What are Mormon Missionaries?

You’ve probably seen Mormon missionaries at least once–usually two young men going door to door in white shirts and ties asking to share a message about Jesus. But where do they come from and how do they end up as missionaries? As an ExMormon who served my own mission for 18 months in Denver, Colorado, I have answers to these questions and more.

My Experience as a Mormon Missionary

Who are the missionaries?

Mormon missionaries are volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who commit to spreading the church’s teachings.

What are the missionaries trying to accomplish?

Missionaries aim to gain converts by sharing the beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their primary goal is to bring others into the church by teaching its doctrine and guiding those interested through the process of baptism.

Do all Mormons go on missions?

No, not all Mormons go on missions. While missions are encouraged, they are technically voluntary. Young men are strongly urged to serve starting at age 18, and women may choose to go starting at age 19, though their participation is less emphasized.

Why are missionaries so young?

The age range for young missionaries is generally 18–25, with men beginning at 18 and women at 19. Additionally, older married couples, usually retirees, can also serve missions, though they typically fill support roles in administration or member outreach rather than proselytizing.

The church explains that sending young people on missions is intended to foster personal growth, discipline, and service, offering life skills and a stronger faith through immersion in church teachings and practices.

At the same time, this age range seems strategically designed to keep members engaged through a critical period when many might otherwise branch out. Church members are guided through structured programs from childhood to their teenage years, and missions follow seamlessly, reinforcing ties to the church just as young adults begin seeking independence. 

By curbing that independence, the church deepens members’ reliance on it, solidifying the foundations of their adult lives within its guidelines. This approach connects teenage faith-building directly to marriage and family—a central church focus—anchoring members to a lifelong role in the community.

Why do they dress the way they do?

You may have seen the men wearing white dress shirts, ties, and dark suits or the women wearing modest skirts or dresses that extend below the knee. Missionaries follow strict dressing guidelines intended to project “dignity and cleanliness” and reflect their role as representatives of the church and Jesus Christ himself.

Why do they always travel in pairs?

Missionaries are required to travel and work in pairs, known as “companions,” to ensure safety, mutual support, and accountability. Except for bathroom breaks, companions must stay within “sight and sound” of each other at all times, meaning they are rarely, if ever, alone. While framed as a measure for safety, this rule often curbs missionaries’ independence, imposing constant surveillance that can limit individuality and personal identity.

How does someone become a missionary?

To become a missionary, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must first meet specific requirements. Young men and women need a “recommendation” from local church leaders, confirming they are in good standing with the church and meet spiritual, physical, and financial readiness. After applying, they undergo interviews, share personal and health information, and commit to strict standards of conduct.

Where are missionaries from?

Missionaries come from all over the world, with most from countries where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a significant presence, such as the United States, Latin America, and parts of Europe and Asia. Many missionaries are from Utah and Idaho, where church membership is especially concentrated.

How are missionaries selected or assigned?

Missionaries volunteer to serve, but assignments are made by church leaders in Salt Lake City. After securing a recommendation from local leaders, prospective missionaries will receive a “calling” (previously a physical letter, now just an online notification) of where they have been assigned and what language they will be speaking.

How long do they have to spend on a mission?

Young men are expected to serve for two years while young women serve for 18 months.

What kind of training do missionaries go through?

Before entering the mission field, missionaries attend a Missionary Training Center (MTC) where they receive instruction on church doctrine and proselytizing methods, with additional language training if assigned to a non-native-speaking area. Training typically lasts 3–9 weeks, after which missionaries are sent directly to their assigned area.

Can missionaries quit?

While missionaries technically have the option to quit, leaving early often involves complex social and personal consequences. Returning home can carry a stigma, and some families may express disappointment. This discouragement creates significant pressure on missionaries to stay the full duration, even if they struggle with the experience.

What pressures lead to someone serving a mission?

Many young members feel strong social, familial, and cultural pressure to serve missions, especially in regions with a high concentration of church members, like Utah and Idaho. For young men, a mission is often framed as an expectation rather than a choice, with the phrase “every worthy young man should serve a mission” underscoring a sense of duty. 

