Missionaries

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When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, he gave His Apostles the authority and responsibility to preach the gospel. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."1 God declared that missionary work is the responsibility of every member of the Mormon Church. Many members have served full-time missions, some are presently serving and all will continue to serve as lifelong missionaries. Regardless of age, experience, or station in life, all members of the Mormon Church are missionaries.

Mormons do believe in what is written in Matthew 28:19: God commanded those, "to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." In fulfillment of this command, all young men beginning at the age of nineteen, have a duty to prepare spiritually, physically, and emotionally to serve as full-time missionaries. This preparation does not begin when a young man is nineteen; it begins when he is a child, and as he is nurtured in the home by loving and righteous parents. Preparing for a mission means 'becoming' a missionary long before going on a mission. It means serving God throughout life. It means doing what God would have them do at all times.

Mormon missionaries serve throughout the world where preaching of the gospel or proselyting is allowed. Young men who are called to serve are called by the President of the Mormon Church. Under the guidance from the Lord, each missionary is called to serve where the Lord would have him go. He is expected to put his education and career goals on hold for two years while he gives one hundred percent of his time in service to the Lord. The expense of his mission is totally dependent upon himself and his family. Where a missionary or his family is not able to pay, the members of the Church finance that mission through donations of tithing and fast offerings.

Senior couples as well as young women serve Mormon missions as well. Senior couples are encouraged to serve missions together. If the couple is healthy and able, the Church leaders have encouraged them to serve. This service can be from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the couple and the assignment. The experience of these senior couples adds much to the mission field in which they serve.

Young women as opposed to young men are not duty bound to serve a full time mission for the Mormon Church. However, when they reach the age of twenty-one, if they feel this is the path the Lord would want them to take, then they are encouraged to serve a mission.

For more information about the Mormon Church or Mormon missionaries, please see the following websites:
Mormon Church
Mormon Missionaries