LDS Youth Program Update: New Aims Focus on Lifelong Discipleship
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced changes on Nov. 3 that restructure goal-setting and activities for members under age 19, effective January 2027.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Latter-day Saint leaders have redefined the primary objectives for their global youth and children programs around three specific verbs: believe, belong, and become. The announcement, made on Nov. 3, shifts the focus of the program toward cultivating lifelong disciples who maintain their religious practices into adulthood rather than relying on tradition alone.
The church's Children and Youth program retains its original purpose but clarifies its intended outcomes through these new overarching aims. Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota stated that the goal remains helping children believe in Jesus Christ, belong to his church, and become more like him. These aims correspond to existing pillars of the program: gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development.
A major structural change involves a simplified model for goal-setting. Effective January 2027, the current system where youth and children set goals in four distinct areas, namely spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual, will be replaced. Young men and women will now choose or create a single monthly invitation to act on based on their study of the "For the Strength of Youth" curriculum. Children aged 8 to 11 will set one monthly goal based on their separate curriculum, which begins in January.
Sister Theresa A. Collins of the Primary general presidency described the new model as a way to connect gospel learning to personal identity. She noted that the model encourages the connection that Jesus performed a specific action and the participant is doing it too. Sister Tamara W. Runia of the Young Women general presidency added that the change empowers youth to become more independent and individual disciples. She warned that traditions alone will not be enough and said the model prepares youth to take principles and practices with them when they leave home.
The "belong" aim emphasizes unity and purpose within local congregations. Youth and children will continue gathering for service and activities, but with a specific focus on fostering a sense of belonging. Brother David J. Wunderli of the Young Men general presidency defined fostering belonging as having two aspects: helping participants feel welcome and helping them feel part of a cause. President Timothy L. Farnes of the Young Men organization said the responsibility of disciples is to ensure people feel the love of Jesus Christ through them.
Leaders are advised to use the "belong" aim as a lens for planning activities and counseling. Brother Sean R. Dixon of the Young Men general presidency suggested that planners should ask who is not present rather than only considering the preferences of those already there. He stated that focusing on this intended outcome will make activities more purposeful and intentional. Youth are also invited to hold at least one monthly activity that connects directly to their "For the Strength of Youth" lessons.
The "become" aim focuses on developing covenant disciples. Young men and women will study what it means to become covenant sons and daughters of God each month. The last Sunday of each month's lessons will include a "Become statement," a related scripture, and stories of biblical figures who exemplify these virtues. President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women organization said these resources will help youth understand their identity and the role of priesthood and covenants in their lives. The study also incorporates the specific roles of deacons, teachers, priests, and other youth leadership positions.
Church leaders emphasized that parents and local leaders play a central role in this process. President Chibota said adults are playing a very central role in helping children and youth grow in these three areas. Brother Wunderli urged adults to stand next to youth and put their arms around them, noting that young people are taking bullets out there on the front line. He said God wants adults to stand right next to them.
The church has released a Youth Tool Kit and a guide for parents and leaders to support the transition. These resources are available in the Gospel Library app and at youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The Church News website also provides a list of questions and answers, podcast episodes with the respective presidencies, and articles summarizing the adjustments for each organization.
