Historian Benjamin Park joins religion journalist Jana Riess and scholar Taylor Petrey to examine a paradox in new Pew Research Center data: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is gaining converts while losing more members raised in the faith. The inaugural episode of *This Month in Mormon History* analyzes how these seemingly contradictory trends fit together.

The discussion explores retention challenges among second and third-generation Latter-day Saints even as missionary work brings new members into the Church. The scholars examine what the data reveals about generational differences in faith commitment and the Church's ability to hold lifelong members versus converts.

The video has drawn 8,974 views in its first 24 hours and 102 comments. Park, Riess, and Petrey are established voices in Mormon studies, with Riess known for her research on Latter-day Saint demographics and faith transitions.