Teach of Jesus Christ
Missionaries study the scriptures, share the restored gospel, answer questions, and testify of the Savior.
His work throughout the world
Invite Others to Come Unto Christ
Missionary work begins with love for God and His children. Missionaries listen, teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, invite people to follow Him, and serve wherever they are called.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15Christ's commission
A call to teach, baptize, and help people follow Him
After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ sent His disciples to teach all nations, baptize in His name, and help people live what He taught. Latter-day Saint missionary work continues from that commission.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” Matthew 28:19Read the Savior's commission
Restoration and early missionaries
From a Book of Mormon in hand to a worldwide witness
Missionary work began before the Church was formally organized and gathered momentum during Joseph Smith's lifetime.
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1829–1830
The message begins to travel
Early believers shared the Book of Mormon and testified of the Restoration even before the Church's organization.
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June 1830
Samuel Smith is called
Joseph Smith's brother Samuel became the first missionary called after the Church was organized, carrying copies of the Book of Mormon through communities near Palmyra, New York.
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1830s–1840s
Missions cross borders and oceans
Missionaries traveled through the United States and Canada and then to England and the Pacific, often serving at great personal sacrifice.
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Today
Local disciples build a global Church
Missionaries serve among many cultures and languages while local members and leaders nurture faith in their own communities.
The missionary purpose
Help people draw closer to the Savior
Missionaries do more than deliver a message. They help people build faith in Jesus Christ, turn toward Him, prepare for baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and continue along the covenant path.
That work is personal. It happens through prayer, scripture study, sincere conversation, patient listening, invitations to act in faith, and continued friendship.
Faith expressed through action
What Missionaries Do
Every assignment is different, but the work remains centered on Jesus Christ and the needs of God's children.
Listen and Invite
They seek to understand each person, then offer simple invitations that help faith become personal action.
Serve with Love
Missionaries lift burdens through practical service, community work, disaster cleanup, and everyday kindness.
Strengthen Communities
They work with local members and leaders, support new friends, and help build belonging that continues after a visit.
A pattern for every disciple
Love, Share, Invite
Sharing the gospel is not limited to full-time missionaries. It can grow naturally from Christlike love, honest friendship, and respect for each person's agency.
Love
See the person first
Pray for people, listen without an agenda, and serve because they are children of God, not because you expect a particular response.
Share
Speak naturally of goodness
Share what gives you hope in Jesus Christ through ordinary conversation, personal experience, scripture, and quiet example.
Invite
Open a door without pressure
Offer a simple invitation to learn, worship, serve, or meet missionaries, then honor the answer with warmth and friendship.
Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people
A Worldwide Work, Lived One Person at a Time
Missionaries serve across languages, cultures, cities, villages, and local communities. The setting changes, but the pattern remains: love people, respect their agency, teach clearly, and point them toward Jesus Christ.
Scriptures that shape the work
Study the invitation to serve and gather
Matthew 28:19–20
Teach all nations
The risen Lord commissions His disciples to teach, baptize, and trust His continuing presence.
Doctrine and Covenants 4:3
Desires to serve
The Lord connects a willing desire with a call to participate in His work.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:15–16
Joy in helping souls return
Missionary service finds its deepest joy in helping even one person come unto Jesus Christ.
Mosiah 18:8–9
Bear one another's burdens
Disciples witness of God through compassion, comfort, and a willingness to mourn with others.
Called to serve
Different Assignments, the Same Savior
Missionary calls and assignments are suited to the missionary and to the needs of God's children.
Young adults
Teaching Missionaries
Young elders and sisters serve away from home, learn to teach the gospel, and invite people to come closer to Jesus Christ.
Learn about teaching missionsLocal service
Service Missionaries
Young service missionaries live at home and serve God and His children through assignments shaped around local needs and individual capacity.
Explore service missionsExperience offered
Senior Missionaries
Senior couples and individuals may teach, support Church operations, strengthen local leaders, serve charities, and use a lifetime of experience to bless others.
Discover senior opportunitiesA simple first conversation
What Happens When You Meet Missionaries?
You can meet at home, online, at church, or in another comfortable public place. Missionaries will listen to your questions, pray with you, read scripture with you, and discuss the teachings of Jesus Christ. Missionary visits are free.
- Choose a time and place.Meet in the setting that feels comfortable to you.
- Bring your questions.The conversation should begin with what matters to you.
- Decide your next step.You choose whether and how the conversation continues.
Continue the journey
Choose a path to learn or serve
Follow a trusted source, deepen your study, or begin a real conversation.
Study Preach My Gospel
Learn the doctrine, skills, and Christlike purpose that guide missionary service.
Explore Church History
Continue into source-grounded stories of the Restoration and the Church's worldwide growth.
Discover Global Stories
Use the official Church History collection to learn how faith took root in many places.
Meet Missionaries
Ask questions and learn about Jesus Christ in a free conversation arranged around you.
Independent website. focusChrist is not an official website of, sponsored by, or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionary information and next steps link to current official Church resources.