President Oaks Invites Youth and Young Adults to Attend Seminary and Institute as Enrollment Surpasses 1 Million

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting youth and young adults worldwide to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ through seminary and institute — an invitation that is already shaping a historic moment.

Institute

Originally shared in English during a recent worldwide devotional and now available in additional languages, this invitation encourages young adults to consistently attend institute, promising that doing so will bring “the Savior’s peace, joy and divine love.”

For many, that promise is already being realized. “[Before college,] I understood who the Savior was and what He could do for me, but I don’t think I ever believed it. I feel like institute provided me that ability to be able to learn exactly who He is specifically for me,” said Gredadeline Jules, an institute student from Herriman, Utah.

That sense of peace is something others have felt as well. “Having that peace and spiritual getaway [and] that opportunity to kind of collect myself and think about the gospel in a more casual setting strengthened my relationship with my Savior,” said Ian Watabe, an institute student from Fresno, California.

Seminary

President Oaks has also issued a direct invitation to youth, urging them to “make seminary a priority” and teaching that as they attend, they will “feel God’s love,” “find answers,” deepen their testimony of Jesus Christ and gain strength to prepare for the future. He further invites them to continue that pattern by attending institute.

That consistent focus can shape lasting conversion. “Seminary really helps … because it just gives you a place to grow closer to Christ every single day,” said Elijah McLennan, a seminary student from Visalia,

California.

Together, these invitations emphasize consistent gospel learning and gathering as a foundation for faith, direction and belonging.

Download Photo

A Momentum of Growth

That message comes at a historic time. Enrollment in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion has now surpassed 1 million students worldwide for the first time — an unprecedented milestone in the program’s history.

The growth reflects youth and young adults across the globe choosing to study the scriptures, strengthen their relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and gather in communities centered on the Savior. In recent years, enrollment has grown by over 200,000 students, including tens of thousands of additional friends from other faiths.

That sense of belonging is a defining part of the experience for many youth and young adults. “[Institute] was like a sanctuary for me to make new friends and to build connections with people and also just learn about the Savior and His Atonement,” said Molly Murphy, an institute student from Pinedale, Wyoming.

Leaders point to the power of simple invitations — from prophets and peers — as a driving force behind the increase. As President Oaks’ invitation continues to spread, youth and young adults are responding — coming to learn of Christ, gathering with others and inviting all to be one in a million.

Parents and leaders of youth can now register for seminary using the all-new MySeminary site, which serves as a centralized, public-facing landing page where parents, students and leaders can access information, engage with programs, receive timely updates and complete enrollment. Leaders will also notice updates to Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) that provide improved reporting and tools to monitor, support and assist seminary participation.