Understanding the Distinctions Between Active, Regular, and Inactive Members in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the LDS Church, categorizes its members into three distinct groups based on their involvement and participation: active members, regular members, and inactive members. These distinctions are important to understand, as they reflect the diverse range of circumstances that members experience.

Active Members vs. Inactive Members

Active members regularly attend Sunday meetings and participate in the Church's activities, while inactive members do not attend Sunday meetings. The terms have evolved over time to be more compassionate and empathetic, with 'inactive' being gradually replaced with 'less active.' This change acknowledges that not attending meetings does not necessarily reflect one's worth or commitment to the faith.

Historical Context and Terminology

Decades ago, the Church encouraged the use of the term 'less active' instead of 'inactive.' 'Inactive' had become a slur, implying that members could be divided into 'good' and 'bad.' The term 'less active' shows more compassion and understanding, highlighting that there are many reasons a member might not attend regularly.

Reasons for Inactivity:

Personal circumstances (e.g., caring for a loved one) External commitments (e.g., military service, retail work) Health issues (e.g., illness or injury) Personal or faith-related challenges

Compassion and Empathy

It is important to recognize that each member's situation is unique. For instance, the author describes their own experience, where they stopped attending meetings because their spouse was battling cancer. They chose not to go just to attend meetings, knowing their presence would stress their wife further. Instead, they watched church on Zoom to support their spouse.

Regular Members: A Middle Ground

Regular members fall between active and inactive members. They attend church once a month, which is the minimum requirement to meet policy standards.

Historical Policy and Attendance Requirements

In the past, students at Brigham Young University were required to maintain regular attendance to receive a bishop's endorsement. Regular attendance, defined as one Sunday per month, was a lower threshold to encourage engagement. This standard has since remained relatively unchanged, with the goal being weekly participation unless medically constrained or due to unique circumstances.

Roles and Responsibilities

The role of bishops and stake presidents involves evaluating membership for callings and temple recommendations, but this does not mean they are nit-picking. Their responsibilities include assessing members' fitness for certain positions within the Church. However, most calling assignments, such as Sunday school teachers, do not require evaluating other members.

Encouraging Judgement with Caution

The Church advises against making judgments about others, as suggested by Jesus' words, 'judge not, lest ye be judged.' This is especially true when it comes to attendance, as external factors can significantly impact a member's ability to attend regularly.

Ecclesiastical Judgement and Missionary Responsibility

While bishops and stake presidents have the responsibility to make certain judgments, their role is not to scrutinize every action of their members. The phrase 'Every member a missionary' emphasizes the importance of each individual in spreading the gospel, but there has never been a statement similar to 'Every member a bishop.' Encouraging members to focus on their own responsibilities and personal growth is key to maintaining a healthy Church environment.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between active, regular, and inactive members helps foster a more compassionate and inclusive Church community. By recognizing the diversity of circumstances and showing empathy, we can better support our fellow members and build a stronger, more unified faith community.