The seminary and institute programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are growing around the world, with individual programs offered in more than 180 countries and 38 languages.
At the Nov. 23 dedication of the Logan Institute of Religion’s new building, Brother Chad H. Webb, first counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency and administrator of the Church’s seminaries and institutes of religion, said more than 108,000 new students enrolled in seminaries and institutes of religion last year, bringing the worldwide total to more than 922,000. The church expects enrollment to reach 1 million soon.
“[This is]the highest total and enrollment in history, and it is an expression of your love and gratitude for the Savior,” Brother Webb said.
This global growth is evident in Lomé, Togo, a city in the church’s West African region, where Mensah Ekue-Mate Robert, director of the Lomé Togo Campus Institute, says enrollment at the institute has nearly doubled since last year.
But Mensah doesn’t just measure the program’s success in numbers.
“Institute is becoming more than just a weekly class, it is becoming an important part of students’ spiritual foundation and daily discipleship,” he said.
Mensah said attendance has become more consistent, student participation has increased, and more students are bringing friends to class.
“These indicators show that our students are not just attending, but are connecting more deeply with the purpose of their school.”
Mensah also said more students are preparing to attend the temple and serve missions.
One former student who is currently serving as a missionary sent Mensah a message to share with current students.
“I would like to tell you that I don’t really regret joining the Institute,” Elder wrote. “It’s been very helpful to my mission.”
Mensah said many students find the institute a “spiritual haven, a place where they feel understood, supported and inspired.”
Regarding the Institute, one student from Lomé said, “This is one of the places where I can be vulnerable and speak my mind freely.”
Mensah said more students are taking on service projects, social activities and personal learning assignments.
One such activity was a devotional that brought together 200 young single adults from three stakes in Lomé to learn about what the Institute has to offer.
Poda Diornité, French regional director of the West African Seminary and Institute, attended the September 29 devotional, which he said was a discussion of “how to draw close to the Savior and truly become His friend.”
“I was deeply grateful for the privilege of being part of such a great YSA who will be Togo’s future leaders,” he said. “At every YSA, I could see faith, hope, and greatness emerging.”
Mensah said the institute is one of the best ways to help build the spiritual foundation of a new generation.
“Beyond doctrinal learning, the Institute helps students apply gospel principles to real-life challenges, education, career, family, and discipleship.”
