What do Mormons believe about missionaries?
Mormons believe the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is again upon the earth. In 1830 the prophet Joseph Smith received a vision in which God the Father and the Son both appeared to him, instructing him not to join any of the various religions and sects that were on the earth at that time. Instead, Joseph was to begin the process of restoring the truths of Christ’s church—the church He established when he lived on earth over one thousand years ago. The underlying message of Christ’s gospel is the atonement. We can all repent and be forgiven of our sins and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.
This is an exciting message, one which Mormons feel they have a responsibility and privilege to share with the world. Christ atoned for our sins and because of His incredible gift to the world we can all be free from sin. Mormons believe they should share the message of Christ’s gospel through the way they live their lives; however, there is also an organized system of missionary work in the Mormon church as well. The formal missionary program for the church sends out over 56,000 missionaries to approximately 330 organized missions worldwide. Men, after they turn 19, are eligible to serve full-time (two-year) missions for the church if they are living worthy lives. Women are eligible after turning 21. Women in the Mormon church serve 18-month missions.
Mormon missionaries are called to serve all over the world, in various languages. All missionaries serve for a time in the beginning of their missions in a training center. Here they learn the basics of missionary work and, if they will be speaking a foreign language, they learn the language as well. Once in the field, a missionary’s main purpose is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. To do this, he or she may go to door to door, perform service, and do other activities in accordance with the strict moral code of Mormon missionaries. Mormon missionaries teach through the power of God’s spirit. They use tools such as prayer, scripture study, and sharing one’s testimony to accomplish this. The Book of Mormon is an essential means by which missionary work is accomplished. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon holds the keys to one’s salvation.