Missionary Requirements to Serve a Full-Time Mission
Future missionaries, parents, church leaders, and often even non-members often wonder what are the requirements to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Usually they are wondering about full-time proselytizing missions the our young people perform, so I’ll put those requirements first, but I’ll also put further below the requirements for senior missionaries.
Requirements to Serve a Full-Time Mission for Young Adults
The Lord expects every young man who is able, and as many young women as have the desire, to prepare spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially and to serve a full-time mission. Full-time missionary service is a privilege, not a right, and in order to qualify for this privilege, young men and women should meet the qualifications I have summarized below. Additionally, potential missionaries will meet with their bishop and stake president to verify that the young man or woman is qualified to serve a mission by asking these standard missionary interview questions:
- Be Worthy: The Lord expects young men and women to obey the commandments, keep themselves clean and worthy, repent, keep the commandments, and live a righteous life. By so doing, they can have His Spirit and represent the Savior and His Church. For more information on this topic, see my post on what it means to be worthy to serve a mission.
- Meet Age Requirements: Men should be ages 18 through 25 and able to serve for 24 months. Women should be ages 19 and up and able to serve for 18 months. There are some rare exceptions to the 18 year old rule for young men. If a young man’s father is a mission president, they may be able to go at a younger age. More on mission age requirements here.
- Be Single and not a parent. People who have been divorced, young men who have fathered a child, or young women who have given birth to a child are not normally recommended to serve full-time missions. If exceptions were to occur, you would need to speak with your bishop to get his endorsement.
- Be Spiritually Prepared: Spiritual preparation means reading the scriptures and praying regularly, building faith in Jesus Christ, and developing a testimony of the Lord’s true Church. It also means living the commandments and being an example to others of what it means to be a true follower of the Savior. Preparing spiritually also includes studying and understanding gospel principles, attending Church meetings regularly, and honoring the priesthood if you are a young man.
- Be Physically Prepared: Missionary work can be very physically demanding. Many missionaries have to walk or ride bikes for as much as twelve hours a day. Before serving, a doctor must certify that the potential missionary is physically able to handle the work. A prospective missionary who has a physical disability or medical limitation may or may not be recommended to serve a mission depending on the severity of the issue. In many cases, people with physical disabilities or serious medical conditions can still be called to serve, but they often have restrictions placed on exactly how or where they go, or in some cases they are able to serve Church Service Missions.
- Be Financially Prepared: Missionaries are expected to financially pay for their own missions and future missionaries should begin at as early an age as possible to save money to pay for their mission expenses. Missionaries and their families should be prepared to make sacrifices to provide financial support for a mission. However, young people who are worthy should not be prevented from serving a mission solely for financial reasons when they and their families have made sacrifices according to their ability. See this article for ideas for earning money and saving for a mission.
- Be Mentally and Emotionally Prepared: A mission requires young people to be of sound mind and emotionally capable of living and working independently. Candidates for missionary service who have previously had significant mental or emotional challenges must be stabilized and confirmed by a medical professional to be fully functional before being recommended for a mission. Young people who have severe mental or emotional challenges are honorably excused from missionary service, though many of them can, if they desire, participate as a Church Service Missionary.
- Able to Receive Temple Endowment. Future missionaries are instructed to go to the temple to receive their endowment prior to starting their mission. This usually happens within a few weeks or a month of entering the MTC. This requirement also means, by implication, that potential missionaries should be a member for at least a year prior to beginning their missionary service.
- Melchizedek Priesthood Ordination for young men. Young men should be given the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained to the office of an Elder prior to going on a mission and prior to receiving the temple endowment. Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood, like many of the other steps above, requires preparation and worthiness.
- Receive Patriarchal Blessing. For many youth, they will receive their patriarchal blessing long before, sometimes years before, going on a mission. There is no set age for receiving a patriarchal blessing, but missionaries are required to get it before entering the mission field.
Young men and women who meet these requirements can set up an interview with their bishop, begin filling out the mission paperwork, and complete the other steps of the mission call process. Please remember that while full-time missionary service is a priesthood responsibility of young men, women should not feel obligated to serve missions.
Senior Couples’ Full-Time Missionary Requirements
Senior couples’ requirements to serve a mission are similar in many respects to the young people, with some differences.
- Age requirements: There really aren’t any, so long as the couple is physically, mentally, and emotionally able. There is a great variety of assignments that senior couples can be given ranging from some that are physically demanding to other that are not.
- Married. The couple should be married (obviously otherwise you wouldn’t be a couple). Elderly single women can serve full-time missions, but elderly single men usually do not.
- No children at home. The couple shouldn’t have any dependent children still living at home.
- Able to serve for between 6 months and 2 years. Senior couples have the flexibility to choose the length of a mission that works for them.
- Retired. Neither one of the couple should be engaged in full-time employment.
Hello I am a South African. I want to serve a mission. In South Africa the average age we finish school is 18. Should I go on mission then come beack and get a 4 year Law degree. Also important to know that I have gotten a bursay/scholarship to study for the full years and I am wondering if I serve after I get my degree am I still going to get the same blessings as the person who goes at age 19?
