A program that began with a simple invitation and a single building in Moscow, Idaho, in 1926, the Institute of Religion program headed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now seeing record numbers of young adults worldwide join as the program reaches its first century milestone this year.
“For 100 years, institute has helped young adults deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ, discover their divine identity and find a community of friends centered on the Savior,” states a release published on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Over the past two years, institute has added more than 100,000 students and now serves about 457,000 young adults worldwide, according to the church’s release. This “unprecedented” growth represents a 30% increase and further diversifies the program’s enrollment, which includes more than 35,000 young adults of other faiths.
What began in 1926 has now grown into a “worldwide program with more than 2,700 locations in over 170 countries,” the release states. As institute enters its second century, its “invitation remains the same as it was in that first classroom in Moscow: Come, gather with friends, learn of Jesus Christ, and experience the joy and purpose found in his gospel.”
Together with the church’s seminary program for youth, the two programs are approaching one million youth and young adults participating in religious education. Institutes around the world will celebrate the institute program’s centennial locally, while a worldwide devotional for young adults will highlight the milestone in February.
Why institute?
Institute welcomes young adults, ages 18–35, in all stages of discipleship and gospel learning, creating ample opportunities for young people to gather, learn of Jesus Christ and find belonging in a community of striving disciples.
“Whether preparing for a mission, launching a career, newly married or in any stage of life, young adults can find a place to belong, build friendships and strengthen their faith together” at institute, the church’s release states. “There is room for everyone.”
Speaking with the Deseret News just days before the Logan Institute of Religion was dedicated in November, Logan institute director Andy Bryan similarly said institute is a place where young adults can “come and belong.”
Institute is “a place where they can become their divine self,” he said. It is “a place for them to connect with people in no other way and it’s all centered on Jesus Christ.”
The original Logan institute building in Cache Valley was removed, rebuilt and remodeled to create an open and inviting space for students to feel welcome as they learn gospel principles alongside their peers. Of the new building, Bryan said it is a “not a country club for the righteous,” but rather a “sanctuary for all who want to make friends, feel safe and have joy.”
He later expressed his hope that all young adults — including those actively participating in the church and those wondering about their faith — would feel welcome to attend, explore their questions and find peace.
How institute’s century-long journey of building disciples began
The church’s global institute program traces its roots back to the 1920s, near the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. There, the church built and dedicated its first institute building, as well as appointed its first institute teacher, J. Wyley Sessions.
From that point on, institute gradually expanded as church leaders “recognized the importance of supporting young adults during pivotal seasons of faith and decision-making,” the church’s release states.
As church membership grew globally in the mid-20th century, the church strengthened and expanded its institute program alongside it, under the direction of Church Educational System leaders such as Neal A. Maxwell, Jeffrey R. Holland and Henry B. Eyring, who served consecutively as church commissioners of education.
Under their leadership, the institute program was able to clarify its curriculum, reinforce its doctrinal focus and support consistent instruction around the globe.
In more recent decades, other initiatives have helped “modernize learning environments and teaching approaches,” the church’s release states.
“Today’s institute is flexible, digital and welcoming. New courses, gathering spaces and resources — including updated scripture study tools and curriculum aligned with the church’s annual ‘Come, Follow Me’ curriculum — support Christ-centered, learner-focused, scripture-based learning around the world.”
When to watch the worldwide devotional commemorating 100 years of institute
The worldwide devotional for young adults to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the church’s institute program will be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. MDT in the Americas, and will be available for streaming Feb. 8 in other areas.
The devotional will feature Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon.
Young adults of the church and friends are invited to gather and view the devotional, which will be broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
“Young adults will have the opportunity to participate in experiences on Temple Square following the devotional,” the church’s release states. “Institute programs around the world will also gather to view the devotional and commemorate the centennial that evening or as the broadcast becomes available in their area.”
Those interested in watching the broadcast will be able to do so live and on-demand on YouTube, as well as for two weeks at broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The devotional will also be published for study and review in Gospel Library.