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Missionary Program

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics. Mormon missionaries can be seen on the streets of hundreds of major cities in the world as well as in thousands of smaller communities.

The missionary effort is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ (see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts).

More than 88,000 missionaries are serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at any one time. Most are young people under the age of 25, serving in more than 400 missions throughout the world.

Missionaries can be single men between the ages of 18 and 25, single women over the age of 19 or retired couples. Missionaries work with a companion of the same gender during their mission, with the exception of couples, who work with their spouse. Single men serve missions for two years and single women serve missions for 18 months.

Sister Missionaries

Missionaries receive their assignment from Church headquarters and are sent only to countries where governments allow the Church to operate. Missionaries do not request their area of assignment and do not know beforehand whether they will be required to learn a language.

Prior to going to their assigned area, missionaries spend a short period of time at one of 15 missionary training centers throughout the world. There they learn how to teach the gospel in an orderly and clear way and, if necessary, they begin to learn the language of the people they will be teaching. The largest training center is in Provo, Utah, with additional centers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, England, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa and Spain.

Male missionaries are addressed with the title “Elder” and women are addressed with the title “Sister.”

A typical missionary day begins by waking at 6:30 a.m. for personal study. The day is spent proselytizing by following up on appointments, visiting homes or meeting people in the street or other public places. Missionaries end their day by 10:30 p.m.

In some parts of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other specialized missions. Those missionaries do not proselytize.

Missionary work is voluntary. Missionaries fund their own missions — except for their transportation to and from their field of labor — and are not paid for their services.

Contacts with family and friends during this time of service are limited to letters and occasional phone calls to family at special times. Missionaries avoid entertainment, parties or other activities common to this age-group as long as they are on their missions, so they can focus entirely on the work of serving and of teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources

Related topics, church welfare.

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Picking Up Missionaries

Typical Missionary Return Travel

A missionary’s travel to return home after their mission is coordinated by the Missionary Travel Office and the cost of it is already included in the missionary’s monthly payments . When the mission president assigns the release date he advises the Church travel office who then arranges the missionary’s flight home. Parents will then be notified of the travel plans.

Missionaries generally travel directly home from their missions. Any other travel is permitted only when the missionary is accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. While traveling, missionaries should continue to dress and conduct themselves according to missionary standards . Remember, missionaries are not released from their missions until they report to their stake presidents back home.

When missionaries arrive home, usually at an airport, it is recommended that only immediate family members go to pick up them up. The stake president is also advised of missionary travel plans. He usually makes plans with the parents to meet with the missionary soon after he gets home to release him.

If the parents or guardians of a missionary want to travel to pick up their son or daughter, the Church asks that they:

• Inform the mission president and Missionary Travel Office at least three months in advance of the plans.
• Make travel plans based on the release date established by the mission president.
• Do not request a change in the missionary’s release date to accommodate travel plans.
• Make and pay for their own travel arrangements, including lodging and meals.

The  missionary travel information  on LDS.org has lots of details and answers to questions about picking up missionaries. Here is what they say there:

“Parents should contact the mission office where their missionary is serving to find out the release date and visa requirements, if applicable. Then parents should contact the Missionary Travel Office to obtain the travel allowance amount. This will assist parents as they move forward with their travel plans. Parents will need to make travel arrangements for themselves and their missionary and inform the mission and the Missionary Travel Office of these plans. Missionary Travel will mail parents a reimbursement check in the amount that Missionary Travel quoted, or if the ticket the parents purchase is less, Missionary Travel will reimburse the lesser amount, approximately four weeks prior to the release date.”

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Is it limited to parents? Can a non-,e,ber sister go with her mother to pick up her sister Sister?

I don’t know the answer to that question. I would call your missionary’s mission president and ask him. My guess is that it would be discouraged but you could probably still do it. The fact that the missionary’s sister is a non-member probably wouldn’t be a factor one way or the other.

Thanks for the advice, that is what my sister Sister is going to do.

could my grandparents fly with my family to pick up my Sister but then stay at the hotel while we go pick her up from the mission home?

It seems that the Church is attempting to “command in all things”.

Can a missionary be released prior to coming home? We are going to pick up our missionary and site see prior to returning home.

In theory, it would be possible, but typically the home stake president releases the missionary once he/she returns home. So when you’re out site seeing with your missionary, he/she will still technically be a missionary.

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ERS Operations Guide

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Standard Services
• 3. The LDSJobs Website
• 4. Resource Development
• 5. Center Staffing
• 6. Working with Stake and Ward Leaders
• 7. Serving on the Agent Stake Operating Committee
• 8. Teaching in the ERC
• 9. Staff Training
• 10. Performance Measures & Submitting Reports
• 11. Establishing, Relocating, or Closing an ERC
• 12. Daily ERC Operation
• 13. Account Representative Program
• 14. Computers at the ERC
• 15. Supervising the Safety Program
• 16. Dealing with Emergencies in the ERC
• 17. Handling Records
• 18. Preparing Budgets
• 19. Spending and Reimbursement
• 21. Materials
• 22. Subpoenas
• 23. ERS Terminology List
• 24. Forms and Additional Training
• 25. Technical Updates
• 26. Selected ERS Policies
• Provident Living
• Welfare Operations
• Operations Guide

20.1 Introduction

ERC funds come from sacred donations of Church members. The Church will pay appropriate travel costs for staff traveling on ERS business. Travelers should be conservative and spend travel funds prudently. Personal credit cards should not be used to pay for travel. 

