Descriptions:
Ever wondered what Mormon Missionaries really do? Why do they call themselves ‘Elder’? Are they allowed to have fun?
James the Mormon answers the top 6 most common questions about Mormon Missionaries.
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Mormon Missionaries: You see them knocking on doors and talking to people on the street.
They kind of stick out dressed in suits and black name tags.
Maybe you’ve run into them before, talked to them or avoided them completely.
Let’s be honest, if you are not a Mormon, they might look really weird.
So we’ve put together the top 6 questions those not of our faith have about Mormon Missionaries.
Question: Why do they go by “Elder”?
Great question. It’s just a title used in the church that means teacher or minister, that young men receive in preparation for serving a mission. We also have “Sister” missionaries as well as
senior missionaries who serve after retirement.
Question: Is Mormon missionaries like where you go door to door, and knock like you trying to sell alarms or … what’s it like?
Missions are totally voluntary acts of service.
Missionaries don’t get paid at all, in fact, they pay to be out there serving, teaching and helping the community.
Question: What do you mean “companion”?
All missionaries are sent out in pairs, called “companions.”
The idea comes from the Bible when Jesus sent the apostles out
to teach “two and two… into every city and place.” (Luke 10:1)
Question: Do they get to choose where they go on their mission?
We believe that we can pray and receive revelation straight from the Lord to direct us in our lives. The senior leaders of the church, or prophet and apostles, pray about where to send each missionary. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now has more than 74,000 full-time missionaries serving in over 400 missions across the world.
Question: Are they allowed to have fun, play sports and watch movies?
Great Question. Once a week missionaries have a day to rest, run errands, write home, and play sports. However, they refrain from media and entertainment during their mission so that they can focus more on spiritual things. Do you have to go on a mission if you’re Mormon? It isn’t mandatory, but young men are strongly encouraged to serve a mission, and young women can as well if they want to. When I served my mission, some of the happiest times for me were when I was able to offer service, and help people find joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Learning how to love the people I served was the most rewarding part about serving a mission.