In these communities, young women are frequently encouraged to only date return missionaries, adding social incentives for young men to serve. Additionally, returning “with honor” is highly emphasized, as those who complete their mission are seen as more committed to the faith and more eligible for future leadership roles. 

Choosing not to serve can lead to social stigma, disappointment from family, or even limited dating prospects, making the decision to go on a mission especially impactful for young members raised in the faith.

What’s it like to be a missionary?

Life as a missionary is highly regimented, with strict schedules and rules that control everything from daily routines to personal conduct. ​​Watch my YouTube video to see all the rules Mormon missionaries have to follow.

Missionaries are expected to wake up early, usually around 6:30 a.m., and spend their day studying, proselytizing, and participating in church-approved activities, wrapping up their work around 9:00 p.m. They rarely have personal time or autonomy, and even their media consumption and interactions with others are tightly controlled.

Who is in charge of the missionaries?

Each missionary is accountable to multiple layers of church leadership. While serving, missionaries report directly to a mission president, who oversees the area they’re assigned to and enforces the standards of missionary conduct. The mission president is in turn guided by leaders in Salt Lake City, where the church’s central authorities set overarching policies for missionary work.

Do missionaries get paid?

No, missionaries are not paid for their service.

How do missionaries support themselves financially?

Missionaries are responsible for a monthly payment of around $500, which they or their families contribute. This payment goes toward basic living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation, which are arranged by the church. Missionaries receive a monthly stipend for personal expenses, though it’s typically modest and often requires strict budgeting to cover daily needs.

How long does a missionary stay in one place?

Missionaries are typically assigned to different areas within their mission region every 3–6 months, although some may stay in a location for longer. This rotation, known as a “transfer,” is intended to help missionaries experience a variety of communities, prevent over-familiarity, and encourage focus on the work rather than on forming long-term connections.

What do missionaries do all day?

A missionary’s day is divided between study, proselytizing, and community outreach. They usually start with a few hours of personal and companion study, followed by a day of going door-to-door, holding scheduled lessons with interested individuals, or volunteering. They often spend evenings planning for the next day, and sometimes engage in group activities with other missionaries or church members.

What do missionaries eat?

Missionaries mostly prepare their own meals within a strict budget and rely on inexpensive or easy-to-make options. In areas with a strong LDS presence, they may be invited to eat with local church members who want to support their efforts. Otherwise, they rely on their monthly stipend, which often limits them to simple and affordable foods.

Can missionaries take breaks?

Missionaries are allowed one “Preparation Day” (P-Day) each week, typically spent on personal errands like laundry, grocery shopping, and writing to their family. Even on P-Day, they must still wear missionary attire in public and keep to the church’s standards of conduct, resuming proselytizing activities by the end of the day.

Can missionaries talk to their family and friends?

Communication with family is limited. Missionaries are usually allowed one phone call per week with immediate family and can email them on P-Day. In the past, missionaries were restricted to only two phone calls per year, one on Christmas and another on Mother’s Day. Contact with friends or those outside of their immediate family is generally discouraged.

What are missionaries not allowed to do during their mission?

Missionaries are forbidden from dating, using non-church-approved media, participating in many recreational activities, or even being alone without their assigned companion. Rules prohibit social media use (unless used specifically for missionary outreach in designated areas) and restrict reading, music, and other entertainment to church-approved materials only. Physical and social activities that might be considered “worldly” or distracting are also discouraged.

What happens if a missionary breaks the rules?

Breaking mission rules can lead to disciplinary action, which may range from extra meetings with mission leaders to being sent home early if the infraction is serious. Mission presidents oversee the disciplinary process and decide the consequences. Returning home early for rule-breaking is stigmatized within church communities, often viewed as a “dishonorable release.”

What happens if a missionary gets sick?

If a missionary falls ill, they are expected to inform their mission president, who oversees their medical care. Missionaries are discouraged from seeking treatment without approval, and those with serious health issues may be sent home early. In some cases, the decision to seek outside medical care can be delayed by the rule requiring mission president approval, which has occasionally led to complications.