For more information on travel, refer to your local HR policy (the  U.S. Human Resource Policies and Code of Business Conduct manual  can be found on the intranet) and to  Policy Point , under Policies: Materials and Products: Travel.

20.2 Areas of Travel

Travel within geographic area.

Travel within the assigned geographic area is funded through local center budgets and approved locally by  the  ERS manager.

Travel outside of Geographic Area

With MFO approval, i t is appropriate for paid staff to attend external conferences, seminars, or workshops to enhance and update their knowledge of economic trends and technical coaching skills in job placement, career development, and small business management.

Travel outside assigned areas is approved by the MFO in consultation with headquarters staff. Center managers interested in attending or sending their staff to participate in professional development training should send their requests to their MFO and MFO for approval. Personnel attending such training seminars and conferences will prepare a brief report summarizing the sessions they attended.

20.3 Making Travel Arrangements

Coordinate with your immediate supervisor and MFO before making travel arrangements outside of your assigned geographic service area. Supervisors should approve travel requests only when the trip is required to conduct the business or meet the training needs of ERS and when the business or training cannot be completed by telephone, written communication, or other less-expensive options. Before approving travel, the supervisor should be sure there are funds available to cover the cost of the trip. Supervisors should not approve a trip until the staff member's previous expense reports have been completed and submitted.

All missionaries and volunteers should get permission from the ERC manager before renting a vehicle, purchasing an airline ticket, or paying for any other long-distance travel.

Keeping in mind safety, schedule, and price, use  eTravel  (where available) to select reasonable travel arrangements. Church Travel Services or the area administration office makes air, lodging, and rental car arrangements at negotiated or lowest reasonable rates. Airfare for all Church employees is restricted to coach fares; however, you may upgrade your flight using personal frequent flyer miles, if desired.

20.4 Authorized Travel Expenses

Staff will be reimbursed for the following reasonable business travel costs:

• Airfare, hotel, car rental, and meals.
• Ground transportation, taxi, airport shuttle, and similar expenses, paid at the most economical rate.
• Transportation to and from the airport, paid at the approved mileage-reimbursement rate.
• Business telephone calls.
• Personal telephone calls to immediate family. Normally, employees should limit these calls to 5–10 minutes per day. To help reduce costs, consider using Skype, e-mail, or other less expensive means.
• Laundry expenses when required on trips lasting over six days. Dry cleaning costs are excluded.
• Tips, if appropriate, at the customary rate.
• Passports, visas, and immunizations if required for international business trips.

Employer will not pay costs for personal items. These include:

• Newspapers, magazines, or other reading materials.
• Movies, events, or other personal entertainment.
• Haircuts or personal grooming items.
• Additional travel insurance.
• Parking tickets or moving violations.
• Babysitting or caretaking.
• Membership fees for frequent-traveler bonus programs.
• Exercise facilities.
• Credit card late payments or interest expense.
• Lodging and meal reimbursement when staying in a relative’s or friend’s home.
• Other personal costs.

Meal Reimbursements

Because meal reimbursements for employees who do not have overnight travel are a taxable fringe benefit, employee meals for single-day trips are not reimbursable. Unless the employee travel requires an overnight stay, the employee will pay for the cost of his/her own meals.

Note: Business meals with two or more individuals, for which there is a justified business purpose, do not require an overnight stay to be reimbursable.

Meals for Business Guests

Occasionally, a staff member may have to pay for meals of business guests. In such cases, staff will be paid for the actual (reasonable) meal costs for the business guests. Get a receipt and write on it the names of the guests, the date, and the business purpose. Generally, it is not appropriate to buy meals for Church ecclesiastical leaders or other employees, unless there is a legitimate business purpose.

Combined Business and Personal Travel

Staff will be reimbursed for their portion of authorized and required trip costs. They will not be reimbursed for the costs of spouses or other family members. If you choose to drive rather than fly (or vice versa), you will be reimbursed for the less expensive option. You will not be reimbursed for lodging, meals, and other costs incurred during the additional time you spend traveling if you choose transportation other than air. Also, you must take annual leave for any additional time away from work.

Expense Reports

Expense reports are due within one week after the trip ends. Frequent travelers and travelers working away from Church Travel Services or the area administration office may get special permission to submit the reports monthly. Church Travel Services or the area administration office will reimburse travelers for authorized travel expenses as soon as possible after receiving the expense report. Provide receipts for all reimbursable expenses. 

