Young Australians Gather in Friendship and Faith

On any given weeknight, a group of young members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sydney, Australia gather to attend Institute (place of religious education). 

They attend Institute for religious instruction and discussion, but they also attend for the feeling of friendship.

According to Bishop Jared Jacobsen, lay leader of a congregation in the Sydney suburb of Carlingford especially for 18- to 35-year-old singles, “There is a feeling in Institute that welcomes all. This special feeling of unity and the blessing of having a temple nearby gives the ward (congregation) purpose and direction.”

After attending Institute, many of these young adults move to an area known as a gathering space. Gathering spaces provide a place for barbeques, classes, game playing, simply hanging out, and a place to bring friends.

Bishop Jacobsen continues, “The recent addition of the gathering space at Buckland House has been a game changer for increasing the feeling of unity and friendship as the young single adults now have a dedicated space to learn, grow, and socialise together.”

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This combination of attending Institute and being in the gathering space has created a new culture for these young single adults.  A culture where young adults can feel at ease, connect with other young adults and create a sense of home.

“I am so excited to see these wonderful young adults continue to increase their faith and testimony as they engage in the activities designed especially for them”, says Bishop Jacobsen.

For this congregation of young adults, the combination of a gathering space and an Institute has helped strengthen members and made it more inviting for those learning about the Church of Jesus Christ.

Over the last ten months, activity rates have jumped from approximately 30 attendees to over 80 attendees and five young people have joined the Church of Jesus Christ.  Attending Institute classes has helped those learning about the faith to increase their understanding and to develop friendships.

Gerrit W. Gong, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has said, “We each look for sociality and opportunities to contribute. We all need a safe place to ask and seek, a safe place to learn and live gospel doctrine and Church culture.”