By Carrie Welch, Council of Twelve Apostles
Do not be discouraged. You have not been promised an easy path, but you have been assured that the Spirit that calls you will also accompany you. That Spirit is even now touching alive the souls of those who feel the passion of discipleship burning deeply within. Many others will respond if you are persistent in your witness and diligent in your mission to the world.
As I’ve been traveling across the United States, I’ve noticed a growing movement—an intentional effort to engage younger voices and empower emerging leaders. This isn’t simply about asking younger people to carry forward the same work in the same ways. Instead, it reflects curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experiment with new expressions of ministry and community.
In recent weeks, I’ve witnessed several meaningful examples. A young adult has been hired to serve as a mission center president in California, signaling trust in new perspectives at significant levels of leadership. Another emerging leader, who remained deeply connected to their congregation throughout college, was recently invited to share their voice on a leadership panel for the first time. That experience sparked deeper questions and led current leaders to commit to expanding opportunities for new voices and exploring fresh expressions of church.
Our USA team is also taking practical steps. We recently created a summer internship focused on developing a social media strategy to better reach younger audiences. More significantly, we’ve begun inviting young adults to accompany us on ministry assignments. These are individuals who show curiosity, openness, and a desire to grow in leadership. Our role is not to direct every step, but to listen, encourage, and help them discover and develop their gifts.
I recently met over Zoom with a young woman I’ve known since she was a middle school neighbor of my son. She is graduating from college this year and has recently been called to the priesthood. As part of her discernment, she felt drawn to this opportunity. This summer, she will travel with me to family camp in Colorado. We will share in ministry together, including co-preaching and engaging with young adults at the camp. While she will gain valuable experience, the community will also be enriched by her perspective, stories, and faithful presence.
Across the USA team, there is a shared commitment to nurturing emerging leaders—recognizing that we are not only forming them but also being formed by their insights and vision.
This movement extends beyond our immediate team. Two young adults are leading a new online initiative, Young Adult Sundays, creating space for virtual connection and spiritual exploration each month. Retreats for young adults are also gaining momentum, bringing participants together for study, service, and fellowship. In communities across the country, grassroots gatherings are emerging organically around shared passions, social justice, service, and meaningful community.
All of this gives me hope. The future of the church is being shaped through these relationships, risks, and responses. As we engage emerging leaders, we are not just preparing for what’s ahead—we are already becoming something new together.
Prayer Phrase
“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).
Spiritual Community
Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.