20.5 Vehicles

Under normal circumstances, ERC staff should use their own personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement or use public transportation to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

In the following cases, it is appropriate for an ERC manager to request vehicles for paid and volunteer ERCs:

• If the MFO agrees. Personal safety, insurance coverage restrictions, tax laws, or other considerations may preclude the use of private vehicles or public transportation.
• If the expected travel mileage exceeds 1,500 miles per month or 18,000 miles per year.
• If another Church-owned pool vehicle is not available on a consistent basis.

If the ERC meets these stipulations, the ERC manager may request a vehicle through the MFO. The request should be a memo stating the need and justification. The mfo prepares and submits requests.

Personal Vehicle Expenses

Where feasible, it is recommended that paid staff use their personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement from the ERC or use public transportation to fulfill their responsibilities. ERS will not pay for accident damage, mechanical repair, service, or insurance of  personally- owned vehicles used for business. The mileage reimbursement rate includes incremental costs for these types of expenses.

Rental Vehicles

Rental vehicles may also be used  for  business travel. When determining how to travel, remember funds come from sacred donations of Church members.  In some cases, using a rental vehicle is more economical than paying for personal mileage.

See  section  20 .3, “Making Travel Arrangements,”  for information  on booking rental vehicles.

Assigned Church Vehicles

In order to be considered to re ceive a Church vehicle , the ERC manager must  seek approval from the AWM and MFO . Fleet vehicles may be assigned  when an employee’s normal job  duties require  business  travel in excess of 15,000 miles per year.

The ERC will pay for the purchase, licensing, title, insurance, maintenance,  fuel,  repair, and servicing of all fleet vehicles.  Follow p rev entative maintenance schedules  for both time and mileage. Violations ( such as  tickets, fines,  and  tows) are the responsibi lity of the driver. Resolve t raffic and pa rking tickets  immediately.

Accidents should be reported to Church Fleet  Administration within 24 hours.

Vehicles may not be  used for personal use. Only  the authorized driver may operate the vehicle.

Commuting with a Church-Owned Vehicle

If you regularly use a Church-owned vehicle for commuting, please contact Kimberly Hintze at [email protected]   to ensure that your account in Global HR accurately reflects this. If you use a Church-owned vehicle for commuting, you are to report any non-commuting days as exceptions on your time sheet on the Global HR website for the corresponding pay period.

Similarly, if you do not regularly commute with a Church-owned vehicle but  occasionally  do, you are required to report any commuting days as exceptions on your time sheet on the Global HR website for the corresponding pay period.

All employees should read, understand, and comply with the Church Vehicle-Use Policy , which is found on the Intranet in Policy Point.

Following are a few important reminders from this policy:

• Church-owned vehicles may  not  be used for personal use.
• Approval from senior management is required prior to using the Church-owned vehicle for commuting; this approval must be submitted through your MFO.
• You must record and report the number of commutes taken annually, the value of which will be included as part of your taxable income .

Replacing Church Vehicles

To replace a Church vehicle, contact the Fleet Administration Division when  the  vehicle reaches 40,000 miles (vehicles are replaced at 55,000 miles).  You can find the New Vehicle Application form in  Policy Point  on the intranet by searching for “new vehicle application” in the Tools section.

Monthly Mileage Report

Each month, fill out the  Department Driver Monthly Mileage Report  and email it to  [email protected] . You can find the report in  Policy Point  on the intranet by searching for “monthly mileage report” in the Tools section.

Practice Examples

On-Site Training

Frequently asked questions.

Recently Updated Questions

How will I get to the MTC?

Unless you request travel arrangements through the Missionary Travel section of Missionary Portal , Missionary Travel will assume you are making your own arrangements to get to the Provo MTC.

How should I arrange air travel to the MTC?

Booking Your Flight

Please refer to your call packet or the Missionary Portal .

For further information or assistance, please contact Church Travel directly at 1-800-537-3537.

Luggage Requirements

You are expected to pay for your luggage when flying to the Provo MTC. Each airline determines the fees charged for luggage. International flights cost approximately $100 USD; domestic flights cost approximately $60 USD. Itineraries with multiple airlines may cost more.

Standard expectations are two standard suitcases (up to 62 inches each) up to 50 pounds each.

Carry-ons vary from airline to airline and usually can weigh up to 35 pounds and must be under 45 inches total. There is usually no charge for the carry-on.

Sometimes a carry-on and one personal item are permitted. A purse is usually considered a personal item. Depending on the airline, a book bag can be considered a personal item.

Traveling From the Airport

You may come with a relative or friend.

Missionaries coming from outside the United States and Canada should contact their area travel office regarding transportation from the airport to the MTC.

Missionaries coming from the United States or Canada, who did not make arrangements to ride with a relative or friend, should make their own arrangements with a shuttle company at the airport.

When should I arrive at the MTC?

If you will be traveling from outside the United States, plan to arrive at the MTC on the Tuesday before your on-site training date.

