News Release

President Nelson Extends Video Invitations to Enroll in Seminary and Institute 

Prophet promises life-changing blessings for youth and young adults who regularly participate in Church religious education programs

Nelson-Seminary-Institute-2023
Nelson-Seminary-Institute-2023
President Russell M. Nelson invites youth and young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to attend seminary and institute and promises life-changing blessings for those who enroll and regular participate. 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is inviting youth and young adults to enroll in seminary and institute, promising life-changing blessings for those who enroll, attend regularly and study the scriptures daily. 

In two videos released globally, the Prophet issued separate, personal invitations to attend the Church’s two religious education programs: seminary, the Church’s 4-year program for youth ages 14 to 18, and institute of religion, for young adults ages 18 to 30. 

Promised Blessings

In the two recorded messages, President Nelson promised that regular attendance and participation in seminary and institute will help students solve problems in their lives, make decisions and find answers to their questions. Students also will feel a sense of belonging, increase faith in Jesus Christ, and find guidance and direction from the Holy Ghost as they study the scriptures and words of modern-day prophets together, he said. 

“Seminary will help you to know your Savior, Jesus Christ, and deepen your conversion to Him and to His restored gospel,” he told youth. “What else can happen? In seminary, you can begin to learn how to receive personal revelation. And what a difference that will make in your life! You can learn how the Spirit speaks to you!” (Personal Invitation to Attend Seminary). 

Read full text and download video.
View on Gospel Stream app.

Addressing young adults, President Nelson said that “attending institute will help you to feel more of Heavenly Father’s great love for you. Institute will offer you inspiring instructors, faithful friends, and a feeling of belonging. It will help you to see why living the gospel leads to never-ending happiness. Attending institute will help you to live the gospel and to feel more joy — right now” (Personal Invitation to Attend Institution). 

Read full text and download video.
View on Gospel Stream app.

Seminary and institute programs help tell the story of the Savior and His restored gospel, invite others to come unto Him, and help prepare young people for their future roles and duties in the Church, in their families and in society. 

In 2022, President M. Russell Ballard, then Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said a Church study on the impact of seminary, institute, and Church colleges “showed that seminary was the leading influence on lifelong Church activity, testimony, feelings of belonging, feeling the Spirit, and personal devotion and family devotion” (“Seminary Blessed My Life,” (2022 S&I Annual Training Broadcast).

institute
institute
Young adults attend a Nagoya Japan Institute class.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“I am grateful that President Nelson extended his invitations to youth and young adults to attend Seminary and Institute,” said Chad Webb, Seminary and Institute of Religion Administrator. “Every day, lives are being changed for good as students deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and study His gospel in our classes. It’s exciting to see that both seminary and Institute are growing in numbers of participants.” 

In fact, the Church’s Seminaries and Institutes Department reports that not only are more students enrolling and staying, especially in places where the Church is new or growing, but also: 

  • Students and teachers are making better use of technology and online resources, such as videos, podcasts, apps, and websites. 
  • More coordination and cooperation with local leaders, parents, and teachers are helping to ensure students get what they need and want. 
  • More chances for service and leadership, both in and out of the Church, are helping students grow their talents and skills and have a positive impact in the world. 
  • Stronger testimonies and conversions are happening as students apply the lessons and teachings they learn to their personal lives and challenges. 

“President Nelson shared a number of remarkable blessings that come to those that participate,” said Webb. “We hope that everyone will take advantage of this amazing opportunity and receive the promised blessings.” 

seminary
seminary
Youth in Brazil attend seminary.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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How to Get Involved in Seminary 

A handy program for parents and youth leaders lets them see and monitor their youths’ experiences in seminary, mySeminary gives parents and youth leaders the ability to check important details about how their youths are doing in seminary. To sign up and find out more about seminary, visit mySeminary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.  

My-seminary
My-seminary
mySeminary gives parents and youth leaders the ability to check important details about how their youths are doing in seminary.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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How to Get Involved in Institute 

myInstitute is available to help young adults learn about Institute, find courses and Institute buildings near them, enroll in institute, learn about activities and events, and manage contact preferences. 

Institute
Institute
myInstitute is available to help young adults learn about Institute, find courses and Institute buildings near them, enroll in institute, learn about activities and events, and manage contact preferences. 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“Institute exists so you can become a successful Latter-day Saint,” President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said. “So, we won’t be telling you to take institute nearly as much as we’ll be inviting you to allow institute to take you” (“The Institute Journey: To Take or Be Taken?” Young Adult Europe and Africa Area Devotional, Mar. 7, 2021). 

Young Adults are invited to begin their institute journey at myInstitute.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and share any feedback.

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