Russell M. Nelson, president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with his counselors in the First Presidency and all members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, can now be found on Instagram, a social media platform used by 1 billion people around the world.
Church leaders’ use of Instagram demonstrates a desire to reach and minister to people all over the world. Eighty percent of Instagram users live outside the United States, and more members of the Church live outside the U.S. than in it. The Church’s global focus is also evident in President Nelson’s worldwide travels and personal ministry to people in many nations.
Sharing messages of the Savior’s love, hope, encouragement, and prophetic guidance on Instagram will also better reach the youth of the world, as 72 percent of teenagers use Instagram every day. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 31 also make up a large demographic of Instagram users, and Church leaders have a strong interest in listening to and connecting with them.
“We have been tremendously blessed in recent years to reach people around the globe with messages that promote faith in Jesus Christ in ways that simply were not possible when I was a young man — or even a young father,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson, chair of the Church’s Communications Services Committee. “These advancements in communication are a blessing. We expect to continue to utilize digital channels — such as Instagram — that best help us in our desire to share the Savior’s message of hope, love and peace.”
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are using Instagram to share the light of Jesus Christ and personal experiences that have taught them more about the principles of the gospel. Below are links to their Instagram handles.
They also have accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Leaders of the Church’s Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations are also sharing their experiences and ministry using individual Facebook accounts.