If you will be traveling from the US or Canada, plan to arrive on the Wednesday mentioned above. To accommodate large numbers of arriving missionaries and to allow missionary districts to arrive together, Wednesday arrivals are scheduled by district. Assigned arrival times generally fall between 1:00pm and 2:00pm (Utah time). Please confirm your district's specific arrival time on the MTC Arrival Times website . These times are posted one to two weeks before your on-site arrival date. Plan to arrive during your district's arrival time. Do not plan to arrive earlier or later than your assigned arrival time.

If your travel situation requires you to arrive outside your scheduled time, please contact the MTC Scheduling Office at 801-422-8143.

What preparations are necessary before entering the MTC?

Detailed preparation instructions and guidelines can be found in your call packet. They are also accessible on the Missionary Portal .

For example:

Purchase all required clothing and personal items. Personal time is extremely limited.

Record the completion of all your required immunizations. A list is included in your call packet and on the Missionary Portal . Missionaries should log in and record when their immunizations have been completed before arriving at the MTC.

Resolve all health-related matters, including dental and eye examinations and follow-up treatments. ( Note: you or those providing for your support must pay for pre-mission medical conditions - including dental, eye care, and immunizations.) If you are unable to complete all necessary medical and dental care prior to entering the MTC, please contact your stake president so he can adjust your MTC arrival date.

Be set apart as a full-time missionary by your stake president. Your setting apart as a missionary is under the direction of your stake president, or in the cases of districts, the mission president (Handbook 1, 4.3.8). It is intended that you are set apart by your stake president before you arrive at the MTC. In the unusual circumstance that it is not possible to be set apart before arriving at the MTC, your stake president may call the MTC at 801-422-2602 (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Utah time) to determine if it would be appropriate to arrange for you to be set apart by a member of the MTC Presidency. Missionaries or their families cannot make this request.

If you are ill on the day of your arrival, please call the MTC at 801-422-2602 for instructions.

We encourage (but do not require) you to participate in Pre-MTC Training. Click here for more information.

What should I bring to the MTC?

Bring the following when you come to the MTC:

Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department. This is also accessible on the Missionary Portal .

Soap, towel, and wash cloths.

Appropriate exercise clothing. (You will typically have five gym periods per week, and only one laundry day.)

Warm clothing. (If you will be arriving at the Provo MTC between October 1st and April 1st, it is recommended that you bring a coat. If your assigned mission does not require a coat, you may send it home prior to departing the MTC.)

Current temple recommend

Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport.

Government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.). This ID is required by airport authorities.

Copies of your personal medical and dental insurance cards.

We strongly encourage you to put your name on all clothing, luggage, and other belongings.

Please also note the following:

You do not need to bring your mission call with you, unless required and communicated to you by your Mission President.

You do not need to bring a suit or suit coat to the MTC if your mission does not require one.

You do not need to bring clothes hangers. They take up too much room and add too much weight to luggage. Hangers left by previous missionaries are available.

If you need to purchase a mobile device (either before your mission or when you arrive at your mission), you will be instructed in your call packet to visit the Missionary Portal . The Missionary Portal contains the instructions and information for those that need to purchase a device.

All bedding is provided, including pillows. However, you should bring your own towels and wash cloths.

There is an MTC Store available to currently in-residence missionaries. It carries a small selection of book bags and foreign electrical adapters at a wide range of prices. Items change frequently and discounts vary.

What supplies and services does the MTC provide?

The MTC provides for missionaries:

Room and board (including bedding supplies and meals; excluding towels)

Training materials

Laundry facilities (including dry cleaning services) - You must purchase your own detergent and pay for your own dry cleaning.

Barbershop/salon

There is an MTC Store available to currently in-residence missionaries. It carries a small selection of book bags and foreign electrical adapters at a wide range of prices. Items change frequently and discounts vary. 

You must provide your own spending money for miscellaneous expenses (you will receive a small weekly stipend to help with these purchases):

Stamps (available at the MTC)

Essential personal care items, etc.

It is recommended that missionaries have a personal debit or credit card for emergency use, travel, or personal items not covered in their weekly MTC stipend. Check cashing is available at the MTC for US currency only up to $100 USD a day. The MTC does have an automatic teller machine (ATM). Large amounts of cash are discouraged.

Can I bring my musical instrument to the MTC?

Please do not bring musical instruments to your mission unless you have permission from your mission president and the instrument is appropriate for Sunday meetings.  If you are approved to bring an instrument, please do not play it while at the MTC, including in the residence halls.  The MTC has practice rooms with pianos available.  You may check out music, violins, violas, cellos, and flutes at the music library. 

What time should I keep open to meet the Provo MTC President on my first Sunday of online training?

The one hour "Come and See" Welcome Devotional will start at 5:30 p.m. Utah time. Please invite any family members in your home to reserve this time, too, so they can participate with you. 

What if I am fluent in or speak some of my mission language?

If you are already fluent or speak some of the second language to which you have been assigned and you have not spoken to someone at the MTC, please call 801-422-2602 and ask for the Training Department receptionist.

