleration of growth. However, the magnitude of membership growth rates has declined - a trend that has been ongoing for decades.
Rwanda 25.67% - slowest since 2017
Montenegro 21.05% - fastest since 2016
Angola 19.32% - fastest since 2014
Bosnia and Herzegovina 15.94% - fastest since 2014
Israel 15.28% - fastest since 2016
Togo 14.56% - fastest since 2016
Mozambique 13.28% - slowest since 2017
Solomon Islands 12.83% - slowest since 2017
Benin 11.53% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in 2004)
Cote d'Ivoire 11.12% - fastest since 2017
Kazakhstan 10.66% - fastest since 2014
St. Maarten 10.36% - fastest since 2016
Congo, Republic of 9.96% - fastest since 2003
Sierra Leone 9.48% - slowest since 2017
Vanuatu 9.44% - slowest since 2017
Cameroon 9.37% - slowest since 2015
Liberia 9.20% - same as 2017
Lesotho 8.86% - fastest since 2016
Congo, Democratic Republic of 8.40% - slowest since 2008
Nigeria 8.27% - fastest since 2015
St. Kitts and Nevis 7.58% - fastest since 2016
Ghana 7.16% - slowest since 2009
Malawi 7.14% - slowest since 2008
Zambia 6.96% - slowest since 2015
French Guiana 5.84% - slowest since 2016
Sri Lanka 5.69% - fastest since 2008
Namibia 5.61% - fastest since 2015
Burundi 5.49% - slowest since 2016
Cape Verde 5.36% - fastest since 2016
Uganda 5.28% - slowest since 2005
Tanzania 5.12% - fastest since 2016
United Arab Emirates 4.89% - fastest since 2015
Panama 4.73% - slowest since 2017
Zimbabwe 4.68% - slowest since 2014
Slovakia 4.41% - fastest since 2016
Botswana 4.38% - same as 2017
Tuvalu 4.28% - slowest since 2016
Nauru 4.27% - slowest since 2015
Papua New Guinea 4.00% - slowest since 2013
Kenya 3.98% - fastest since 2012
Fiji 3.74% - slowest since 2015
Ireland 3.56% - fastest since 2016
Kiribati 3.56% - slowest since 2014
St. Vincent 3.51% - slowest since 2015
Isle of Man 3.48% - fastest since 2009
Suriname 3.30% - fastest since 2016
Cambodia 3.29% - slowest since 2016
Madagascar 3.16% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in early 1990s)
Swaziland 3.16% - fastest since 2016
India 3.13% - slowest since 1981
Antigua and Barbuda 2.95% - slowest since 2015
Costa Rica 2.95% - fastest since 2017
Haiti 2.94% - slowest since 2006
Northern Mariana Islands 2.82% - slowest since 2016
Dominican Republic 2.82% - fastest since 2011
Curacao 2.79% - fastest since 2010
Bahamas 2.78% - fastest since 2014
Spain 2.77% - fastest since 2014
Guyana 2.76% - slowest since 2016
Malaysia 2.74% - fastest since 2016
Thailand 2.67% - slowest since 2016
Albania 2.66% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in early 1990s)
Philippines 2.58% - same as 2017
Peru 2.53% - fastest since 2014
Poland 2.52% - fastest since 2016
Mauritius 2.52% - fastest since 2016
Latvia 2.51% - fastest since 2013
Colombia 2.45% - fastest since 2014
St. Lucia 2.45% - slowest since 2013
Singapore 2.44% - fastest since 2011
South Africa 2.42% - slowest since 2016
Malta 2.39% - slowest since 2008
French Polynesia 2.27% - slowest since 2010
Guam 2.23% - slowest since 2015
Bolivia 2.20% - fastest since 2014
Mongolia 2.18% - fastest since 2014
Central African Republic 2.14% - slowest since 2016
Jersey 2.07% - fastest since 2015
Samoa 2.06% - same as 2017
Ecuador 2.02% - fastest since 2016
Guatemala 1.95% - fastest since 2016
Argentina 1.87% - fastest since 2014
Jamaica 1.82% - fastest since 2016
Honduras 1.76% - fastest since 2016
Marshall Islands 1.71% - fastest since 2016
Guernsey 1.61% - slowest since 2015
Portugal 1.61% - same as 2017
Nicaragua 1.58% - slowest since 1989
Paraguay 1.52% - slowest since 2016
Mexico 1.42% - fastest since 2016
Iceland 1.41% - fastest since 2016
Niue 1.31% - same as 2017
El Salvador 1.30% - fastest since 2016
Croatia 1.28% - fastest since 2016
Australia 1.26% - slowest since 2001
World 1.21% - slowest since 1937
Taiwan 1.21% - same as 2017
Czech Republic 1.19% - slowest since 2013
France 1.14% - slowest since 2016
Uruguay 1.12% - fastest since 2014
Tonga 1.09% - fastest since 2016
Bulgaria 1.08% - fastest since 2015
Indonesia 1.05% - slowest since 2013
New Caledonia 1.04% - slowest since 2014
Belize 1.02% - fastest since 2016
Guadeloupe 0.98% - slowest since 2014
Barbados 0.96% - slowest since 2009
Italy 0.95% - slowest since 1993
Trinidad and Tobago 0.95% - fastest since 2016
Chile 0.92% - fastest since 2013
Netherlands 0.89% - slowest since 2015
Luxembourg 0.88% - slowest since 2016
Hungary 0.84% - fastest since 2015
Reunion 0.84% - fastest since 2014
Romania 0.82% - fastest since 2015
Austria 0.81% - slowest since 2016
Brazil 0.78% - slowest ever (since prior to 1940)
New Zealand 0.69% - slowest since 2000