I would recommend going on a mission first and then coming back to get your 4 year Law degree. I think the Lord will bless you would you put the things of God first in your life. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Be prayerful. Perhaps fast as well. And seek to know the will of the Lord and I know he will guide you. May God bless and be with you.
Hello, am a nigerian and I am planning to go on mission, but am over 26 now by 7 months. My mission president has said I can’t go on mission anymore, what can I do because I still have that burning desire to serve a full time mission.
Perhaps some day you will be able to serve a full-time mission. For now, though, it sounds like your missionary work is going to have to be to talk to your friends and family and neighbors about the gospel. Share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with all of those around you now and through the coming years. Though you can’t serve full time for the Lord, you can still be a member-missionary. Good luck and God bless.
You may meet the requirements to serve a church service mission. This is a bit different than a full time proselyting mission, but still offers you the opportunity to serve.
Thank you
Hi there.
I am curious about something…but have been too afraid to ask my bishop about it. I am the only active member in my family, always have been since I was 14. My family does not support the church, pay tithing, or help the missionary fund.
I am on my own for saving money for a mission. I am now 20…and have the desire to serve a mission with little money saved up. Can I still serve a mission due to my financial burden?
It is possible that you may still be able to serve a mission. This is something you really should discuss with your bishop as soon as possible. As a general rule, the Church doesn’t want to prevent young people from serving missions due exclusively to financial reasons. With help from your bishop, the members of your ward, and other sources, there may be ways to supplement the money you have saved so you can go on a mission. Good luck, and God bless.
Hi, I am Sam. I am nearly finished my degree in literature, but I feel like my life is boring these days. Also I feel like losing my hope. I never go to this church, but I see a lot of the missionaries coming from this church in my hometown. I am wondering why they always smile and spread kindness to people they meet. I think I could probably find the true meaning of life if I join this church missionary program. Is there any seat left for me as a person who is already 25? I am looking forward to receiving your answer soon. Thank you.
That is wonderful that you have seen missionaries sharing the light of Christ! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints truly does give life purpose. The church helps me find meaning in life as I try to follow the Lord’s individual plan for me. I am actually hoping to serve a mission too later this year. If you want to learn more about the gospel, just talk to the missionaries in your area. You can call this number to find out how to contact missionaries to come visit with you: 1-888-537-6600 https://www.mormon.org/missionaries This link will also help you contact them and receive a free copy of the Book of Mormon. I am not sure about the age requirements for you to serve a full-time mission, but you can ask them. You would also be able to serve in callings in the church and maybe even as a ward missionary. Best of luck! 🙂
i am recently active in the church again, and i never took seminary in high school. is it true that you can’t go out of the country if you’ve never taken seminary? are there any other ways i can take a class or something to make up for it?
It seems you have received some bad information. There is no such requirement to attend seminary. The prophet will send you on a mission to wherever he feels inspired to send you. And until your call comes, please continue your mission preparation, reading your scriptures, praying, building your testimony, saving money, etc. God bless.
Some countries require a visa. With that visa the government of that country can require religious training. Seminary fills that requirement. However, there are many countries that do not require a visa and the Lord will send you where you are needed.
Is there an education requirement, as in high school or equivalency? I know it asks for that information on the application but I am unclear if it is absolutely required.
The Church is a big proponent of education and encourages all young people to prepare themselves for life by getting a good education. The prophet has made it clear that 18-year-olds are not to go on a mission until they have finished high school or its equivalent. But for missionaries that are older than that, 19, 20, 21, etc., I don’t think it is a firm requirement. Having said that, if a bishop or local priesthood leader feels that someone in that older range should get their high school equivalency prior to their mission, then that is what you would need to do. I hope this help. Good luck and God bless.
Hi jimmy
lm now preparing for mission but l want to ask that when l finished my mission l need to do a certain course for computers and l have five subjects exclude maths is it possible for me to attend BYU
i’ve heard rumors that jaundice does and doesn’t effect where i can go for my mission. does jaundice affect where i could go on my mission?
It could potentially effect where you are able to go on a mission. But I am not very familiar with this condition. On the medical forms on your mission application, you and your doctor will provide more details on your condition. Doctors at Church headquaters will also review your medical history and your doctor’s recommendation, and then determine what geographic limitations should exist on your mission call. I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless.
does jaundice affect where i could go on my mission?
so sexist towards women
Hello,
Im 16, still in high school, i have two more years to think about going on a mission. And if i do go, i would be the first to go. I have this missionary coming to visit me and my family and they really inspire me to go, but then i’m scared to on one. they make it so easy to just leave everything behind and i don’ t want to start a mission and then find out i wasn’t strong enough to stick it throw. Guess i’m trying to say do you have any advice.. please and thank you
have a great day …
I have been a Member of the church for 7 years now and I have a desire to serve a Mission im just very confused about it. I love this church more then anything and i have a strong testimonie. the church has not only changed my life but it has saved my life. I cry every morning thanking the lord for putting the gospel in my life. I am the only active priesthood holder in my family. My mom is return missionary and she went inactive for many years I brought her back when I was baptised. My Dad is a return missionaire went inactive and is still inactive
My grandfather was a return missionaire, bishop, and a stake president he went inactive and is still inactive to this day.
