Serving a mission in The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints usually means dedicating a
specific amount of time preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Most LDS
missions are proselyting missions, but there are many other ways one can
serve as a missionary including at a temple, visitor centers, historic sites, humanitarian, education and training, employment, and health care mission.
Missionaries always work together in pairs (called a companionship) and follow specific mission rules and guidelines. Men that serve an LDS mission are called by the title, "Elder" and women are called, "Sisters."
Missionaries always work together in pairs (called a companionship) and follow specific mission rules and guidelines. Men that serve an LDS mission are called by the title, "Elder" and women are called, "Sisters."
Preaching
the gospel of Jesus Christ is the responsibility of all followers of
Christ and is a specific duty for men who hold the priesthood.
Just as Christ sent his disciples to share His message while He was on
the earth, the Savior continues to send messengers to teach His truth
as missionaries. Missionaries are special witnesses of Jesus Christ and
have an important message to share with those who will open their hearts
and listen.
"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor" (D&C 88:81).
"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor" (D&C 88:81).
Who Goes on an LDS Mission?
It
is a duty for young men, ages 18-27 who are able, to serve as full-time
missionaries. Single women, ages 19+, and older married couples also
have the opportunity to serve a part or full-time LDS mission.
Missionaries must be physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally able to serve a mission. When applying for a mission the person first meets with their bishop and then the stake president before submitting their paperwork. Once a missionary is serving "in the field" he/she will work under a mission president. For those preparing to serve here are 10 practical ways to prepare for a mission.
Missionaries must be physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally able to serve a mission. When applying for a mission the person first meets with their bishop and then the stake president before submitting their paperwork. Once a missionary is serving "in the field" he/she will work under a mission president. For those preparing to serve here are 10 practical ways to prepare for a mission.
How Long is an LDS Mission?
A
full-time mission is served by young men for 24 months and by young
women for 18 months. Older single women and couples can serve a
full-time mission from 12-24 months. Couple missionaries who serve as
the President and Matron of a mission serve for 36 months. Part-time LDS
missions are served locally.
A full-time mission is served 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Missionaries have one day of preparation (called "P-day") reserved for non-missionary duties such as laundry, cleaning, and writing letters/emails home. Missionaries usually only call home for Mother's Day, Christmas, and rare/unusual circumstances.
A full-time mission is served 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Missionaries have one day of preparation (called "P-day") reserved for non-missionary duties such as laundry, cleaning, and writing letters/emails home. Missionaries usually only call home for Mother's Day, Christmas, and rare/unusual circumstances.
Who Pays for the Mission?
Missionaries
themselves pay for their missions. The Church of Jesus Christ has
specified a specific amount of money that all missionaries, from a
specific country, must pay per month for their mission. Money is
submitted to the general mission fund and is then dispersed to each
individual mission, including the Missionary Training Center. Each
mission then disperses a specific monthly allowance to each of its
missionaries.
Although missionaries pay for their own mission, family members, friends, and on occasion local ward members, also help contribute funds to a missionary's mission.
Although missionaries pay for their own mission, family members, friends, and on occasion local ward members, also help contribute funds to a missionary's mission.
Where in the World are They?
Missionaries
are sent throughout the entire world. In 2010, there were over 52,000
full-time missionaries actively serving in 340 missions worldwide. In
addition to that there were over 20,000 Church service missionaries.1 Before being sent on a full-time mission, a new missionary attends the Missionary Training Center (MTC) assigned to their region. Missionaries usually spend 3 weeks at the MTC, or 9 weeks when learning a second language. At Mission.net you can see where there are LDS missions in over 160 nations.
What Do Missionaries Teach?
Missionaries teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, including our belief in the following:
- God, the Eternal Father
- Jesus Christ
- Holy Ghost
- Restoration of Christ's Church
- Joseph Smith
- The Book of Mormon
- How to Know the Truth
- Repentance
- Baptism
- How to Pray
- God's Plan of Salvation
How to Be Taught by the Missionaries:
You can request a visit by LDS missionaries
who will schedule a time to meet with you. If you'd like to learn more
but aren't interested in a missionary visit you can do any of the
following:
Serving
an LDS mission is an amazing experience! If you meet a Mormon
missionary or know someone who has served an LDS mission (called a
returned missionary or "RM") feel free to ask them about their mission.
RM's usually love to talk about their experiences as a missionary and
are willing to answer any questions you may have.
Notes:
1. Statistical Report, 2010.
1. Statistical Report, 2010.
