Lesson 2: Standards of the Stake

Key Insights

Culture & Vision:

  - The stake aims to build a culture grounded in genuine Christlike love, united in vision, with deep faith in Jesus Christ.

  - The culture encourages doing hard things in faith and expecting miracles as the work is directed by the Lord.

  - Gathering scattered Israel is a central challenge, but with the Lord's help, miracles are expected.

Stake Standards (Benchmarks):

  - Standards represent the minimally acceptable levels (“par”) for church activity, based on church-wide averages.

  - These were set collaboratively with the area authority, mission president, temple president, and leaders from six stakes.

Specific Standards and Goals:

  - Temple Recommend: Reach 75% of active, endowed members holding valid temple recommends.

  - Sacrament Meeting Attendance: Increase to 50% of total membership attending sacrament meetings at least 1–2 times per month.

  - Prospective Elders Advancement: Advance 10% of prospective elders per unit each year (around 5–7 per year per unit).

  - Youth on Mission: Have at least 50% of eligible young men serve missions each year.

  - Convert Baptisms: Achieve 300 convert baptisms per year across the stake.

-Implementation Timeline:

  - These goals are set over a three-year period, starting from 2023 (year one) through 2026.

  - Progress is collective across all six stakes in the coordinating council.

Underlying Belief:

  - Faith, unity, and reliance on the Lord are essential for achieving these benchmarks.

  - The standards are not only about numbers but preparing the stake for future growth and the blessings of the next temple.

This course will equip leaders and members with a clear understanding of the stake’s direction, practical goals, and faith-centered approach to church growth and member engagement.