I dont want to go through that same path. I need some advice can someone help please.
Kristian, you have the spiritual gift of a believing heart. Hold on abd surround yourself with positive gospel messages. Read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover and also articles from the Church Magazines. Love your family and continue in yoyr faith. Your relationship with Heavenly Father and your Saviour, Jesus Christ is your privilege and responsibility. Pray for the strength to stay strong and faithful no matter what others may be doing, and you will be blessed and happier for doing so. I will pray for you, too!
Hi,
I’m wondering if you can also serve a mission as a “fresh-married” couple? So if you’re just married and don’t have any children and decide to go on a mission with your partner, would that be possible?
Sorry, the only full-time missions available to married couples are for senior missionaries. But the prophets have long taught that every member should be a missionary, so hopefully you and your husband can be great member-missionaries and share the gospel with many of your friends and neighbors.
Hi jimmy
lm now preparing for mission but l want to ask that when l finished my mission l need to do a certain course for computers and l have five subjects exclude maths is it possible for me to attend BYU
Hello. I am 22 years old and I am a medical student in Ukraine. I would like to go and serve on a mission for the LDS Church. I am actually studying on my 2nd year to become a Dentist. Do I have to go back to my native country to be able to serve?
You do not have to return to your native country to be able to serve a mission. Just talk to your bishop of where you live now, and he will help you get the mission application started. Good luck and God bless.
Hi I’m 18 and I was wondering if you can still serve a mission even if you didn’t graduate seminary?
My husband is no longer a member, but he promised me before we were married many years ago that we could serve a mission together. I am nearing retirement age and would like to serve a mission. What does the church suggest that I do so I can serve a proselyting mission? Please answer by email. Thanks
Hi jimmy
lm now preparing for mission but l want to ask that when l finished my mission l need to do a certain course for computers and l have five subjects exclude maths is it possible for me to attend BYU
I hope to serve a mission, but I am told by my parents I may not be able to. I’ll pray and hope I’m better by then but until then I will be the best member missionary I can be and support my friends going on their missions:)
Hi I was wondering how long the missionary health and dental forms are valid for? so if my birthday is in september and wanted I hand in my papers in June, when is the earliest time I can get my health and dental checks done. thank you.
The medical and dental forms filled out by your doctors are valid for one year. In the application process, in the part submitted by your stake, the Church specifically asks if the evaluations have been performed within the last year. You should be aware, though, that when Church headquarters is processing your paperwork, if medical questions come up and your forms are close to a year old, they may ask you to go back to the doctor for an updated check up.
Will I still be able to go on a mission if I have some gingivitis?(if the section that says ” has all gum infection been resolved?” is marked no.)
I don’t know the answer to your question. I suspect it is possible that this could prevent your mission call, but it is unlikely. The form asks for comments from the dentist including a list of work that still needs to be completed and the date it is scheduled to be done. If the dentist puts in the comments that there is some remaining gingivitis but that it will be resolved or under control during your mission by regular brushing and flossing, then I don’t think you’ll have any problems getting your mission call. Good luck, and God bless you.
hello
i have a tattoo on my right hand ; is it possible for me to serve a mission ?
it will not be an obstacle for me?
You should be able to serve, but be sure to talk it over with your bishop. There is no rule banning people with tattoos from serving missions. You don’t see many missionaries with tattoos because most active LDS youth avoid such practices, and even if they have one, it is pretty easy to cover up most tattoos considering the missionary dress code. Good luck in your continued missionary preparation. God bless you.
Im in dilemma, I have had this burning desire to serve a mission however, I fall into the category of “young men who have fathered a child” it doesn’t say in the article that young men who have a child aren’t allowed to go on a mission all it states is that theyre no NORMALLY recommended to go, quick query, are there some cases where young men who have fathered a child if found worthy allowed to go on a mission?
Yes, based on that wording, I am led to believe there are exceptions, but I’m guessing they are pretty rare. I can’t tell you what those exceptions might be because I just don’t know. You’ll really ought to talk to your bishop. Only he, together with your stake president, could recommend you for a mission. Regardless of what happens on your ability to serve a full-time mission, you can always be a missionary in your regular life, sharing the gospel with your family and friends and all those around you. Good luck, and God bless you.
I am 19 years old almost 20 years old want to get my own endowment I don`t wait and also I don`t to on a mission or get married because I have a disability
I leave for the MTC in two days and I won’t be able to get two teeth pulled. Being in the military I had I wait for certain green lights and paperwork. They also do things on there schedule so by time I received the ok the doctor wouldn’t pull my teeth because it was to close to my report date. How will this effect me when I arrive at the MTC? Will they do it there or send me home? Or will they not do anything if I’m not complaining?
I’ll give you my advice, but you really need to talk to your bishop, stake president, and perhaps the MTC or the Church missionary department. I would go ahead and go to the MTC at your scheduled time. If necessary, you can go to the dentist while in the MTC to have your teeth pulled.
Good luck and God bless.
I am 26 years old now, ill be 27 in July and am divorced with no kids would I still be able to go on a mission, is there any slight chance at all that I could still go?
