Why do some people go inactive after baptism?
Question
Gramps,
Why are some people baptized and become active and others baptized and become inactive ? As individuals, as wards, as missionaries, or as individual members who pay attention ?
Theodore
Answer
Dear Theodore,
Much of our success in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is learning to ask the right questions, and you have asked one of the most important questions Latter-day Saints can ask themselves.
Retaining new members is a difficult but crucial task that all members share.
President Gordon B. Hinckley gave the quintessential address on this topic in February of 1999 called “Every Convert is Precious.” He outlined three things every new convert needs:
1. A friend
2. A responsibility
3. Nourishment with the good word of God
If we are in positions of responsibility such as the teacher, advisor, bishop, or home teacher of a new convert we can help with the second two, but each and every one of us can be a friend.
Many new converts come from difficult backgrounds. These backgrounds helped them open their heart to the Gospel. But Latter-day Saints who come from backgrounds of abundance may find these new converts to be an unnatural choice for a friend. But we must open our hearts and homes and make honest connections with the new members of our wards and branches. Our friendships must go beyond a warm smile and sincere welcome in the hallway.
You must also recognize, however, that every new member will face trials of their faith, and ultimately we all have our own agency. Nothing we can do can force new converts to remain active. So we should focus instead on what we can do, be true, sincere, good friends.
Best wishes in your efforts to fellowship new members.
Gramps
On my mission we were taught why the three points talked about are so important. The Savior explained it in Matthew 12:43-45.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
When one is baptised the unclean spirit is removed and unless we help keep the individual filled with the spirit of God, and feeling needed that unclean spirit will enter back in and if he finds the place empty he will bring other spirits worst than him to dwell there in.
We need to help the Lord in the retention of new members or even those less-actives that are repenting and returning to activity, and we need to try and help those that have fallen away return so when the unclean spirit(s) come, he(they) has(have) no room to enter in. What a great blessing a friend can be, not only for this life but for eternity.
You say members who.have brought up in the gospel seem to find it hard to have a person with a much more rougherr background hard to make as a friend..in so many words…shouldont these church members who was brought up in the gospel .have the experience and knowledge to nuture these converts to become strong in the gospel.instead of living an almost selfish life of worship
I was forced into inactivity for two months because of family tension. I think being inactive is difficult, even for those who choose it. Sometimes work schedules, family conflicts, etc. keep new members away, as can health. The “why” depends on the individual, and we should always strive to be a friend and understand each person.
Next month I start my 4th year teaching Gospel Essentials. In my ward the lack of fellowship is the number one reason why new baptisms go inactive. Same deal with those trying to come back to church. Very few people talk to them.