Why do I keep receiving emails about my immunizations?

Automatic notification emails are sent when immunizations are not shown as complete in the Missionary Portal . Please record when your immunizations have been completed before arriving at the MTC.

Can I be set apart at the MTC?

Your setting apart as a missionary is under the direction of your stake president, or in the cases of districts, the mission president (Handbook 1, 4.3.8). It is intended that you are set apart by your stake president before you arrive at the MTC.

In the unusual circumstance that it is not possible to be set apart before arriving at the MTC, your stake president may call the MTC at 801-422-2602 (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Utah t ime) to determine if it would be appropriate to arrange for you to be set apart by a member of the MTC Presidency. Missionaries or their families cannot make this request.

May I have visitors at the MTC?

Your schedule will not allow time for visits from family or friends.

Advise your family not to request visits because such visits would distract you and your companion from your training. This includes arranging visits at or near the Provo Utah Temple, the MTC, or any neighboring facilities.

Church leaders have asked that missionaries not be excused from the MTC to attend funerals, marriages, farewells, baptisms, or other family activities.

Missionaries may communicate with their families on their weekly preparation day and other special occasions. More information can be found here .

When will I receive travel plans to my assigned mission?

Church Travel will handle arrangements for your travel to your mission. We strongly recommend you follow all travel instructions found in your call packet. They are also accessible on the Missionary Portal .

Church Travel will give you official passport and visa instructions. You must follow these instructions carefully.

You may be requested to send certain documents required for a visa. If you do not submit these documents by the requested date, your departure to your assigned mission may be delayed.

You will receive your itinerary for travel to your mission and related instructions on or before your last preparation day.

Your departure may be delayed because visas to certain countries are difficult to obtain.

You will pay for your luggage when going to the mission. Please keep your receipt so you can be reimbursed when you arrive. Each airline determines the fees charged for luggage. International flights cost approximately $100 USD; domestic flights cost approximately $60 USD. Itineraries with multiple airlines may cost more.

My training goes over Christmas and is a week longer than I expected. Why is that?

Missionaries training over the Christmas holiday may have an extra week of training due to a “blackout” week for travel where no missionaries travel to or from the Provo MTC. To allow the missionaries to complete their training and arrive in their assigned missions on the normal transfer date for that mission, some missionaries will begin their training a week earlier than usual and have an extra week of training at the MTC. 

Information for Family and Friends

How can i communicate with my missionary (phone calls, mail, packages, etc.).

Missionaries may communicate with their families on their weekly preparation day, other special occasions, and at times as a part of a training experience. See Communicating with Missionaries at the MTC and this Church Newsroom article for more information .

Preparation day is the same day each week but could be any day of the week (Monday through Saturday) depending on a missionary's assigned schedule. Only your missionary may share this information with you.

An MTC mailing address will be emailed to your missionary on the Thursday before entering the MTC. It will be sent to their Church-provided email account, which can be accessed through the Missionary Portal .

Missionaries may also communicate with family from the airport when traveling to their mission. The MTC Store sells an inexpensive phone card which missionaries may purchase if they desire.

Please do not request visits. Such visits would distract your missionary and his/her companion from their training. This includes arranging visits at or near the Provo Utah Temple, the MTC, or any neighboring facilities. Church leaders have asked that missionaries not be excused from the MTC to attend funerals, marriages, farewells, baptisms, or other family activities.

Any packages or letters for missionaries must be sent through the US Postal Service, UPS, or other commercial carriers. Approved same-day-delivery services are available in cities close to the MTC.

The MTC cannot accept packages or other items delivered any other way.

Mail to missionaries should be addressed with their full name and mission assignment.

Do not send perishable food items such as pizza, restaurant food, or frozen treats. Mail services do not guarantee that these will be safe to eat when they arrive.

When is my missionary leaving the MTC?

A tentative departure date is included in your missionary's MTC mailing address.

Missionaries are notified of specific travel plans from the MTC to their assigned mission on or before their last preparation day. They are encouraged to forward this information to their family. Only your missionary may share this information with you.

Church leaders and security offices request that missionaries not have visitors at the airport or MTC when departing for their missions.

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Is it a mission — or a mission trip?

By Kelsey Dallas

This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter . Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.

Last week, my editor reached out to me with an article idea. A former contestant on “American Idol” had announced plans to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it felt to him (and me) like a great opportunity to revisit our coverage of her time on the show.

When I agreed to write the story , my editor reminded me to be careful about how I described her announcement. She wouldn’t be taking a mission trip, he said. She’d be serving a mission.

Having been with the Deseret News for 10 years, I wasn’t surprised by the reminder. But I have been surprised at times over the years by how frustrated my Latter-day Saint colleagues can get with people who don’t heed that advice.

Since I grew up in and still identify with the world of Protestant Christianity, I’m very used to the phrase “mission trip.” I took annual mission trips as a teenager. I worked for a mission trip company in college. I support friends’ kids’ fundraisers for their own mission trips.