Single men who are over the age of 25 are not allowed to go on missions. There may be a one in a million exception to that rule, so talk to your bishop. Single women can go on a mission at any age. The fact that you were married and divorced would likely be a factor in whether or not your bishop would recommend you for missionary service, so again, you’ll need to talk to him. Remember, that whether or not you are allowed to go on a full time mission, you can dedicate your life to serving the Lord and be a great missionary among your family, friends, and neighbors. Good luck and God bless.
Can I serve a mission whilst on hypertension medication
I Am Currently Preparing To Serve On A Mission, & I Have A Question About Wisdom Teeth. Are Prospective Missionary Required To Have Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled & What If My Orthodontist Says It Isn’t Necessary For My Wisdome Teeth To Be Pulled What Do I Do Then? My Orthodontist Is Also A Member Of The Church & I Get My Braces Off Next Week. This Information Is Crucial Because I Would Like To Tell My Orthodontist What I Was Told By A Rep Of The Church. Thank You For Your Time
Luis, I am not a representative of the Church. I’m just a private member of the Church providing a service with my website. Wisdom teeth are not required to be pulled as an absolute requirement for all missionaries. If the dentist says your wisdom teeth may be an issue during the two years of your mission, then they should be removed before your mission. If the dentist says it isn’t necessary, then you don’t have to have your wisdom teeth removed. I hope this helps. -Jimmy
Why is there an age cap of 25 for young men? I’m 23 and have been wrestling with the Money, or Mission question. I have a year before I can attend the Temple, or be Ordained and elder. I fear if I don’t go. I’ll recieve “the greater condemnation”. I also fear what I’ll miss of the world in two years.
you can go to the temple at any age you dont have to be 24
He does have to wait to go to the temple if he was baptized only within the past year, or if he has recently gone through worthiness issues that are being resolved.
For about a year I have considered seeking answers on whether it is possible for a single man to serve a second mission. The desire to serve once again has been burning within me. I returned from a full-time two year mission about 3 years and 8 months ago. I turned 25 not too long ago. I have since graduated with a bachelor’s degree and am slated to begin law school in the fall. I do not want to ask my leaders because I can just imagine them telling me to get on with my life, get married, etc. I have sought to do just that since I have been home- I know such blessings will come in the future. Is there even a slight chance that a single man can serve a year mission if he had the means to do so?
Hi, just wondering if you might be able to shed some light on my situation. Obviously I’m going to be talking with my bishop about this to see for sure but… I am 19 and will be divorced as of December. I have a huge desire to serve a mission since I missed out in that opportunity. My marriage was abusive and so therfor I had to get out. We were only married for two months. I have read both that some divorced woman have served and that some have not… What do you think? Is there even a slight chance that I might still be able to serve a mission?
I’m sure it is theoretically possible, but it would be best to talk to your bishop about this. If you have a child or any financial obligations to a former spouse, you would not be allowed to serve. Otherwise, I’d presume that, yes, there is a chance you could still serve a mission. Good luck and God bless.
i want to serve a mission but cant because of my family who arent members, i thought about a church service mission but dont know how about going to make that happen
If my son is homeschooled and will not have a high school diploma or a GED, will that be a problem? He’s very educated, but will not have a piece of paper from an accredited institution. He’s taught himself Mandarin, so he’s obviously smart.
Do you think church will ever standardize the $400 amount for senior single sisters?….. Have been divorced for many years, getting close to retirement but financially couldn’t pay what they cost monthly unless they were lower like the amount for younger missionaries…. Have always wanted to serve!!!
Good evening sir jimmy,
i just want to be a mormon because of my gf , she wants a RM and im not a member at all is it ok if go to the LDS near in our home and received baptized after i fulfill the requirements to be a mormon.
Hello, am in Nigeria,I have a plan to go for mission next year
Hi
I live in Texas, and I’ve been a member since 2 and 1/2 years ago.
I’m the only member in my family.
I’m 24 years old.
And I would like to serve a full time mission.
Im done with school I just got my degree but I think I should go and serve. Right now I’m the Ward Mission Leader and the Ward Young Men Secretary.
I go with the missionaries almost every day and helped them.
I haven’t told no one about my desision.
I’m scared, but I think I should go.
I don’t know if my family will support me.
Dear FJH, I’m so glad to hear about your faithfulness and your desire to serve a mission. Even if your family isn’t supportive of you going a mission, I’m sure your ward family would support you. I know you would love serving a mission and that it would be a life changing experience for you and the people that you serve. I highly recommend that you go talk to your bishop and he will help you get started on the process to serve a mission. Good luck and God bless.
Hi there, just curious… is there an age requirement for couples missions? My sweetheart and I were curious if we could serve a full time couples mission instead of going on separate missions and being apart for so long.
I know of no specific age requirement, but I’m pretty sure you will need to be beyond child bearing age. 40s at a minimum, but 50s is more likely.
Ok, thank you.
Hi!!
Sorry to ask, but here it is: i have one crooked tooth because I lost my retainer. Do you think that would stop me from going on a mission or delay the process signifigantly?? I have had my wisdom terth removed prior, and I don’t have any cavities.
