Do Missionary numbers tell the story on growth?

[_jon]

The new senior missionary policy comes as the church watches its missionary ranks thin from a high of 61,638 volunteers in 2002 to 52,483 in 2010.
(Trib Article about Senior Missions becoming more flexible)

It would appear from the numbers that the Church's efforts to spread the message are diminishing in terms of full time missionary numbers.
That might go some way to explaining the current groundswell of encouragement being given to internet savvy Mormons to 'preach' online.

So, does the future of Church proselytising belong with feet on the ground, or will this self employed unpaid workforce continue with it's less than successful hit rate?

Does a 17% reduction in Missionary numbers during a time when the Church presented increased membership numbers show the truth - that activity is an ever decreasing circle?

[_Jason Bourne]

At a recent stake meeting our SP related information from a meeting he has just attended with the area authority and other SPs.

There is a strong emphasis on rescuing inactives.

Inactivity rates are high.

Our stake he said is better than many at 44%. We do have a branch at 35%. Also we had a ward at about 30% or so until they carved off parts of three bordering wards that were stronger and put some more active members in this other ward.

He also said church wide is about 30%.

[_jon]

At a recent stake meeting our SP related information from a meeting he has just attended with the area authority and other SPs.

There is a strong emphasis on rescuing inactives.

Inactivity rates are high.

Our stake he said is better than many at 44%. We do have a branch at 35%. Also we had a ward at about 30% or so until they carved off parts of three bordering wards that were stronger and put some more active members in this other ward.

He also said church wide is about 30%.

That would put the number of active Mormons at less than five million.
Sounds about right. No wonder money's tight...