As Jesus Christ taught as you cast in your net it does not always catch good fish, but all different kinds of fish. There are those members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that are like the "good fish" and will remain steadfast and steady members with strong testimonies and they will strive to live the standards of the church. Nevertheless, there are the "bad fish" that are not fruitful, but fall away. Aside from that there are many problems that face The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon).
The "good fish"
For the most part The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, otherwise called by outsiders The Mormon Church continues to grow steadily throughout the world. It is well documented that the average "Mormon" has a life expectancy that far out spans most individuals. This is attributed by most Latter Day Saints to their "clean living". In essence to their lifestyle of living The Word of Wisdom-basically no coffee, tea, alcohol or tobacco. Nevertheless it is more than that. Many saints try to eat food as unrefined as possible. Latter Day Saints are different the from many trends towards vegetarianism. They do eat meat, but in moderation. The result is an expanded life expectancy.
Many people in the church observe the church precepts and traditions, such as virtuous living, not dating until sixteen years of age, going on missions, marrying young, getting an education, and having large families. In general the average marriage in the church is long, satisfying, and prolific.
The "bad fish"
Yet there are the "bad fish" that are caught and are thrown back into the sea. Sometimes these fishes are too young to be good eating fish and those return and may be better at living the gospel and appreciating it later in life. Nevertheless there are those bony fish that have very little substance in themselves and do not satisfy, in turn are the "bad fish".
Those members represent various categories: Those who grow up in the church and chose not to live it, those whose ideals are in direct opposition to church precepts, those whose cultural backgrounds are dissimilar to the majority of "old" church members, and those who join for various reasons that are not related to spiritual learning.
Then there is the challenge of proximity. As the church grows many of the ills that attacked early Christians exist now. As a worldwide church it is incumbent upon local leaders to lead the flock. There are some flocks that resist being led by church leadership.
One Latter Day Saint Scripture in the Book of Mormon states "all is well". It gives many warnings about those who would say that all is well. In 2Nephi28:21-22 the verse warns "others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well-and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
(22)And behold others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none-and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. There are many parents in the church whose hearts are broken by the unbelief of their children. Like the father in the "Prodigal Son" they await the return of their children from squandering their inheritance. Many of these young people are lured away by carnal desires and resistance to living a life that they see as restrictive. Sometimes children are torn between two worlds when they live with one parent that is not a member of the church.
Again there are those of the membership who would have the church and its leaders change for them. As can be seen throughout church history even in the face of opposition the church does not change policy unless charged by the Lord. Many members have faced persecution and disdain about church principles in the past and present. Nevertheless "it is what it is." As the world changes its views on such subject as marriage and family it can be seen that the church "follows its own drummer" on these issues.
For example, in 1995 before the subject of "family" was distinguished in the public arena the church put out a rare "proclamation" titled-"The Family: A Proclamation to the World". In this address to the world the first Presidency and Council of the twelve apostles(that consist of the prophet of the church, at that time President Gordon B. Hinckley, his two counselors, and the twelve members of the apostleship)stated several principles about marriage, identity, and the family that are distinctly different from world views.
Then again there are many cultural ills that are attacking the family and marriage which are now touching many latter day saint lives. As it becomes easier to acquire a divorce many lives are shattered by this plague and the church is not immune, although the percentage is lower.
There are also new members who find it difficult to make the great change from a culture that is loud and gregarious to a world of quiet living. For some the baptism is literally by fire, the change is so dramatic. Some are ready for change, others are not and quickly fall away. Others distance themselves gradually as they encounter difficulties in living a life different from the outside world and that requires so much. For example, some people who habitually drink coffee,tea, and alcohol find it hard to turn away from these carnal habits.
Another problem that now faces the church and the world is the degradation and deterioration of society as a whole. Drugs, promiscuity, crime, and gang violence is a major factor that is spreading its tentacles throughout. Like the "Gadianton robbers" described in the Book of Mormon we will be faced with much sorrow as the violence that is perpetuated will have a direct effect on all people if not dealt with effectively.
As the world becomes more expensive to live in also, the economy will have a direct effect on missionary work. The "average Joe" will have to step up and make more of a concerted effort to share the gospel. It will not always be possible for the missionaries to travel where they usually did.
Nevertheless the church has managed to grow, prosper, and retain its identity through good times and bad. Whether welcomed or unwelcome the leadership has been steadfast and sure as they have led the church through many trials and difficulties. Surely under the leadership of the new prophet, seer, and revelator, Thomas S. Monson, his counselors and the Quorum of the twelve apostles the church will come through refined and perservering.