It may sound like a silly question, but it is truely bothering me. I’d like to be prepared for whatever the dentist might say.
Thank you.
Not to worry. I don’t think this will impede you in any way.
Good luck on your mission and God bless you.
Hey! I really want to serve a mission and the only thing thats stopping me is my one crooked teeth. If I get it fixed it would take 18 months or more and all of my savings for my mission. Im worried that while getting my teeth fixed, I would lose this desire to serve a mission. Any suggestions as to what I should do?
Will my weight stop me from going on a mission? I am around 200 pounds and am a female…Also, I never learned how to ride a bike. Would that be something that stops me from going on a mission? And also anxiety disorder?
You’ll want to talk to your bishop about all of these questions. In the meantime, I’ll do my best to help.
-Your weight will probably not stop you from serving a mission.
-Mention on your application form that you don’t know how to ride a bike and I’m sure the prophet won’t send you somewhere where bike riding is required.
-If you have any mental, physical, or emotional health issues, you may need to have them under control with proper medication before going on a mission.
Again, talk to your priesthood leaders about all of these things and they’ll help you get them squared away. Good luck and God bless.
Hey, I am a US soilder and want to serve a mission, I was told my unit would let me with no problem because it is a religious situation, but do I have any restrictions or will it be a normal mission? I was told is we deployed they would have to stop my mission though and send me back to my unit, but as a soilder I am told to always have a way for them to contact me so would II be able have a personal phone for military reason. ?
I really don’t know the answer. If you could be deployed like that, I doubt they would let you go on a mission. But talk to your bishop and stake president and see what they say.
Hi Brother Jimmy. I’m from the Philippines and was assigned to serve in the Korea Seoul South mission. One of my visa requirement is a seminary certificate of completion. But what if I don’t have a copy of it now. Would the seminary transcript suffice instead? And what if I only completed three courses (OT, NT, and BOM courses) but haven’t completed D&C? I have inquired the missionary travel dept about this, but I still haven’t got a response. If you have any idea about it, I would be very glad to hear. Thank you.
Lira, I believe the official transcript would suffice. Also, you could probably talk to your local seminary administrator and get them to reprint your certificate of completion. I don’t know if not completing the D&C course will effect you. Good luck, and God bless.
My son just received a mission call. Is it possible and probable to start his mission a month earlier than his mission call states? He has no school or work ties and would like to leave asap.
The Lord has called him to start his mission when he is needed so it would be best to start then. That will keep everything orderly. I haven’t heard of the Church ever letting one start early as you are suggesting. I’m sure there are many things he can do to better prepare himself for his mission while he waits. He could attend the temple frequently, he could go on exchanges with the local missionaries, he could study the scriptures deeply each day, and he could find ways to serve in the community. We are grateful for the sacrifice you and he are making in order to serve a mission. May God bless and be with him and your family.
I am very new to the church and I have just begun to repent. I appreciate this information and advise. Perhaps a mission after my children are grown? The same can be said for preparing for eternal life with Christ. Especially studying the scriptures deeply each day.
I have a question can you still be a missionary if you have scoliosis or some type of it. I read on hear that they might not be accepted. Ok let me be honest I am talking about my self. I want to be a missionary but My fear is that I wont be accepted because of my scoliosis. I have 3 dream jobs Missionary work is my #1 criminal justice is 2 and a special needs teacher is three. but i found out that i physicaly cant do my #2 so my question is Will i be able to be a missionary even though i have scoliosis
I’m sure you can still be a missionary, the question is to what extent, if any, you will be limited in how you can serve. Where and how long you serve as a missionary will very likely depend on the severity of your scoliosis and your doctor’s analysis and recommendations. I suggest you talk to your bishop about it right away. They may be able to assign you to a mission where the missionaries ride in cars, rather than walking or biking as many missionaries does. Or you may be able to do a “young church service mission” which is full-time missionary service done while you still live at home. Good luck and may God bless and be with you.
I had a question so I’m 21 and my wife 23 we really wanna serve a mission together can we?
Sorry Jose. They do not allow that. Have a great marriage. Raise a wonderful family. And when you get older, the two of you can serve a mission together.
Hello Brother, im a recently convert and my age is 26 and turning 27 this year also and have the desire to serve as full time missionary. Is it possible? Or is there any chances to serve as full time missionary? I really do have the desire to serve as full time.
I’m so glad you have joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that you have the desire to serve a full-time mission. Generally, you are too old to serve a mission with the other young, single Elders and Sisters. But I have heard of exceptions being made. The only way to find out is to talk to your bishop or stake president, who can then get in contact with the missionary department at Church headquarters if they feel it is right. Regardless of what happens, though, you can devote your life to serving those around you and sharing the gospel with your family and friends. Good luck and God bless.
Do i need a high-school diploma to serve a mission? Or can I go without
A high-school diploma is not required, but it is encouraged. If you are dropping out of high school early and trying to go on a mission, your priesthood leaders (bishop and/or stake president) would likely encourage you to finish school first. But if going back and finishing high school is not realistic for some reason, then that should not stop you from going on a mission. Please talk to your bishop and he will help you with further questions.
