Preparing for Missionary Service

Since the founding of the church in 1830, over 1.1 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have served full time missions throughout the world. The number of missionaries that are serving has increased in recent years and is anticipated to rise significantly with this new announcement.   

Elder Holland said that the time spent by new missionaries at the church's 15 Missionary Training Centers will be cut by one-third for all missionaries. He stated that due to this change, prospective missionaries “will be asked to enhance their pre-mission preparation, including total personal worthiness supplemented by gospel study (especially the Book of Mormon), seminary and Institute classes, and systematic study of Preach My Gospel.” Young men and women should be intimately familiar with Preach My Gospel before they get to the MTC. Making it a regular part of gospel study is encouraged.

“Elder Holland said parents need to help their children prepare for missionary service.” A great deal of missionary preparation should take place within the home. With the recent age change and consequently shorter stays in MTCs, parents have a great responsibility to make sure that their children are prepared and worthy to serve. Parents should be constantly striving to teach their children gospel principles and help them in learning to recognize the Spirit. 

Missionary service is a wonderful opportunity to be a tool in the Lord’s hands. President Monson states, “Courage is the word we need to hear and hold near our hearts-courage to turn our backs on temptation, courage to lift up the voices in testimony to all whom we meet, remembering that everyone must have an opportunity to hear the message. “ We pray that those who are willing and preparing to serve will be blessed in their efforts.

If you are planning on serving a mission check out the Student Health Center page regarding mission physicals. Click here for more information.