Who are Mormon Missionaries?
When people think of Mormons, they often think of Mormon missionaries. This is unsurprising, as there are over fifty-six thousand Mormon missionaries out in the world today. Another reason this is unsurprising is because of the very distinctive image of the Mormon missionary—clean-cut young men in dark suits, white shirts, and ties that always travel together in pairs and bear name badges. This image does, indeed, describe three-fourths of the missionary force—but young women can also be missionaries, as can older, retired members.
To serve a mission is more an expectation for young men (who are counseled, but not required to serve one) than young women. Young men usually begin their mission at 19 and serve in the mission field for two years. Young women usually begin their mission at the age of 21 or later and serve for eighteen months in the field. Both men and women must be single to serve.
The Mormon Church also calls as missionaries those retired members of the Church interested in serving as missionaries. Although they can serve proselyting, preaching missions, they are able to serve different kinds of missions as well. In parts of the world where the Church is newer, they might help the members learn how to function as Church leaders and keep the Church organizations running smoothly. Or they may perform humanitarian missions—helping people or communities in need be fed and healthy, for example. They may also serve part-time missions close to home, serving inside Mormon temples or in family history centers. Often, retired couples serve multiple missions. And, yes, while it is required that young Mormon missionaries be single, senior missionaries are more likely to be married and serve together (although single seniors are also encouraged and welcome to serve).
To go on a mission, the prospective missionary needs to be interviewed by local Church leaders and, if all is in readiness, the Church leaders in Church headquarters, Salt Lake City, will decide through prayer and revelation where to send the missionary. As there are missions all over the world, this could be anywhere from San Francisco to Hungary to Taiwan. After this is decided, the “call” is sent to the missionary in form of a letter, which tells him or her where they will be going and when they will be leaving.
All missionaries are to pay for their own missions if possible, but family and local members can help if the missionary is in need. Additionally, the Church has a fund for missionaries who need assistance to go on missions, but this is supposed to be a last resort.
All missionaries report to a Missionary Training Center (MTC) for twelve weeks before they go out into the mission field itself. In the MTC, they learn a foreign language if necessary (which it very often is) and are instructed in the principles of the gospel and how to teach them to others.
Missionaries are required to stay closely focused on the work they do in the mission field. They are always with their companion. They wake up at 6:30 and go to bed at 10:30 and every hour between this is occupied with the work of the Lord, preaching the gospel to anyone who will listen. Missionaries do have one free day a week, but even on these free days, they may not watch TV or media that is not Church-approved, nor may they date, or even flirt with, the opposite sex. They often use this free day partly to write letters as it is the main contact they have with family and friends back home. Part of the dedication that missionaries show is in their willingness to be separated from their home, schooling, and career for so long.