I am 22, graduating from college this coming spring of 2017. My plans had always been to proceed on to Graduate school to obtain a MBA, but last year after investigating the church through my girlfriend (a life long member who is currently serving a mission), I was baptized and confirmed a member of the church. Since my baptism I have been trying to decide whether or not to serve a mission.
I have been trying to make this decision prayerfully because I have faith the Lord will lead me down the best path and bless me for being faithful, but I’m not quite sure at this moment if I’m getting the right answer. Because I would love to serve a mission, and yet when I pray about it I’ve been getting this strange feeling as if it’s not necessarily the thing I should be doing. It’s been really tough and extremely stressful, especially since the advice I have received from other members has been varied and almost equally supports both choices.
Many say that my desire to preach the gospel and willingness to always share the message of our Savior with others around me could be how the Lord intended for me to participate in His work, considering the obvious challenges that would present themselves if I was to leave at this time. Especially with how serious my relationship is with my girlfriend, these people suggest that maybe I should be focused on making the sacred and eternal covenant of marriage instead (something my girlfriend and I have greatly considered if Im not to serve a mission)
And then others have suggested that I serve regardless of these feelings due to the blessings it can bring to both myself and those around me.
There’s more than I can even comprehend at one moment to consider in making this decision, which is why I really don’t want to make this decision without being in agreement with what I feel God would have me do.
I was wondering if you had any advice to offer?
Jake, it sounds like you had some nice plans before you joined the Church and now God might have other plans for you 🙂 I’m not saying you should or should not go on a mission. That is something you will have to decide for yourself, so I’m sorry that I can’t help you there.
But the fact that a mission has been on your mind might be a sign that it is something the Lord would have you to do. As you make your decision about whether or not to serve a mission, I would advise you not to take into account your relationship with your former girlfriend (remember, she’s a missionary now, and missionaries don’t have boyfriends). Long-term, if things are meant to be, I’m sure they will work out with her.
A couple of additional thoughts come to mind which you may want to consider. First, sometimes two equally good paths are placed before you and the Lord doesn’t care which we take, it’s our own preference. Second, it’s difficult for God to guide our steps if we’re not moving our feet. So ponder and pray about it and then act. Get moving. If you, in good faith, made the wrong choice then the Lord will steer you back in the right direction.
I’m sure with scripture study, prayer, and counseling with your family and priesthood leaders, you will come to receive the quiet assurance from the Spirit of God regarding what you should do. Good luck and God bless.
Thanks. I appreciate your comments. Although I have to admit the whole “former girlfriend” comment made me chuckle a bit. It’s just a word haha. Some members of the church have even said that having that “special someone”, or whatever you would rather I call it haha, can actually strengthen some missionaries, as long as they are supportive, and not a distraction. Now obviously this is not the norm, especially since it’s almost guaranteed the whole wait scenario wont work out and all that; but we put mission work first, and our relationship still gladly thrives at second. We are honest with each other, and have agreed that if it ever becomes a distraction we will just let the other know and let it work its self out after. But 11 months into her mission we still haven’t had any issues, and actually our relationship has only gotten stronger than we would have imagined as we’ve bonded over the Lord’s work and learned how to make Christ infinitely more involved in our relationship. And I know this may sound a little juvenile, but me and her don’t really have the type of personality to be affected but such things as this. We’re both very goal oriented people, who have never prioritized relationships with bfs or gfs over more important responsibilities. We have both dated a lot of people, and have never felt the desire to commit in a relationship till we met each other. So hopefully you dont think that she would ever hold me back, to be honest it’s quite the opposite. She is a huge factor in my desire to serve due to the blessings I know would come to us as a couple if I were to serve Christ faithfully, because I have seen the miraculous change the Lord can bring upon a missionary as they learn to love others with that pure love of Christ. The only point I meant to make with that detail is that perhaps the Lord saw a different priority for me than what I was focused on.
And a mission has been much more than just on my mind. I have been preparing for it. I had decided on how I would work after graduating to save for the mission and other financial obligations that would be due while I served. I had been telling my non-member family I was going to serve a mission. And that’s the feeling I was struggling to understand. It felt as if God was trying to guide me away from this path, and given the mandate that eligible worthy young men should serve missions, I struggled to understand why. So thank you again for trying to help. I’m still going to continue preparing in case this just isnt the time I’m supposed to know, but after so much personal struggle in discerning what was right, I was just looking for advice to see if the Lord would speak to me through others as He once did through my missionary ;).
Thank you Brother Smith. And have a great day!
Hi. I have moderate to severe asthma which is under control (for the most part), anxiety (which I have mostly under control and have had counseling on), some learning issues which I am usually able to work through, cholesterol issues, blood sugar issues (which I usually have under control), with these restrictions would I still be able to serve a mission?
I also have food allergies such as wheat as I am also celiac (this has not been diagnosed properly from a doctor though as the doctor I have in this small town refuses to do a professional test for it).
