Photo by Maria Dorner

From a young age, Mormon boys and girls learn about the importance of missionary work. The missionary program is a consistent topic in Church meetings, Sunday School lessons and family scripture study, and children are encouraged to become spiritually, physically and financially prepared for it.

Aside from learning the Church’s doctrine and obeying its rules, there is no formal path to missionary work. The decision to go on a mission is usually made at about the time of high school graduation, and is regarded as a rite of passage for young men. “When a young man leaves on his mission, he is a boy. When he returns from his mission, he is a man,” says former missionary Andy McGuire.

Although there is no specific blueprint for becoming a missionary, there are some basic requirements:

• A young man must be 19-26 years old, a young woman, over 21
• Each prospective missionary must demonstrate worthiness, which includes adherence to Church standards
• Each must be devoted and dedicated to teaching Mormon doctrine
• Each must be willing to go wherever they are sent
• Each must undergo an interview by local church leaders, who determine an applicant’s readiness

After a prospective missionary as been interviewed and deemed spiritually fit, their local church leader will send a recommendation up through the Church’s hierarchy to the Missionary Department. Leaders will make preliminary assignments based on Church needs, and the decision will eventually be finalized by the President’s Office.

What happens now? Read about “the call” and missionary training >>

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