The Real Potential for Growth of the FamilySearch Family Tree

In every single Stake, Ward, District or Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world, the greatest potential for growth for the FamilySearch.org Family Tree lies with those members who do not yet have their own four generations entered into the Family Tree. This simple statement is supported by the statistics quoted by President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson during the Family Discovery Day at RootsTech 2017. Much of this potential growth lies outside of the United States.

The solution to adding these mostly readily available names to the Family Tree is also available in the form of the My Family: Stories that bring us together booklet that is available in multiple languages. For those using the Family Tree program for the first time, there is a one-to-one interface between the booklet and the Family Tree program. Those members who need assistance in filling out the booklet or in entering the information into the Family Tree program online can seek help from local Temple and Family History Consultants or from local Family History Centers.

As I have talked with Temple and Family History Consultants and local Church leaders over the past few years since the My Family booklet was introduced, I have pointed out the obvious fact that increased Temple attendance and other benefits will accrue from simply having all of their members fill out the booklet and enter the names into the Family Tree. Stake Leaders presently get a report that shows the exact percentage of people who have not yet entered their first four generations into the Family Tree. All that is necessary is for the Stake and Ward leaders to identify these people and assist them in this important work.