What Is a Mission?

Answer

A mission is a sacred divine appointment to share the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.

Going deeper

A mission is a divine appointment to share the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with all the world, as revealed in modern scripture and upheld by the Church’s living prophets ¹². It is not a casual act of volunteering or a self-directed project, but a sacred responsibility rooted in ancient covenants and contemporary revelation ¹³. The work of missionary service is both personal and communal, grounded in proper priesthood authority and directed by the will of God ².

Missionary work has its origins in the earliest days of the Church, when the First Presidency established its purpose as the greatest and most important duty ¹. Joseph Smith taught that the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel ¹, and this principle has guided the Church’s missionary effort through centuries of expansion. As the Church has grown, so has the scope and understanding of missionary work, adapting to new tools and global needs while remaining faithful to its original calling ⁴.

Today, the definition of a mission continues to be refined by the teachings of modern prophets and apostles, who emphasize that missionary work is a way to manifest love for God and an unselfish love for your fellow men ⁵. It is both a personal calling and a communal obligation, woven into the fabric of the Church’s organization, priesthood authority, and covenantal life ⁶. Understanding what a mission is—its scriptural roots, its guiding principles, and its impact on individuals and communities—provides a foundation for appreciating its eternal significance and practical application in the lives of Saints around the world.

A mission is not a casual volunteer position or a temporary project; it is a sacred appointment to share the gospel, given by divine authority rather than chosen as a personal preference. In ancient times, the Lord commissioned His followers to gather Israel among all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ². The Lord renewed that commission in these latter days, and every member who is baptized covenants to be a witness of God and to minister to others ². To serve the Lord as a missionary is a sacred privilege that brings eternal blessings to both the person who serves and those who are taught ². Unlike ordinary volunteerism, a mission is an official calling extended by proper authority ². Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained, “Please note that the first sentence is a call to serve as a full-time missionary in the Lord’s restored Church. The second sentence indicates an assignment to labor in a specific place and mission. The important distinction expressed in these two sentences is essential for all of us to understand” ⁷. This distinction between the general call to be a missionary and the specific assignment to a mission clarifies that the latter is a formal, divinely arranged appointment ⁷.

The scope of a mission extends beyond preaching to include teaching, service, and community support, all directed toward the work of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ ². Each missionary is called to assist in Their work and to represent Jesus Christ and His restored Church ². They selflessly serve the Lord in a labor of love among His children ². The Lord gave a clear directive that it is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel ⁸. This support underscores that missionary work is not isolated; it is woven into the fabric of the Church’s responsibility to care for its members ⁸. As President David O. McKay taught, “Every member … a missionary!” ⁵, and “True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work” ⁵. Thus, a mission is both a personal calling and a communal obligation, grounded in scripture and guided by proper authority ².

Scriptural Roots: Ancient Covenant and Modern Revelation

The concept of missionary service is not a modern invention but rather a fulfillment of ancient scriptural patterns renewed through modern revelation. In the Book of Moses, the Lord instructs Moses to gather the children of Israel, establishing a precedent for divine commissioning. Later, in the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephite gives a charge to his people to go forth and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the Gentiles (Mosiah 18:8–10). This ancient covenant to bear witness is echoed in modern scripture when the Lord declares to Joseph Smith that “all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning” ⁹. The continuity between ancient Israelite gathering and latter-day missionary work shows that the Church’s outreach is rooted in divine plan rather than cultural trend.

Modern revelation further clarifies the scope and purpose of missionary assignment. The Lord instructed Joseph Smith that it is “the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world” ⁸. This principle emphasizes that missions are not merely personal choices but sacred appointments backed by institutional support. President Thomas S. Monson emphasized that “Missionary work is an identifying feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always has it been; ever shall it be” ¹, echoing Joseph Smith’s teaching that “the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel” ¹. These statements anchor missionary service in both ancient covenant and contemporary revelation, demonstrating that the work is both timeless and divinely directed.

Modern Prophets and Apostles: Guiding Principles for Missionary Work

Modern prophets and apostles consistently frame missionary work as a sacred obligation rooted in divine love and eternal purpose. President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, emphasizes that the Church’s family-centeredness extends beyond mortal ties to include eternal relationships ¹⁰. He teaches that the mission of the restored Church is to help all children of God qualify for exaltation, which he notes is “a family matter” ¹⁰. This vision gives missionary labor its deepest meaning: it is not merely a task but a participation in God’s eternal plan to unite families across time and space.

