You’ve seen him build a snow shelter in the middle of a sub-zero Alaskan night. You’ve probably watched him catch massive catfish or teach his boys how to start a fire with nothing but a few sticks. Luke Nichols, the face of the massive Outdoor Boys YouTube channel, has always felt like that cool, incredibly capable uncle everyone wishes they had. But lately, people aren't just asking about his bushcraft skills. They’re asking: is Luke Nichols Mormon?
Honestly, it's not a secret anymore. Luke is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
While he doesn’t spend his videos preaching or trying to convert his 18 million subscribers, his faith is basically the engine behind everything he does. If you look closely at his older videos or follow his recent career moves, the evidence is everywhere. In fact, just this past December, he took on a massive new role within the church that pretty much confirms where his heart is.
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The Viral Appointment to the Young Men General Advisory Council
Back in May 2024, Luke broke a lot of hearts when he announced he was stepping back from his YouTube channel. He was worried about the "overwhelming" fame and what it was doing to his family’s privacy. People wondered what he’d do next. Go back to being a full-time lawyer? Just disappear into the woods?
Well, on December 1, 2025, we got a big answer. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that Luke Nichols was appointed to the Young Men General Advisory Council.
This isn't just some local volunteer gig. He is one of 14 men chosen to help lead and advise the church's programs for boys aged 12 to 18 on a global level. He’s working alongside people like Derral Eves, the executive producer of The Chosen. It makes total sense, right? Who better to teach young men about resilience, self-reliance, and getting off their phones than the guy who literally wrote the book on surviving the wilderness?
A Lifelong Commitment to the LDS Faith
Luke didn't just find religion once he got famous. His ties to the Mormon faith go way back.
- The Mission: When he was 19, Luke served a two-year full-time mission for the church in Fukuoka, Japan. That’s why you’ll occasionally hear him bust out some impressive Japanese in his videos.
- Education: He attended Brigham Young University (BYU), which is the flagship university for the LDS Church. That’s also where he met his wife, Rebecca.
- Family Values: The church puts a massive emphasis on "Eternal Families," and you can see that in how Luke treats his sons—Tom, Nathan, and Jacob. He’s always teaching them, always checking on their comfort, and famously canceled a high-stakes trip once because one of the boys wasn't feeling 100%.
Some eagle-eyed viewers even spotted his "garments" (special underclothing worn by adult members of the church) in a few frames of his camping videos over the years. He’s never been flashy about it, but he’s never hidden it either.
Why He Left YouTube for His Faith
In his "Goodbye" video, Luke mentioned that "even good things can be taken too far." He felt that the sheer scale of the Outdoor Boys channel was pulling him away from what mattered most. He actually said, "My faith and my family are much more important to me."
Transitioning into a leadership role within the church seems to be his way of giving back. For many LDS fans, Luke is a bit of a hero because he walked away from millions of dollars in ad revenue to focus on service. He’s basically the modern-day version of a pioneer, just with better camping gear and a GoPro.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think that because he's "Mormon," his life must be strictly controlled or that he’s trying to push a secret agenda. Kinda the opposite, actually. Luke's content has always been about universal values:
- Self-reliance.
- Respect for nature.
- Quality time with your kids.
- Hard work.
Whether you're religious or not, those things resonate. That's why he has more subscribers than the church has official members. He’s proof that you can be deeply religious and still be a totally relatable, "normal" guy who just happens to know how to survive a bear encounter.
What’s Next for the Outdoor Boys Star?
If you’re hoping for a full-time return to YouTube, don't hold your breath. While he’s popped up recently to help out fellow creators—like when he filmed a video for Steven from MyLifeOutdoors during a family crisis—his main focus is now his council role and his family.
Actionable Takeaways from Luke’s Journey:
- Prioritize Purpose over Paychecks: Luke showed that it's okay to walk away from success if it costs you your peace of mind or family time.
- Skills are Service: He's using his specific "Outdoor Boy" expertise to mentor the next generation. Think about what unique skill you have that could help your local community or group.
- Balance is Key: You don't have to be a "preacher" to live your values. Let your actions do the talking.
Luke Nichols is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but more importantly, he's a guy who lives what he believes. Whether he's in a church board room in Salt Lake City or a dug-out snow cave in the Yukon, he’s staying true to the same set of values. If you want to follow his lead, start by putting the phone down this weekend and taking your family outside—no 18 million subscribers required.