Becoming a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church): Requirements, Costs, and Training

Introduction to LDS Missionary Service

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) offers its members the opportunity to serve as full-time missionaries. This call to service is a significant step in one's faith journey and requires dedication and preparation. If you're considering becoming a missionary, this article will guide you through the process, including the requirements, costs, and training involved.

Requirements for Becoming a Missionary

Those who wish to serve as full-time missionaries within the LDS Church must first be members in good standing. The journey to becoming a missionary typically begins with a conversation with one's bishop, also known as the branch president. The bishop will discuss the requirements and guide the individual through the application process if they are interested in serving.

After the initial conversation, the candidate will need to fill out an extensive application, which includes:

Personal information and background Ethical and moral character references from trusted individuals, such as family members or friends Medical and dental forms, signed by appropriate professionals to ensure the individual is physically fit for the demands of missionary work

Once the application is complete, the candidate will undergo a series of interviews:

Bishop/branch president interview: This is to gauge the candidate's commitment and readiness for missionary service. Stake president interview: This interview is to confirm that the candidate meets the necessary standards and requirements to serve.

After successful interviews, the candidate's information will be submitted to Church Headquarters for an inspired decision. This process may take some time, and the candidate will eventually receive an official call to serve and will be informed about their mission placement.

Costs and Financial Requirements

Missionaries for the LDS Church do not receive a salary for their service. In fact, missionaries are responsible for their own expenses during their mission. Most missionaries use their own savings and support from family members to cover costs. Some may also receive support from their local church congregation.

While there are no direct costs to the mission itself, candidates often need to cover the following:

Travel expenses to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) Travel expenses to the mission field Living expenses during training and mission service

Missionary Training

Training for LDS missionaries takes place at one of 63 Missionary Training Centers worldwide. The duration of training depends on the candidate's native language and whether they will be serving in a foreign language-speaking area. Here are the typical training periods:

English-speaking missionaries: 3 weeks Young teaching missionaries (serving in English-speaking areas): 400/month Foreign language missionaries: 6-9 weeks Senior missionary couples (2 weeks of training): 2 weeks

During the training period, missionaries receive intensive instruction in:

Church doctrine and teachings, including the significance of the Book of Mormon Language lessons if necessary Discipleship skills and missionary techniques Behavioral expectations and cultural norms of the mission field

A significant portion of the training is devoted to studying the Book of Mormon thoroughly, regardless of whether it is a new translation for the individual or not. This is to ensure that missionaries are well-prepared to share the message of the church effectively.

Conclusion

Becoming a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an enriching and life-changing experience. It involves rigorous requirements, minimal financial compensation, and extensive training. The process, though demanding, offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and the chance to serve others globally.