South Korea 0.64% - fastest since 2015
United States 0.60% - slowest in at least one century
Cook Islands 0.60% - fastest since 2011
Canada 0.57% - slowest since 2008
Ethiopia 0.52% - fastest since 2016
Belgium 0.44% - fastest since 2015
Martinique 0.43% - fastest since 2014
Macau 0.41% - slowest since 2013
Japan 0.40% - same as 2017
Switzerland 0.36% - fastest since 2016
Micronesia 0.34% - slowest since 2004
American Samoa 0.31% - slowest since 2016
Puerto Rico 0.31% - fastest since 2016
Hong Kong 0.30% - fastest since 2015
United Kingdom 0.30% - slowest since 2016
Estonia 0.18% - fastest since 2016
Sweden 0.15% - slowest since 2015
Denmark 0.09% - slowest since 2015
Palau 0.00% - slowest since 2012
Slovenia 0.00% - fastest since 2016
Ukraine -0.13% - slowest since 2016
Armenia -0.28% - fastest since 2016
Germany -0.30% - slowest since 2007
Finland -0.43% - fastest since 2016
Greece -0.50% - slowest since 2014
Norway -0.54% - slowest since 2016
Aruba -0.68% - slowest since 2013
Venezuela -0.85% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in the 1960s)
Moldova -0.96% - slowest since 2013
Cyprus -1.09% - slowest since 2010
Grenada -1.18% - slowest since 2006
Turkey -1.65% - slowest since 2009
Serbia -1.85% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in the late 1980s/early 1990s)
Cayman Islands -2.16% - slowest since 2011
Virgin Islands, U.S. -2.60% - fastest since 2016
Lithuania -4.29% - slowest ever (since Church establishment in the early 1990s)
Georgia -5.60% - slowest since 2016
Dominica -9.32% - slowest since 2010
14 comments:
Hi thanks for this info. Great to see consistency with Philippines.
Can't help but see the red texts floating and seems like I am wearing a 3D glasses.
In our stake conference tonight we heard some interesting developments on the progress of missionary work here in Southern California.
Firstly, where it had been previously announced that the Irvine California mission would be closed and merged with surrounding missions, it is now determined that it is the Carlsbad California MIssion that will close with parts to be aligned with the Irvine and San Diego missions. The reason for the change is that the Irvine mission office is only ten minutes from the airport.
Secondly, but more importantly, it was announced that there would be no more missionary dinners. Even you have an investigator over for dinner. The time slot of 5-7 pm is now "Prime Finding Time". In the Southern California culture where frequently both spouses work during the day, this is your only opportunity to find teaching prospects. And the time slot of 7-9PM is now "Prime Teaching Time". Mission leaders report that since the new policy was implemented in December, they have seen a three-fold increase in teaching appointments. Baptisms are up 35% and continuing to trend upwards
> Swaziland
Did you mean eSwatini?
I wonder why dinners are canceled even if "an investigator is present." Does that not count as finding? Woukd that not count as a time to teach after or during the meal? I think member referrals are the best way to find. At what time do the missionaries eat dinner? My most
It's a sad day for our Catholic brothers and sisters and lovers of great architecture. One of the most iconic examples of architecture, Norte Dame Cathedral was destroyed by fire today. This was especially painful being Holy Week, the week before Easter. We talk a lot about our temples on this blog. Others have sacred buildings too. My heart and prayers are with them for their loss. That was an old building and one of the most visited places for tourists in Paris. Although I am not of their faith, I hope it can be rebuilt and that the damage isn't a complete loss. It reminds me of the Provo City Center being rebuilt. This week as we reflect on the suffering in Gethsemane, the crusification, and resurrection of our Brother, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ, let's remember all our Heavenly Father's children with love, caring, and support.
My guess is because "finding" is being treated as distinct from teaching.
that finding time is the best time for going door-to-door to find new people to talk to. There is no other time that is practical to catch people at home. Any later and people are annoyed because they're ending their day and want to relax.
Investigators that would be brought to dinner could be taught during teaching time. Or earlier during the day. Perhaps a lunch, instead of dinner.
In my mission in Chile we ate dinner at 10:00 pm, slept at 11 pm, and woke at 7 am.
The southern California policy is exactly one that Matt has reccomended.
