Why Community

We believe the second great commandment calls us to constantly reach out in love to those around us

In a world that feels increasingly divided and distracted, our neighborhoods have the potential to become sanctuaries of connection, peace, and purpose. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors. When we take that literally—when we love our actual neighbors—we begin to build Zion right where we live. True community isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the foundation for joy, resilience, and spiritual growth.

Attending church, volunteering in your congregation, and participating in church activities are all good and necessary—but they aren’t the same as real community. Those things can connect us within our congregations, but true Zion requires connections that go beyond church boundaries and Sunday meetings. The gospel isn’t just meant to organize us; it’s meant to knit our hearts together.

When we step outside the chapel and into our neighborhoods—talking across fences, sharing meals, helping with yardwork, and showing up for one another—we begin to live the gospel in the way Christ intended.

Why it matters

Why Build Zion Communities?

Life Is Happier

Research and lived experience both tell the same story: we’re happier, healthier, and more hopeful when we feel connected to those around us. A friendly wave, a shared meal, or a helping hand from a neighbor does more than brighten a day—it strengthens hearts and homes.

Answering the Savior’s Call

When Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor,” He didn’t mean metaphorically. He meant the people on your left and right—the ones whose driveways you see and whose names you may not yet know. Loving them is how discipleship becomes real.

Zion Begins on Our Street

We often talk about building Zion as a future event, but it starts in our own neighborhoods. Zion isn’t just a place—it’s a people who are “of one heart and one mind.” When we know, serve, and care for each other, we lay the foundation for the kind of society the Savior will return to.

Healing Loneliness and Isolation

Utah ranks among the loneliest states in the nation, even though it’s filled with good people and strong faith. The problem isn’t lack of belief—it’s lack of connection. Real community heals that ache. When we reach out, we remind each other that we belong.

Preparing for the Savior's Return

The scriptures teach that before Christ returns, His people must be ready—spiritually united and temporally prepared. Building community is part of that preparation. Strong, faith-filled neighborhoods will be ready to lift and support one another through challenges, change, and joy alike.

Strengthening Families & Faith

Our homes grow stronger when our neighborhoods do. Children learn empathy, service, and courage by seeing it modeled close to home. Parents find support. Seniors find purpose. And faith deepens as we live the gospel together—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week.