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reinforces that missionary work is not a temporary assignment but an expression of our spiritual identity ³. He declares, “Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation,” but rather “a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage” ³. Elder Russell M. Nelson, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, adds that missionaries “strive to follow Jesus Christ in both word and deed,” preaching of Christ and His Atonement while teaching the literal Restoration ¹¹. Together, these teachings show that missionary service is both personally transformative and eternally significant, guided by living prophets who continue to clarify its purpose and practice.

The Evolution of Missionary Teaching: From Early Church to Today

The understanding and organization of missionary work have transformed dramatically since the Restoration, evolving from localized efforts to a global, highly structured endeavor. In the early years, missionaries were dispatched to diverse regions such as England, Austria, and French Polynesia, often working under conditions of poverty and persecution ¹². As the Church grew, so did its missionary apparatus. Between 1890 and 1930, 31,449 missionaries were set apart for full-time service, leading to a tripling of worldwide membership and the establishment of missions in twenty-seven nations and three territories ¹³. This expansion required greater coordination, reflecting a shift from informal outreach to a more systematic approach.

Over time, the scope and expectations of missionary work have also broadened. President Gordon B. Hinckley emphasized the enduring and expansive nature of this calling, noting that the Church’s mission is “to stand as an ensign to the nations and a light to the world” ¹⁴. He outlined a three-fold mission: teaching the restored gospel, building the Saints, and performing the work of salvation for the dead, which encompasses all generations of humanity ¹⁵. More recently, Elder David A. Bednar clarified that missionary work is not limited to full-time service but is an inherent responsibility of all priesthood holders ³. Today, missionaries are equipped with modern tools like media and communication technology, enabling them to carry the message with unprecedented speed and reach ⁴.

Connections to Other Doctrines: Covenants, Priesthood, and Community

Missionary work is deeply intertwined with the covenant path, priesthood authority, and local church organization. When members are baptized, they make sacred promises to the Lord, including the covenant to “be witnesses of God and to minister to others” ². Missionaries help others walk this path by inviting them to receive the gospel and guiding them as they progress in keeping their covenants ¹⁶. At the same time, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. For young men, it is a sacred obligation rooted in the priesthood keys that enable them to teach and administer ordinances ². Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that “the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called and must need” is part of our broader responsibility to uphold the covenant ¹⁷. Missionaries work within this structure, cooperating with local leaders who hold the keys to baptisms and oversee the teaching of those who are being taught ¹⁸. The full-time mission president holds the keys for convert baptisms, while the bishop oversees the person’s progress and friendshipping ¹⁸. This coordination ensures that missionary work aligns with the broader work of the Church, which includes helping new and returning members progress along the covenant path ⁶. The weekly missionary coordination meetings held in wards focus on the needs of individuals, helping them make and keep covenants ⁶. In this way, missionary work is not isolated; it is woven into the fabric of the Church’s organization, priesthood authority, and covenantal life.

Common Misunderstandings: What a Mission Is Not

Many people confuse missionary work with simple charity or temporary volunteerism. It is not defined by the duration of the service, the physical location, or the specific tasks performed. A mission is not a vacation, a gap-year program, or an opportunity to escape personal responsibilities. It is a sacred, divine appointment rooted in the priesthood, not a personal preference or a social experiment.

Elder Russell M. Nelson clarified that “Preparation for a mission is important. A mission is a voluntary act of service to God and humankind” ¹¹. This definition distinguishes it from forced labor or casual goodwill. Furthermore, Elder David B. Haight warned against reducing missionary work to a solution for personal problems, stating, “Although our missionaries are strengthened, elevated, and magnified by their service, that is not their primary purpose, and neither they nor their families nor their leaders should regard a mission as the solution to unresolved problems” ¹⁹. The goal is not personal fulfillment, but to fulfill the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those who are called ⁶.

Misunderstandings also arise regarding the scope of missionary work. Some believe it only involves preaching to the living, but Elder Richard G. Scott explained, “Missionary work is not limited to proclaiming the gospel to … people now living on the earth. [It] is also continuing beyond the veil among [those] who have died either without hearing the gospel or without accepting it while they lived on the earth” ²⁰. Additionally, missionary work is not limited to full-time missionaries. Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that “Preach My Gospel is as much for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it is for the full-time missionaries of the Church” ²¹. Every member is a member missionary, responsible for sharing the gospel in their own way.

