Mormon Missionaries
Mormon Missionaries The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon faith, is the largest active practitioner of missionary work, with over 50,000 missionaries serving worldwide. All members of the LDS church are called to do missionary work at some point in their life. However, most missionaries fulfill their mission as singles between the ages of 19 and 25. As stated in Cannon, practicing missionaries fulfill their missions not only to convert others to the Mormon faith, but also to come to an understanding of ultimate reality through specific encounters and experiences while on the quest. Not just any member is able to serve as a missionary however. Each missionary must complete certain qualifications, and once these are complete, they must follow a strict code of conduct while in service. Looking further into the specific preparations to serve as a missionary, and the typical life a missionary must live while serving can give us a better understanding how members of the LDS church can come to ultimate reality in fulfilling their mission. (Cannon 63) In the New Testament, Matthew states, “ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”(Matthew 28: 19-20). It was in this passage that the LDS church built their missionary program around. However, there are certain qualifications one must complete in order to serve as a missionary. These qualifications are typically known as standards of worthiness. Among the standards that a prospective missionary must adhere to include regular study of the Standard Works, adherence to the law of chastity, adherence to the word of wisdom, and the payment of tithing. The Standard Works are a culmination of Holy Scriptures including the Bible and three other holy books called the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine of Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. (“Missionary Program”) Also, regular attendance to church meetings and regular personal prayer are basic practices a prospective missionary must
Cited: Cannon, Dale. Six Ways of Being Religious. Belmont: Wadsworth Company, 1996. 63-65. "Missionary Program." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 27 Nov. 2007 <www.lds.org>. "What is a Mission?" LDS Mission Network. Deseret Books. 27 Nov. 2007 <www.mission.net>.