Certainly you will be able to serve a mission, but where you go and how you serve may be restricted. When you fill out your paperwork, there is a large section regarding your medical history. The doctors at church headquarters will review your situation and make a recommendation to the missionary department about how and where you should serve. It is likely that they may say you need to stay in your home country. Depending on the medications and the severity of your health issues, they could go as far as saying you need to serve a church service mission where you can continue to live at home while serving. Please discuss these issues with your priesthood leaders in your ward and stake and they will be in contact with church headquarters as you submit your mission application. Good luck and may God bless and be with you.
Thank you for the help. I greatly appreaciate it.
Hello! So I’m 25 years old. I joined the church about a year and a half ago. I was separated, at the time, from my now ex husband. I have a great desire to serve a mission, and I’ve read all over that I might not be able to because of my divorce? I didn’t know about the restored gospel before my marriage, so I didn’t have the chance to serve one then. If I had, I would have certainly put off marriage in lieu of serving! Do you think that I’ll be told I have to wait to serve until I’m a senior?
Laura, really, I don’t know. I’m sorry. It is possible that they would let you go on a mission. But there are a lot of factors that go into the decision. So you would need to talk it over with your bishop and see what he thinks. Good luck and God bless you.
Hey I’m Spencer Blume.
I’m aware that usually that the church. Doesn’t recommend a person who use’s crutches for a full time proselyting mission.
Can there be a exception for me? If I can prove I can get around with somebody without crutches.
Spencer, The use of crutches should not prohibit you from serving a full-time mission, though it may restrict where and how you serve. For example, I served my mission in Argentina where we walked almost everywhere we went (no cars or bicycles), so you probably would not be sent a place like that. Rather, you would most likely be sent to a mission where the missionaries drive cars. This is an important conversation to have with your bishop as you are preparing to submit your mission papers, so be sure to bring it up with him. I’m sure he’ll have additional information and insights for you. Good luck and God bless.
So would I be able to serve out of state or would that not work for me…..
Hello, I just got my mission call to Rosario, Argentina mission and I was just wondering if they have a seminary requirement to go there. My brother was called to Brazil but was not able to go because he didn’t graduate seminary. Help please?
Zak, Brazil is the only country I know of with the Seminary requirement. The requirement, as I understand it, is that Brazil requires missionaries coming into their country from another country to have a certificate of training, and the LDS Seminary program satisfies that rule.
There could be other countries with a similar requirement, but I don’t know. I went to Argentina on my mission and never heard of anything like that there. Congratulations on your mission call. You’re going to have a great experience. Buena suerte and que vaya con Dios.
Are you able to go serve a mission if you are engaged ? Just basically be engaged for 2 years while being apart
Jaden, I do not believe there is any rule against this, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I know of many boyfriends / girlfriends, as you probably do too, who agree to wait for each other. While people don’t usually refer to those couples as engaged, it’s basically the same thing. I recommend not being engaged or waiting for each other for your sake as a missionary as well as for the sake of your boyfriend/girlfriend back home. As a missionary, you will be most effective if you serve with your complete heart and not with part of your heart still with your boyfriend/girlfriend. Remember what the Lord said to missionaries in D&C 4:2, “O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength.” And from the perspective of the boyfriend/girlfriend back home, I think they should feel free to date and socialize without the restriction of feeling like they are betraying their friend on a mission. As a missionary, I don’t think it’s fair to ask someone to wait for you and not date and socialize with the opposite sex for two years.
This is my opinion, which is not church policy, so take it for what you feel it is worth. Be prayerful and ask God what He thinks you should do. But as for me and what I teach my children, I say that young men should avoid steady dating relationships until after their mission.
Please I am gonna be 18 years by december.can I feel the form now and send it…..or by january.please I need your advice……….
Please see my post on the Mission Application Timeline. I recommend starting to prepare your mission application forms five months before you plan to leave. The Church will allow you to submit your application four months before your availability date. Good luck.
My son wants to fill out mission papers but our new bishop is saying he has to go to Missionary Prep for 6 months before he can. He wont allow him to start filling out papers. We just moved into this ward and my son will be turning 18 in just a few days. Are there new requirements that our old ward didn’t tell us about?
I’ve never heard of any requirement to attend a mission prep class. The church has a mission prep course, I believe it is 12 lessons, usually over 12 weeks, but it has always been optional. It is great if young men and women can do the class, but if they can’t, I’ve never heard of someone being forced to delay their mission so they can do the course.The process of filling out the paperwork, sending in the application, receiving the call, and finally entering the MTC is usually a 3 month process or longer. It would be great if you could do both concurrently–start the paper work and start the mission prep class. Maybe ask the bishop if you can do that. Good luck.
I’m just starting my mission papers and I was wondering for what reasons can a person be turned down for missionary service. I can get sick whom I get really anxious it usually lasts a few days when I arrive somewhere I’m not adjusted to and my stake president expressed concerns about this , I don’t feel this will cause significant hiderance to my ability to serve. I was just wondering for what other reasons a person could be turned down for missionary service
Alice, The sickness you describe will need to be explained in detail on your application forms. It will also be helpful if your doctor could write some notes about your condition on the medical forms. The brethren, when they are determining your ability to serve, will rely heavily upon the opinion of your church leaders (bishop and stake president) and doctors. If they all agree that this situation will not hinder your ability to serve, then you won’t be turned down for missionary service. If the condition can be controlled with medications or life style adjustments, then you likely will still be able to serve a mission, but where and how you serve may be limited. Please be completely open and honest with your priesthood leaders, your doctors, and on your mission application forms, and I’m sure the Lord will watch over you and ensure you get the right mission call. Good luck and God bless.