Why do missionaries go door to door?

Missionaries go door to door as a traditional method of finding new converts. This approach allows them to reach people directly, create face-to-face connections, and share their message broadly. The church emphasizes that this outreach is both a test of faith and a way to demonstrate commitment to spreading the gospel.

Do people actually let them in?

While some people do invite missionaries in out of curiosity, hospitality, or religious interest, most people do not engage deeply with missionaries. Door-to-door proselytizing often leads to brief conversations or polite rejections, though missionaries are trained to keep conversations open and respond to interest if it arises.

What do people think about the missionaries?

Reactions to missionaries vary widely. Some people appreciate their dedication and politeness, while others view them as intrusive or overly persistent. In many areas, missionaries are a familiar presence, but responses range from genuine interest to annoyance or avoidance.

What do missionaries do if someone questions or criticizes the church?

Missionaries are trained to respond to questions or criticisms respectfully, often by focusing on core church doctrines and sharing personal testimonies. If questions become confrontational or if someone challenges their beliefs strongly, missionaries are instructed to disengage and redirect their efforts to more receptive individuals.

Are missionaries ever in danger?

Yes, missionaries face frequent risks, particularly in areas with high crime or unstable political situations. Despite the church’s emphasis on “safe” proselytizing, missionaries are often expected to go into neighborhoods alone and knock on doors in unfamiliar and potentially unsafe areas, sometimes well into the evening. 

While the church provides basic safety guidelines, the reality is that many missionaries encounter physical dangers and verbal hostility that they may be unequipped to handle. The church’s continued push for door-to-door proselytizing often places young, inexperienced missionaries in vulnerable situations without adequate safety measures.

Have any missionaries died?

Yes, many missionaries have lost their lives while serving, often due to preventable situations like vehicle accidents, exposure to dangerous areas, or insufficient medical care. The church generally reports missionary deaths with emphasis on their “sacrifice” and “dedication,” downplaying the avoidable risks and conditions that contributed to their deaths. 

Missionary deaths highlight the concerning lack of adequate safety protocols and protections for these young volunteers, who are encouraged to serve despite the potential risks to their lives and well-being.

What misconceptions about the missionaries are there?

Common misconceptions include the belief that missionaries are paid for their work or that they serve because of extreme devotion or personal fanaticism. In reality, missionaries are not compensated, and many serve due to family or social expectations rather than intense personal commitment. Additionally, some people assume missionaries are allowed to come and go freely, not realizing the strict schedules and lifestyle limitations they must adhere to.

What happens to missionaries after they go home?

When missionaries come back, they’re expected to dive right into regular church life and often share mission experiences to encourage others to do the same. Many face the added expectation to marry quickly, build families, and settle into a church-centered life. However, transitioning back to everyday life can be incredibly difficult after two years of strict oversight where individualism is discouraged. 

Many find it hard to readjust to making their own choices or defining their personal goals. The pressure to move seamlessly from one structured life into another can be overwhelming, especially when their experiences or beliefs may have shifted during their mission.

How should I act around missionaries?

When meeting missionaries, it’s good to remember that they’re often just young people who grew up in the church, following deep-seated expectations. They deserve kindness and respect, but keep in mind that their only goal in talking to you is to convert you. 

Missionaries are trained to guide conversations back to church teachings, and showing interest can land you in church records as a potential contact, leading to missionaries returning whenever they’re struggling to find people to talk to. Understanding these dynamics can help you be friendly without unintentionally inviting ongoing contact.

Conclusion

Mormon missionaries dedicate 18 to 24 months to spreading the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through strict schedules, close oversight, and constant companionship, missionaries live a highly regulated life focused on recruiting new members. Financially, they or their families cover most costs, and they work under significant social and cultural pressure to serve.

From the door-to-door proselytizing to the personal sacrifices required, the Mormon missionary experience is a tightly controlled process designed to reinforce the church’s teachings and retain young members within its structure. Reflecting on my own mission experience, I see the dedication and challenges missionaries face, but also the limits it places on personal freedom and growth, the danger I was often in, and how often my own needs were set aside in favor of the church.