Missionary Work

When we experience the blessings of gospel living, we naturally want to share those blessings with others. The Lord spoke of the joy that comes into our lives when we share His gospel:

"If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:15–16).

After His Resurrection, the Lord commanded His disciples to "go . . . and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). In fulfillment of this command, able young men in the Church have a duty to prepare spiritually, physically, and emotionally to serve as full-time missionaries. Single women and mature couples also have the opportunity to serve full-time missions.

Missionary work also includes helping and supporting those who join the Church. As instructed by President Gordon B. Hinckley, each new member of the Church needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with "the good word of God" (Moroni 6:4; see also "Converts and Young Men," Ensign, May 1997, 47–50).

—See True to the Faith (2004), 104–6

• "A Spiritual Adventure"

  David B. Haight, Liahona, Oct. 2001, 11–16; or New Era, June 2000, 6–9
  Your mission is something you will always remember fondly—worth any sacrifice you may have to make.

• "The First Day"

  Laury Livsey, New Era, June 2000, 30–33
  Wednesdays are always busy at the Missionary Training Center, with hundreds of missionaries arriving to begin their service.

• "Bank on It"

  Laury Livsey, New Era, June 2000, 56–59
  Ryan knew he would need to earn $9,000 for his mission. Here's how he did it.

• "Missionary Service"

  Earl C. Tingey, Ensign, May 1998, 39–41
  The excitement and thrill of being a full-time missionary is one of the greatest blessings a young man of the Aaronic Priesthood can aspire to.

• "Save Her! Save Her!"

  Thomas S. Monson, New Era, May 1997, 4–7
  Heavenly Father permits us to see and to share in His divine power to save.

• "That All May Hear"

  Thomas S. Monson, New Era, May 1996, 4–8
  The world needs your help. Prepare now for the opportunity of a lifetime.

• "What I Want My Son to Know before He Leaves on His Mission"

  James E. Faust, Ensign, May 1996, 40–42
  If you will lose yourself in missionary service, you will find indescribable joy.

• "Staying Afloat"

  Dallas N. Archibald, New Era, July 1996, 40–44
  There was another fisherman, a long time ago, who actually walked on the water. Is there a lesson here?

• "Worthy to Serve"

  Gene R. Cook, New Era, May 1994, 4–8
  Go into battle poorly armed? You wouldn't think of it. Serve a mission unworthily? That's unthinkable too.

• "It's Your Call"

  Barbara Jean Jones, Liahona, Oct. 2001, 20–23; or New Era, June 2000, 16–19
  From your first talk with the bishop until that exciting white envelope arrives—here's a look at what happens and when.

• "The Most Important Step"

  F. David Stanley, Liahona, Oct. 2001, 34–37; or New Era, June 2000, 20–23
  No preparation for your mission—or your life—is more vital than what takes place in the temple.

• "Getting Ready"

  Liahona, Oct. 2001, 24; or New Era, June 2000, 27
  How do you prepare to become the best missionary you can be? Here's some advice from those who know best.

• "The MTC Experience"

  New Era, June 2000, 28–29
  Join us on a tour of the MTC. Catch a glimpse of the love, support, and success that await you.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "They Taught with Power and Authority of God"

  Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 25

• "The Field Is White Already to Harvest"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 11

• "Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 26

• "Every Member a Missionary"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 41

• "Practical Preparation for a Mission"

  Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, Lesson 23

• "Spiritual Preparation for a Mission"

  Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, Lesson 43

• Preach My Gospel

  A Guide to Missionary Service
   

• "Every Young Man Should Serve a Mission"

  Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3, Lesson 25

• "Preparing to Teach Others"

  Young Women Manual 2, Lesson 19

• "Understanding a Missionary's Responsibilities"

  Young Women Manual 3, Lesson 20

• "Learning to Share the Gospel"

  Young Women Manual 3, Lesson 21

• "Sharing Our Blessings"

  Family Home Evening Resource Book, Lesson 26

• "Missionary Work"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Missionary, Missionary Life"

  Encyclopedia of Mormonism
  (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

• "Preparing and Encouraging Missionaries"

  The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A, Lesson 19

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