Building God’s Kingdom Online: 2021 Year in Review

In 2021, the mission to amplify the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached new heights through innovative digital platforms and collaborative marketing efforts. From the bustling streets of Oakland to the historical landmarks of Rome, these initiatives embodied the spirit of D&C 58:26-28, empowering individuals to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause.”

Here’s a look back at the transformative strides made in 2021 and the enduring impact of these efforts.

Expanding the Reach: A Global Mission

The digital tools launched in 2021 were designed to extend the invitation of the Gospel to millions worldwide. With five new temple-focused websites and an emphasis on making Visitors’ Centers more accessible, these projects helped bridge the gap between sacred spaces and curious hearts.

2021 Highlights:

• Over 2.4 million people reached, with a majority being friends who are not members of the faith.
• Innovative systems for scheduling tours and visits at Visitors’ Centers.
• Creative marketing strategies for temple open houses and events.

Oakland Temple: A Model of Growth

TempleHill.org, first launched in 2020, continued to flourish as a beacon for members and friends alike. The site not only showcased the Oakland Temple’s beauty but also connected the local community through uplifting events and articles.

Key Achievements:

• 96,122 unique visitors – a 137% increase from the previous year.
• 1.2+ million friends reached.
• Email subscribers grew from 900 to 3,600, with above-average engagement rates.

By unifying marketing efforts and leveraging platforms like social media, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, TempleHill.org achieved its goal of making the temple a cornerstone of spiritual and cultural life in Oakland.

Mesa Temple: A Grand Reopening

2021 marked the rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple and the grand opening of its Visitors’ Center. MesaTemple.org played a crucial role in promoting the temple’s open house, helping to book over 418,000 open house tickets and reaching over 1.2 million people.

Key Innovations:

• Seamless online scheduling with an Eventbrite integration.
• Social media campaigns that reached over 320,000 people.
• A growing email list, now surpassing 50,000 subscribers.

The Mesa Temple also climbed to #2 on TripAdvisor’s “Things to Do in Mesa,” reflecting the success of its outreach efforts.

Rome Temple: Welcoming the World

TempioDiRoma.org was launched in December 2021 as a multilingual platform to invite visitors to the Rome Italy Temple. Designed to cater to a global audience, the site showcases the temple’s majesty, history, and spiritual significance.

Key Features:

• A friend-facing design to make all visitors feel welcome.
• Multilingual content to accommodate international tourists.
• Collaborative development with European church leaders and communications teams.

Washington D.C. Temple: Preparing for a Grand Return

With the Washington D.C. Temple Open House on the horizon, 2021 saw the relaunch of DCTemple.org. The redesigned site features enhanced scheduling tools, improved reporting systems, and translations for a broader audience.

What’s Next?

• A VIP reservation system for preview weeks.
• Strategic marketing campaigns to invite friends to the open house.

A Unified Vision for Digital Outreach

Across all projects, the unifying thread has been collaboration, between local members, missionaries, and church leaders. These digital platforms serve not just as information hubs but as welcoming gateways for millions to experience the Church’s message of hope and belonging.

Shared Milestones:

• Social Media Growth: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube were leveraged to engage new audiences, with combined reaches in the hundreds of thousands.
• Search Engine Success: A 59% increase in search engine presence across all websites ensured the temples remained discoverable to those searching for meaning and connection.
• Event-Driven Engagement: Events like David Archuleta’s Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra concert and the Mesa Temple Open House demonstrated the power of blending digital tools with in-person experiences.

Looking Ahead

The progress in 2021 is just the beginning. As these websites continue to grow, so does the opportunity to share the light of Christ with the world. From engaging friends to uplifting local communities, these efforts are a testament to the potential of being “anxiously engaged in a good cause.”

Together, we build not just websites but bridges, connecting hearts to temples, faith, and God.

Discover More:

• Explore the Oakland Temple: TempleHill.org
• Visit the Mesa Temple: MesaTemple.org
• Experience the Rome Temple: TempioDiRoma.org
• Prepare for the Washington D.C. Temple Open House: DCTemple.org

Let’s continue this remarkable journey of faith and connection.