For these reasons and others, I’ve always sympathized with reporters who describe a Latter-day Saint mission as a mission trip. They aren’t trying to cause confusion, I’d tell my colleagues. They’re just used to the phrase.

After I wrote the “American Idol” story — being careful to use the phrase “serve a mission” throughout — I circled back with my editor and some others to talk about why “mission trip” feels wrong to them.

They explained that, in their minds, “mission trip” fails to capture the significance of the work that Latter-day Saint missionaries take on. These missionaries don’t serve for a week or a summer, they serve for 18 months to two years. They embed themselves in a new community and, in many cases, a brand new culture.

Their comments reminded me that long-term missionaries for Protestant groups are usually referred to just like that — as missionaries, rather than as people on a long mission trip. I began to better understand why it might be frustrating for a Latter-day Saint to see “mission trip” in a headline.

The whole episode reminded me of how tricky it is to be a reporter, especially a religion reporter. You have to balance your interest in using common terms and phrases with the need to respect and understand the people you’re writing about.

Fresh off the press

How Tony Finau puts faith at the center of his golf career

Supreme Court changes the gun control debate — again

Supreme Court issues surprising unanimous ruling on abortion pill

Major Christian group votes on IVF, adding to national debate over future of the procedure

Former ‘American Idol’ star announces she’ll serve a Latter-day Saint mission

What the Supreme Court code of conduct actually says about impartiality

Term of the week: ‘Jesus Calling’

“Jesus Calling” is a popular Christian book that’s sold more than 45 million copies. Its devotionals are written as if Jesus himself is speaking to the reader, which is why some faith leaders see it as problematic or even dangerous.

Last week at its annual meeting, the Presbyterian Church in America voted to investigate “Jesus Calling” to determine if it is appropriate for Christian readers. The decision was somewhat shocking, since the book’s author, Sarah Young, died less than a year ago and since the book has been out for two decades, according to Christianity Today .

Before the vote, Young’s widower addressed the crowd, arguing that his wife’s goal was to point people to scripture, not to rewrite or add to scripture.

But Young’s opponents won out, which means two PCA committees will now undertake studies on “Jesus Calling.” One denominational leader said the goal of the research is not to condemn the author, but, instead, to think about how the book is used in religious settings, Christianity Today reported.

What I’m reading...

John Hawthorne, a former sociology professor who has spoken with me in the past about the future of faith-based colleges and universities, wrote an interesting essay last week about the work of chaplains at Christian schools .

The Lakota tribe is celebrating the birth of a rare white buffalo in Yellowstone, since it sees such animals as signs of good times ahead, according to The Associated Press. “For the Lakota, the birth of a white buffalo calf with a black nose, eyes and hooves is akin to the second coming of Jesus Christ,” explain one Indigenous leader to The Associated Press.

My colleague, Jennifer Graham, wrote a thoughtful analysis of Tucker Carlson’s career based, in part, on her (admittedly stalker-ish) road trip to the small town in Maine that he now calls home.

I’m rereading my Q&A with Colorado baker Jack Phillips from last year ahead of his latest appearance in court this week. The Colorado Supreme Court is weighing whether Phillips, who won in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, violated the law when he refused to make a gender transition cake.

Odds and ends

Can you answer this “Jeopardy!” clue?

• “The LDS paper called this News, a word in the Book of Mormon, was established in 1850 and is still around today.”

It’s the Deseret News, of course! Check out my story on Deseret’s time in the “Jeopardy!” spotlight to see what else was asked about 19th century newspapers.

ILLUMINATE LDS YOUTH TRIPS

Church history, world travel, and adventure trips that encourage personal growth and offer once in a lifetime experiences for youth ages 15-19 years old who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Illuminate Youth Trips has it all in one life-changing experience.

Join the Illuminate family today!

Find your trip

We provide meaningful and sustainable projects for lasting educational and community impact.

Our action-packed, bucket-list adventures will be something you will never forget

ROAM with Purpose

Become a global change-maker as you immerse yourself in the local culture

We had the time of our lives on our Illuminate Church History trip. We had two children go. They were strengthened spiritually, created incredible bonds with the other teens, and had tons of fun! I will tell everyone I know to send their teens on this trip. It is life changing.

This trip changed my life! I’m so thankful for the Illuminate Church History trip. It’s the best thing I could have done to strengthen testimony, build relationships, and see the country!

I loved this trip. It was life changing, and it facilitated THE most spiritual experiences I’ve had in my entire life. This isn’t something you do for fun and then forget later. It’s something you do to come closer to our Savior and Heavenly Father, and make memories that last and foundations in your testimony that don’t break.

“I can’t praise Illuminate Youth Trips enough! Justin and Lindsay set their trips apart from others by turning good experiences into life-changing ones. They cultivate an environment of vulnerability and fun, unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I am so grateful for Illuminate giving me lasting memories and even longer-lasting friends. Go, go, GO on a trip (and don’t walk, run!)”

