Who should serve a mission?
Missionary work is a priesthood duty.We encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to serve.
Young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as the young men. However, we welcome their valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome their service
Brothers and sisters of the Church, the Lord needs many, many more of you to serve as full-time missionaries. Prepare now.
How are missionaries called?
Every missionary who is called and assigned or reassigned to a particular mission is called by revelation through the Lord’s servants, the president of the church.
When should I begin my missionary service?
All worthy and able young men regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18.
As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. We are pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19. Missionary work is a priesthood duty and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men.
How early can I submit my missionary papers?
Recommendation form for full-time service may be submitted to Church headquarters by a prospective missionary’s regional president 6 month prior to his or her availability date. Availability date is the earliest date at which the prospective missionary is available to begin his or her mission. The earliest date young men may enter the ETC is after graduating from high school or its equivalent and reaching 18 years of age. The earliest date women may enter the ETC is after their 19th birthday. Speak with your priesthood leaders well before the 6 month submission window to start the recommendation process and to confirm your availability date.
With the increase in the number of missionaries, will it take longer to receive my call?
Generally, you may receive your call between two to three weeks once your form are submitted by your regional president and processed by the Missionary Department. Bishops and regional presidents can view the status of each recommendation.
How do I know if I am worthy and able to serve a mission?
Whether you have concerns about your worthiness or physical or emotional limitations, you should visit with your bishop or branch president. He will help you understand the eligibility requirements for missionary service.
How can I best prepare spiritually to be a missionary?
Work on strengthening your own understanding and testimony of the divine gospel by praying daily and studying the scriptures.
Attend your Church meetings. Participate in activities if available. You may share the gospel with a friend, go to teaching appointments with the full-time missionaries, or ask recently returned missionaries about their experiences in the mission field.
How can I best prepare emotionally to be a missionary?
Missionary service is emotionally demanding. Your support system is going to be withdrawn from you as you leave home and go out into the world. There will be days of rejection and disappointment. Learn now about your emotional limits, and learn how to control your emotions under the circumstances you will face as a missionary.
Should I wait until I have saved enough money to go?
Missionaries and their families should make appropriate sacrifices to provide financial support for a mission, also Counsel with your parents and your bishop regarding your specific situation.
Preparation for a mission is important. A mission is a voluntary act of service to God and humankind. Missionaries support that privilege with their personal savings. Parents, families, friends, and donors to the General Missionary Fund may also assist. All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people.
Do I have to meet physical requirements to serve a mission?
Physical health is an important part of missionary service. A missionary must be able to walk an average of six miles (10 km) per day and ride a bicycle 12 miles (19 km) per day.
Talk to your bishop or branch president for more information or if you are concerned about the physical requirements for missionaries.
What is a typical day for a missionary like?
A missionary’s day is filled with activities that help accomplish the missionary purpose of bringing souls to Christ.
How will I communicate with family and friends?
As a missionary you may communicate with your family and friends through letters and email on preparation day. You may also call home on Christmas Parents.
How can I best help my child prepare for a mission?
You know your child best. Counsel with the Lord and with your local priesthood leaders to know how to help your child prepare spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially for missionary service. Encourage your child to maintain daily habits of prayer and scripture study. Help your child strengthen his or her understanding and testimony of the gospel.
Should my child wait to complete the recommendation for missionary service until he or she has saved enough money to go?
Missionaries and their families should make appropriate sacrifices to provide financial support for a mission and Counsel with your bishop or branch president regarding your specific situation.
Preparation for a mission is important. A mission is a voluntary act of service to God and humankind. Missionaries support that privilege with their personal savings. Parents, families, friends, and donors to the General Missionary Fund may also assist. All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people
What exactly will my missionary need? Is a list provided? What if he or she forgets something?
A complete list of necessary items is provided with the mission call packet. Your missionary will contact you if he or she needs anything during the course of the mission. You will be able to send any needed items to your missionary, or your missionary can purchase such items in his or her mission
How can I best support my missionary while he or she is serving?
You can provide support and encouragement through weekly emails and letters. When communicating with your missionary, be uplifting and help him or her focus on the sacred work of a mission. Become more a supportive Missionary Mon and Dad.
How will I communicate with my son or daughter?
You are encouraged to support and uplift your missionary through weekly emails and letters. Your missionary will also call home on Christmas and one other time during the year.