You’ve likely seen the guys in white shirts and ties, big smiles, and a relentless determination to talk to whoever is willing to listen. They’re Mormon Missionaries: loved by many, hated by others. For those of you who have wondered what drives these people, but have been reluctant for one reason or another to ask, here’s the 411 on Mormons and why they send their young (and old) away from home for months or years at a time to proselyte, give service, and otherwise influence this world.
The Church of Jesus Christ: A Proselyting Church
Since its origin, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had a focus on proselyting. The first missionaries were sent throughout New England, to the then-western United States, back to their place of ancestry in Great Britain, and elsewhere. In the Doctrine and Covenants 88:81 is found a commandment to the elders of the Church to “warn his neighbor” of the need to listen to God’s commandments issued through modern prophets.
Many of the early Mormon missionaries were married men with families who made great sacrifices to preach their religion while being separated from loved ones. Over the years, the focus changed to young, single men and women, who now make up the great majority of proselyting LDS missionaries.
A Commandment for Young Men
Prior to the presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, missionary service was not always regarded as vital to the spiritual progress of members of the Church. In the 1980′s, that perspective changed. President Kimball said the following:
I was asked a few years ago, “Should every young man who is a member of the Church fill a mission?” And I responded with the answer the Lord has given: “Yes, every worthy young man should fill a mission.” The Lord expects it of him.
Since that time, it is strongly encouraged of all young men to prepare to serve a two-year mission upon turning 19 years old. We are taught to save our money and to prepare spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally to give essentially a tithe of the first twenty years of our lives in missionary service.
For the women of the Church, missionary service is not nearly as strongly encouraged. One of the main reasons for that likely stems from the obligation men have as priesthood holders to share the gospel message. Another reason is that it is considered important for young women to commit their time to building a family. Many young women do serve missions. My younger sister served in Guatemala. My sister-in-law is currently serving a mission in Idaho. Sister missionaries, as they are called, serve for a period of 18 months instead, six month short of the time the young men, or “elders” serve.
What Does a Mormon Mission Involve
Put simply, serving a mission for the LDS Church involves a lot of hard work. It is not for the faint of heart. The schedule consists of getting up at 6:30am (or earlier for those motivated missionaries who want to get in some extra exercise or scripture study), studying the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price), then heading out for the day. A full day for young missionaries consists of street contacting, knocking on doors (or “tracting” as it’s called), performing service (such as visiting convalescent people, building homes, etc.), and doing other activities as directed by the mission president.
For older couples, a mission usually involves specialized projects, such as spending time helping people find employment or teaching agriculture. My parents are serving a mission in Hawaii, where they manage the cars used by the young missionaries and handle other administrative responsibilities.
The next time a Mormon missionary says hello to you on the street or knocks on your door, even if you’re not interested in the message he has to share, take a minute and engage in a pleasant conversation. You’ll likely find someone who will at least be a friendly perk to your day.