Finally, missionary work is not about forcing beliefs on others. Elder Russell M. Nelson emphasized that missionaries “strive to follow Jesus Christ in both word and deed” ¹¹. The work is done with purity, strength, and conviction, respecting the free will of others. Elder David B. Haight reiterated that the Lord needs those who can “wield eternal influence with purity and strength and conviction” ¹⁹. Missionary work is not coercion; it is a manifestation of love and service, guided by the principles of the Gospel.

The Impact of Missionary Work: Ordinary Life and Eternal Significance

Missionary work transforms the individual’s daily life by requiring a complete reorientation of priorities and habits. The demands of the field—whether full-time or part-time—shape how one spends time, interacts with others, and views personal goals. As President Thomas S. Monson observed, “At best, missionary work necessitates drastic adjustment to one’s pattern of living. It requires long hours and great devotion, selfless sacrifice and fervent prayer” ¹. This adjustment is not merely logistical; it is spiritual. The missionary learns to live in a state of constant readiness, attuned to the needs of others and the work of the Lord. Elder David A. Bednar emphasized that such preparation is not limited to the years spent on a mission. He taught, “The preparation I am describing is not oriented only toward your missionary service as a 19- or 20- or 21-year-old young man. Brethren, you are preparing for a lifetime of missionary work. As holders of the priesthood, we are missionaries always” ³. This ongoing mindset means that every member of the Church, even after returning from a full-time mission, continues to engage in missionary labor through teaching, sharing, and living the gospel.

At the community level, missionary work serves as a bridge between individuals and the broader world. It introduces the restored gospel to those who have never encountered it, offering hope, direction, and the chance to join a global community of believers. Elder Dallin H. Oaks highlighted the enduring nature of this outreach, noting, “From the beginning of the Restoration, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sought to follow that teaching. Even when we were a poor and struggling new church with only a few thousand members, our early leaders sent missionaries across the oceans, east and west” ²². Today, this effort continues on a massive scale, with thousands of missionaries serving across more than 150 countries. The impact is not only in numbers but in the personal transformation that occurs when individuals hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ. As Elder Richard G. Scott explained, “The message of the restored gospel we share is absolutely vital. It is from God, our Eternal Father, for every one of His children on earth and is centered in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. When that message is understood and lived, it can replace turmoil with peace, sorrow with happiness, and provide solutions to life’s persistent challenges” ²³. Thus, missionary work is both an intimate, personal calling and a vital force in the spiritual development of families and communities around the world.

Further Reading: Essential Resources for Deeper Understanding

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of missionary work, several resources offer structured guidance and spiritual encouragement. The manual Preach My Gospel serves as a foundational text for missionaries and members alike, designed to help them teach with accuracy and spiritual power. As noted in its introduction, effective study during a mission—including personal reflection and companion study—strengthens one’s testimony and prepares individuals to fulfill their purpose ²¹. Each chapter also concludes with practical activities for personal study, district council, zone conferences, and mission leadership council, allowing members to engage creatively with the material ²¹. Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, emphasized that missionaries are uniquely equipped to teach doctrine beyond the basics, saying, “For those who want to learn more than just the few basics I have discussed, the missionaries can be called upon to teach them the doctrine from chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel” ²⁴. This resource, therefore, functions not only as a tool for missionaries but also as a bridge for those interested in exploring the gospel more deeply.

Additionally, talks and writings from Church leaders provide broader context for understanding the purpose and scope of missionary work. President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, has explained that the Church’s mission is rooted in helping all children of God qualify for their ultimate destiny, which he described as “more than salvation” ¹⁰. He also noted that eternal relationships are central to this work, stating that the mission of the restored Church is to help “all the children of God qualify for what God desires as their ultimate destiny” ¹⁰. President Russell M. Nelson, of the First Presidency, reinforced this by reminding members that “exaltation is a family matter,” highlighting the eternal significance of missionary efforts ¹⁰. President Ezra Taft Benson, of the Council of the Twelve, described the Church’s mission as “to declare the gospel of the kingdom to all the world, to redeem our kindred dead, and to perfect the Saints of the Church,” calling it “the only solution to the problems of the world” ²⁵. These teachings, combined with scriptural foundations and manual resources, offer a well-rounded pathway for those desiring to understand missionary work in depth.

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