I think there are two good reasons to implement the policy change as they are in southern California. While member referals is a good way to find, there is zero evidence connecting member referals to missionary meals.
I have the backup potential excuse of making sure my brother-in-law is present at the meal. If this was likely to be a real teaching appointment with dinner it might not be so bad. However in the past the reality has been that such appointments were tacking on someone of another faith to have a dinner, and although a few lead to conversions those were few and far between. In fact it is probably far better for the members to introduce the Church to their friends of other faiths, be it at in home dinners or other places, at their own pace and then only invite the missionaries over when they feel their friend is ready to be taught, instead of shoeing their friend in to be able to feed the missionaries.
Lastly, stable meals are in general a good idea. So since consistent meals with those you teach is not a culturally reasonable expectation in California, it is better to set up a plan of either eitrly or late dinner, or both, connected with focused working in these keys hours.
Lastly, I would not in President Hinckley's statements he did not say every new investigator needed a friend before becoming such, they only need such by baptism. In my experience dinner appointments had a high tendency to run longer than planned and to disrupt exchanges with members they were key to developing these connections of fiendship between potential members and existing members.
Lastly I remember one time when the missionaries wanted to have a recent convert come over to our house for dinner with them, but my wife vetoed the plan. If you want to both fellowship a person of another faith with food and have them learn from the missionaries, there is no reason that the missionaries have to be there during the fellowshipping with food portion of that interaction. And if you feel that this plan deprives the missionaries of food that they need from you on their limited dudget, I am sure that neither the mission president nor the missionaries themselves will object to you giving them food to take home and eat either later that night or the next day when they are done teaching the person you fellowshipped with food in your house.
We need to stop viewing missionaries as the glue to all fellowshipping and start realizing that the key fellowshipping musth be done by the members. In my branch it has clearly been helped by no longer having stake service missionaries who fear to be within the city boundaries of Detroit after dark. Some days I tired of Utah expatriates being afraid to come to my house.
It's a sad time for Catholics, Paris, French, historians, humanity, people of faith. That structure is so iconic and meaningful to millions.
That acknowledged, like when we in our faith lose buildings, the questions of what is done for humanity versus the buildings that house them during worship...
Over time many who no longer practice religion still hold their houses of worship as revered relics. This certainly has occurred in many countries with aged faiths.
Hopefully the silver lining in this awful fire is that people of all faiths will buckle down humbly and refocus their prayers and efforts to build up their respective places of worship and the people that they minister to.
Over thirty years ago the finding was different, I was in a metro with about the population of Provo with part of Orem. We typically used the recommended schedule, dinners with members were not common but appointments with members to teach discussions was and that was to familiarize the members with the content of the discussions, having recently at that time going from what was called the 'rainbows' to individual booklets and there were still six lessons.
Those discussions were used until Preach My Gospel.
The worst time to do anything was after 8 on a Thursday night. 630pm Monday-Friday was a big secondary time to not try anything. TV shows (Wheel of Fortune was the 630pm show).
Today broadcast and cable TV is much more fragmented with additional options like Netflix and similar so unless it is a major national event of general interest you have to see THEN you can more readily schedule a visit. News is on in SoCal between 5-7pm and the only other time is a major local sporting event where things may not be optimal. There still are people that will not get home until after 7 due to that backup on the freewa or something if they commute north or south in southern San Diego County/Southern San Diego County.
Northern California especially SF it is worse the farther out you live, as the commuter pool goes much further out to the 99 even and some go to SF from as far out as Manteca, traffic can be bad any hour from 4am-11pm.
But both the change in the entertainment landscape and the general work landscape have made it a complex thing to figure out just when the best times to do things are in an area.
Southern California has found what works for them, but the old adage applies to everyone else who has to wrestle with this, your mileage may vary.
Wow this is a strange layout its awesome the colours white, green and red against the grain coloured backdrop all seem to pop out at me Luke 3D I have never seen this before. I like it keep it up. It all appears on my phone this way, don't know about yours. I was actually keen to read the statistics info but obviously been distracted.
In terms of slower growth, I do wonder if local church dynamics keeps growth from increasing. Once an area grows to a critical mass and a local "church culture" develops, then members become complacent and feel in some ways the church is "big enough" in their area to see the vision to grow the church more.
Also local group dynamics may lead to unspoken rules and customs that can turn people off from joining the church.
Speaking of dinner time schedules, we were not dependent on members feeding us but we paid locals to feed us during non-proselitzing hours. Chileans still liked to give us foid, however.
It looks like Dominica had many people move? Or remove their names...
Funny how one place's 0.00 growth is the highest for some time while another is slowest, at the same number.
I hate to say it, but I have known some members of ward or branch councils who seemed to have the attitude they would not try at all to reach out to a member who had gone inactive who past outreach efforts had failed with. While we do want to avoid being overbearing, in one case I have in mind it was a general declaration of no intent at all to reach out.
Some attitudes like that make me think that we may need to change unit boundaries even more often than we do at present to break up networks of inaction.
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