“Best money I’ve ever spent on my teenager. You will not believe what Illuminate packs in to a few week’s time while encouraging growth in your child. You won’t regret this decision.”

“Three years ago I signed up for my first Illuminate Youth Trip and didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know it would change my life forever. I have grown as a person and made some of the best friendships of my life, including Justin and Lindsay. Now I have been on three trips and I can’t stop traveling!”

“I do not have enough good things to say about Illuminate Youth Trips! I’ve been on three trips and have made lifelong friends. My eyes have been open to traveling and really just making the most out of LIFE! The Bowens make everything so much fun and you can just be in the moment and enjoy where you are. Traveling with Illuminate has been one of my best choices! ”

“I am so incredibly grateful my daughter did this! It was exactly what she needed at this time in her life! Thank you sooo much, Justin and Lindsay. I can’t believe the sacrifice you both make to provide such a life-changing experience for these kids! Anyone could see church history sites and tour the world, but your gift to connect and teach and reach these kids on so many levels-spiritually, socially, and intellectually is truly a gift. She will never forget this experience and the many positive things she has learned and dear friends she has made! You guys are the best!”

Instagram: @illuminate.youth.trips

Who can go.

All youth worldwide ages 15-19 are encouraged to attend and must must adhere to standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Looking for the Illuminate experience for yourself or your family?

Family Humanitarian Expeditions

Join us on all our adventures!

Custom travel adventures for adults, families, influencers and corporate travelers. Create your dream itinerary!

Illuminate Youth Trips: Worldwide travel for LDS youth ages 15-19 years old.

International service expeditions for adults, families, and businesses filled with service, adventure, and culture.

Have a question? Contact us here!

Planning When to Serve a Mission

If you want to start or finish your mission at a specific time, the  Submission Planning Tool  and the  Mission Release Date Planning Tool  below can help you decide when to submit your recommendation. You and your family should prayerfully consider when is best for you to serve. Please consider the following:

• Counsel with the Lord, your family, and your priesthood leaders about the best timing for you to serve.
• Completing medical exams can take up to several months, so allow yourself plenty of time.
• Your stake president can submit your recommendation up to 150 days before your availability date. The sooner he is able to submit your recommendation, the more likely you will leave closer to your availability date.
• Any special timing considerations should be included on the recommendation form.

Choosing the Right Time

Your availability date is the earliest date you will be available to begin serving. Many missionaries plan their availability date based on the school year, but you may also benefit from using a few extra months to prepare for missionary service by gaining valuable life experience. Choosing to spend more time preparing does not mean you are any less willing, worthy, or obedient.

Balancing the Number of Missionaries

If you choose to begin serving between November and May, there will typically be fewer new missionaries in the missionary training center (MTC) and in your arriving group in the mission field. As a result, you might receive more individual attention, a more experienced missionary trainer, or both. Starting during these months would also help to balance the arrival and departure of missionaries throughout the year.

Fulfilling Your Term of Service

Missionaries are expected to serve their full term of service (24 months for elders and 18 months for sisters). Please do not ask your mission president to release you earlier than your assigned release date. Use the provided tools to plan when your stake president should submit your recommendation to help avoid timing issues when you return home.

Submission Planning Tool

This tool will help you determine when your stake president should submit your missionary recommendation to increase the probability of starting your mission at a certain time.

Mission Release Date Planning Tool

This tool will help you determine which submission dates and availability dates will increase the probability of being released by a certain date.

The chart below indicates which submission and availability dates are most and least likely to result in your release by the desired date.

* For elders, if you plan to serve before you turn 19, your availability date must be after your 18th birthday and high school graduation. For sisters, your availability date must be after your 19th birthday.

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A new missionary training center is opening—in a country that’s never had one

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening a new training center for full-time missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since 2022, a limited number of local missionaries have received training in a temporary center, leading to the need for a permanent facility. This new MTC will help accommodate a growing number of missionaries in this region of Africa and provide training in advance of their missionary service.

The new training center will have a capacity of up to 200 missionaries who already speak French or will learn French before their service. The training center will be a short drive from the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple, which will allow missionaries to attend the temple during their training. The new MTC is scheduled to begin operation in August.

This announcement was first shared on Church Newsroom here .

Watch Hugh Grant terrorize LDS missionaries in trailer for new horror movie

“heretic” is scheduled to be released nationwide nov. 15..

(A24) A gif from the horror movie "Heretic," scheduled to be released on Nov. 15, 2024.

An upcoming horror movie is pitting two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints against — of all people — Hugh Grant.

A trailer for “Heretic,” billed by the distributor A24 as “a spine-chilling psychological horror,” was released online Tuesday. The movie is scheduled to open nationwide on Nov. 15.

Here’s the studio’s synopsis for the film: “Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.”

The trailer doesn’t mention the Salt Lake City-based faith by name, but the familiar trappings of missionary work — the black plastic name tags, the bicycles, the demure skirts — are evident.

The female (”sister”) missionaries are played by Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets,” “The Boogeyman”) and Chloe East (“The Fabelmans”).

