Can we choose where we want to serve?
You are encouraged to indicate
the types of assignments, and even locations, you prefer. For instance, it’s
appropriate to indicate whether you would prefer to serve a domestic mission
instead of foreign and explain why. While preferences are carefully considered,
members should be willing to serve wherever they are called.
What factors influence our
mission location?
There are many factors, including
how long you plan to serve, date of availability, personal health, financial
support, background in the Church, talents, and language or technology skills,
such as computer or office experience.
Can we choose how long we
serve?
Yes, you decide if you want to
serve 6, 12, 18 or 23 months. You must be willing to serve for 12 months or
more to serve a foreign mission. Senior sister missionaries (age 40+) can serve
for 12, 18 or 23 months.
Must we be retired?
No. But you must be free of
family and employment obligations during your time of service.
Is there an age limit for
senior missionaries?
While senior sister missionaries
must be at least 40 years of age, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for
couples, though both should be in relatively good physical, mental and emotional
health.
How much will a
mission cost?
Couples
are responsible for their own living expenses. Most spend $1,350 to $3,550 per
month, depending on the location and type of assignment. You can view the
estimated monthly cost for each mission on pages 17-18 of the Senior Missionary
Opportunities Bulletin online at www.lds.org/senioropportunities.
What
is the cost for senior sisters?
The
cost for senior sisters is roughly 65% of the costs listed for couples (see
previous question).
What types of
opportunities are there for seniors?
There is a great need for senior
couples and senior sisters, 40+ years of age. You can view the many missionary opportunities
in the Senior Missionaries Opportunities Bulletin updated weekly at www.lds.org/senioropportunities
Are senior
missionaries required to follow a schedule like the young missionaries?
No. While your assignment will be full-time, you will have much more
flexibility in schedules and goals. Some assignments, such as those in visitor
centers or mission offices, may require a daily “shift.” However, most senior
couples are allowed to vary their schedule day to day. Senior missionaries are
encouraged to make time each day for exercise and personal gospel study.
What skills do we
need?
Your life experiences, such as raising a family and serving in the
Church, have provided you all the skills you need to serve a mission. The
Missionary Training Center (MTC) and in-field experiences will provide
additional helpful skills and training.
Will we be required
to learn a foreign language?
Not unless you want to. For those who choose to, they will receive
one-on-one language tutoring from the MTC via Skype or phone prior to departure
and additional tutoring of up to six months while in the field.
Will we be expected
to proselyte, such as knocking doors?
No. Senior missionaries are not given proselytizing assignments. However,
if you desire, you will work along side the young missionaries helping to teach
the gospel, reach out to less-actives, fellowship new converts, strengthen
young single adults, train local church leaders, etc. Senior couples will have
ample opportunities, just going about their daily lives, to share and testify
about the Restored Gospel.
Are couples expected
to be together as companions like the young missionaries?
Generally, yes, though it’s possible that some mission assignments may
separate you for brief periods of time. You should never be separated at night.
How often will we be
able to communicate with our family back home?
Senior missionaries are not under the same restrictions as the young
missionaries. They may communicate with family back home more often than
weekly. In fact, not only may senior missionaries communicate more often, if
needed, but do so regularly via email, phone or even Skype.
Does this apply to missionaries serving abroad?
Yes. And, thanks to technology
such as Skype, texting and VOIP (Voice Over Internet Phone), senior couples in
foreign lands find they are able to stay in close touch with families back home,
as needed. The Senior Missionary Services office can help foreign-bound senior
couples with a variety of low-cost phone options.
Are family members
permitted to visit senior missionaries?
Yes, immediate family members can visit with permission from the mission
president.
Can senior couples
take a leave of absence to attend important events or emergencies?
Yes, when authorized by the mission president. Normally these brief
absences are for no longer than 10 days and are at your own expense. Both spouses
must travel home together.
Are
senior missionaries required to have health insurance?
Yes.
If they do not already have coverage, the Church
makes available a policy, called Senior Service Medical Plan, for $183 per
person per month. There are no restrictions based on health history or
pre-existing conditions. Medicare coverage in the USA is acceptable.
Can we serve if we have physical, mental or
emotional challenges?
Often there are opportunities for you. Call the
Senior Missionary Medical Coordinator at 801-240-0322 and someone will help
evaluate your condition and any restrictions to full-time missionary service.
What if we can’t afford a mission?
Couples are encouraged to visit with their
children, grandchildren and even extended family members, offering them the
opportunity to reap the blessings that come from providing missionary support.
If funds still fall short, you are urged to visit with your bishop. Often there
are ward members, who would gladly contribute extra to the ward missionary fund
to assist senior couples. Go to www.dmba.com/ssmp for additional
information.
How do we begin our missionary application?
Visit with your bishop, who will open an online application
for you to complete on your own. That will be followed by interviews with your
bishop and stake president. Once a recommendation is submitted to Church
headquarters, the call is usually received within five to six weeks.
How far in advance should we begin our application?
Plan to complete your application at least four
months before your availability date, but you can submit your application many
months before if you have a solid, projected availability date.
What
if we want to serve, but just can’t leave home at this time?
For those not able to leave home,
there are two options: (1) serve as a full-time Member-Leader Support (MLS) missionary,
or (2) serve as a Church Service missionary (CSM). In both cases, there are no
extra living expenses (because you live at home) and no requirement
for medical and dental examinations. This allows you to continue meeting
with your own health professionals and even participate in family gatherings.
What
do Member-Leader Support (MLS) missionaries do?
They serve under the direction of the
mission president in coordination with local priesthood leaders, usually
fellowshipping new converts and strengthening less-actives. For those who live
at home and serve in their own stake, they must be temple worthy, no minor
children living at home, and cannot be employed with either a full- or
part-time job. They commit to serve a minimum of 32 hours per week.
What
do Church Service missionaries do?
Couples or singles, including
males (regardless of age), serve for 6-24 months at a local service
location. Most live at home and serve at least 8 hours per week. Their
assignment may include serving as Bishop’s Storehouse workers,
Seminary-Institute recruiters, Media specialists, Family History researchers,
etc.
What
are the qualifications for Church Service missionaries (CSM)?
They must be worthy to hold a temple
recommend and should have no minor children living at home. They must be
physically, mentally, and emotionally able to fulfill the related duties of
service. They provide their own financial support, including health-related
expenses. For a list of CSM opportunities, go to www.lds.org/csm