Hello I am a Liberian. I am 20years old, and I am a high school graduate. I also want to serve mission in any country our heavenly father want me to serve in.
Do i need to graduate high school to serve a full time mission?
I don’t think graduating high school is a firm requirement, but it is certainly encouraged. The church wants young people to become educated and prepared for life, and that usually including graduating from high school. You should talk to your bishop about it, but in most cases, Church leaders will encourage young people to complete their high school education before serving a full-time mission. Good luck and God bless.
Do you know if a mentally ill person can serve a mission? I’ve read that as long as they talk with someone and they approve you that you can, but do you know what that takes?
Kat, the Church hasn’t said a lot about mental illness and the ability to serve a mission. I think they handle it on a case by case basis. If the person has his or her illness under control with medication, I think they would be able to serve, though they may not be sent to a foreign country. Church leaders may want to keep those missionaries close to home, so in case something happens, their parents can be near and able to help intervene. I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless.
My programmer іѕ tｒying to persuade
mе tto mоvе to .net from PHP. I havе always disliked the idea ƅecause of
thhe costs. Ᏼut he’s tryiong none the less.
I’vｅ been uѕing Movable-type on а variety of websites fօr ɑbout a yea
аnd am worried abolut switching to amother platform.
Ι have heаｒd fantastic things about blogengine.net.
Is theгe ɑ way I cɑn transfer alll mｙ worddpress сontent inmto it?
Any hｅlp would Ƅe greatly appreciated!
Im 50 and a single mom but my youngest will soon be leaving for his fulltime mission..
Can i still apply for a fulltime mission just like my daugthers who are now rms… Will i be required to finance myself all throughout 18 months of service… But i dont have the mens to do so but my desire to serve and proselyte is truly strong..
Sheilah, Generally, all missionaries are required to support themselves financially. If there are to be exceptions to that, you’d have to talk to your bishop and stake president. I’m pretty sure that your priesthood leaders will counsel you to try to save money for a while and see if you can save enough to pay for your mission. If, after substantial effort, you are not able to save enough money to go on a mission, then, again, talk to your priesthood leaders and they may be able to help you find ways to finance a senior mission.
I am grateful you have desires to be a missionary. I hope you have the opportunity to go on a full-time mission. But remember, even if you don’t, you can always be a missionary in your everyday life, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Good luck and God bless.
Wow thank you for the quick reply… Now the more desirous i am to apply.
Hi I am 31yrs old, female…I got my own endowment couple weeks ago & somehow every time I visit the temple, I have this feeling every time that the Lord wants me to go on a mission. Ive been praying and still receive the same answer. I want to go serve in his timing. Am I still within the age limit? Or too old to go? Thank you.
Audrey, I don’t think there is an age limit for single women to serve a mission. For single young men, the age limit is 25 years old, but I don’t think that limit exists for women. If I recall correctly, a single woman under 40 will be assigned to work with other young full-time missionaries. If the woman is older than 40, she would not serve with the full-time proselytizing missionaries, but would instead be assigned to serve in senior-missionary-type assignment or perhaps in a church-service-type mission, working in a temple or in a welfare assignment, or some other arm of the Church.
But please do go talk to your bishop and/or stake president to verify what I’ve told you. When you meet with them, they will also counsel you on whether or not to go on a full-time mission. If there is any prospect of getting married, they may encourage you to stay home, as marriage and family are the most important mission we can be engaged in.
Counsel with your priesthood leaders, counsel with family and friends, and most importantly, counsel with the Lord. As Alma taught, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 37:37).
Got a friend in a similar situation, i wonder if you went
I have a child and I’m not with my childs’ mom anymore. My child is a couple months old. My ex n I was never married. I’m 21 yrs old. Does this disqualify me from serving a mission?
Michael, Unfortunately, that generally does disqualify you for full-time missionary service. The reason is that, even though you are not married to the child’s mother, you need to financially and emotionally support the child. Hopefully, you will be able to serve a full-time mission when you get older. And of course, you can be a missionary every day, as you reflect the light of Christ and share the gospel as opportunities arise.
I was wondering if my son is still wearing invisaligns, can he still serve a mission while wearing the invisalign? His orthodontist says that it shouldn’t be a problem since he’ll just send him with all the trays he’ll need while on the mission. Will he need to be done with the invisaligns before he can serve?
Myles, The Church says orthodontics treatment needs to be complete prior to leaving on a mission. I think that rule, however, was probably written to apply to traditional orthodontia. If invisalign can be done without close supervision of a doctor, my guess is that it would be okay to go on his mission with them. But you may want to check with the missionary department at church headquarters. Good luck and I hope your son has a great mission.
I have interesting in saving mission but I have financial problems because I lost my parents both nobody to help me please I need help from anybody so I can save the Lord
+2347084685979