The movie is written and directed by the filmmaking team of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who co-wrote “A Quiet Place” and “The Boogeyman.” According to the Internet Movie Database, the movie was filmed in British Columbia.

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President Nelson to new mission leaders: ‘The truths of the Book of Mormon are filled with power’

During his remarks, president nelson invites mission leaders to make the book of mormon ‘the cornerstone’ of teaching their missionaries.

By Sydney Walker

PROVO, Utah — As an ever-increasing number of diplomats, religious leaders and other men and women of influence seek to meet with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they often bring unique gifts from their countries.

President Russell M. Nelson , 17th President of the Church, said he and his counselors in the First Presidency have counseled about what to give in return and determined that the most precious gift they could offer is a copy of the Book of Mormon.

“We do not just hand them this treasured book,” President Nelson told newly called mission leaders in a prerecorded message shown Sunday, June 23, as part of the 2024 Seminar for New Mission Leaders .

“We open it to 3 Nephi, Chapter 11 . I read aloud about the resurrected Savior’s appearance to the people in the New World.”

During his remarks, titled “The Converting Power of the Book of Mormon,” President Nelson invited mission leaders to make the Book of Mormon “the cornerstone” of teaching their missionaries.

“Please teach them that the truths of the Book of Mormon are filled with power — power to help them do the impossible on their mission, power to help them become increasingly pure, power to help them teach with authority from God,” he said.

A deep personal conversion

President Nelson began his message by telling mission leaders they are about to embark on “one of the greatest adventures and one of the most meaningful experiences” of their lives.

He emphasized the importance of their calling: “You have been called, set apart and given the authority to preside over a mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are few assignments in the Church that are as rewarding, and there are very few that are as demanding.”

Perhaps at no other time in their lives will they see so many lives change, including those who find and join the Church during their mission. “At least as important, however, is the conversion of your missionaries,” President Nelson said.

“In particular, the young men and women under your care can have — and we hope will have — a deep personal conversion of their own. True conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ is what will give them the strength to remain faithful to their covenants throughout their lives.”

President Nelson expressed gratitude for the “exceptional response” to the second edition of “Preach My Gospel,” announced last June during the opening moments of the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders .

He then described the Book of Mormon as “one of the greatest tools of conversion that you and your missionaries have at your disposal.”

‘The most correct of any book’

When early Church leader Parley P. Pratt first read the Book of Mormon, he expressed his feelings this way: “I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.”

He further recorded, “I knew and comprehended that the book was true.”

President Nelson said the Prophet Joseph Smith’s description of the Book of Mormon explains why Parley P. Pratt and tens of millions of others have experienced the converting power of the Book of Mormon:

“I told the brethren,” Joseph said, “that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

President Nelson invited mission leaders to consider the implication of Joseph’s words.

“Think of it: The most correct of any book,” President Nelson said. “A book that will help us get closer to God than we could through any other book. Very simply, the Book of Mormon is filled with godly power because it is the word of God.”

The Book of Mormon teaches the doctrine of Christ and explains more about His Atonement than does any other book, President Nelson said. “It recovers some of the ‘plain and precious’ truths — including covenants — lost during various translations of the Bible through the centuries.

“Because the Book of Mormon contains the complete gospel of Jesus Christ, it exposes the tactics of the adversary. It contains the answers to life’s most vexing questions. The Spirit will dwell with all who undertake a serious study of this cherished book.”

President Nelson repeated a promise he has made before : “If you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions every day.”

‘I will read this book’

President Nelson commented on the Spirit that enters the First Presidency’s conference room when he reads these words from 3 Nephi to visitors from around the world:

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

“And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. …

“Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth” ( 3 Nephi 11:10-11, 14 ).

The reactions to these verses vary, President Nelson said, “but often our guests are overwhelmed by the feeling that enters into the room, which of course is the Holy Ghost testifying of Jesus Christ.”

He recalled an experience with one dignitary who tenderly held his just-received personal copy of the Book of Mormon to his chest. “I will read this book,” the dignitary promised.

Experience the converting power for yourself

President Nelson told mission leaders: “My dear brothers and sisters, as you embark on your full-time service for the Lord, similar experiences can happen to you. I invite you to make the Book of Mormon the cornerstone of your teaching of your missionaries. Help them learn how to treasure the truths taught from the first page to the last page.”

Encourage missionaries to study diligently, and help them see that the Book of Mormon contains answers to their questions, President Nelson said.

“Please teach them that blessings will come to them as they study, teach from and testify of the Book of Mormon.”

President Nelson concluded his message with a blessing and his testimony: “My beloved associates in this great work, I bless you that if you, as mission leaders, will study and teach from the Book of Mormon your mission will unfold as the Lord directs. And you will be guided to know how to motivate and teach your missionaries.

“Your families will be strengthened and protected,” he continued. “Your personal testimonies will grow as never before. And you will experience for yourself the converting power of the Book of Mormon.”