Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Missionary Service

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