How to Prepare for an LDS Mission

Preparing to serve an LDS mission involves spiritual, physical, financial, and practical readiness that ideally begins years before a missionary leaves home. Families and young adults who invest in thoughtful preparation experience smoother transitions, greater spiritual depth, and better ability to handle the challenges and joys of full-time service.

Spiritual Preparation

Spiritual readiness is the foundation of mission preparation. Daily scripture study strengthens testimony and prepares missionaries to answer questions and teach others. Participating in youth retreats, seminary classes, and Sunday School lessons builds doctrinal knowledge. Regular temple attendance (for those of age) connects missionaries to sacred ordinances and clarifies understanding of God's plan. Developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father through sincere prayer, meditation, and repentance creates the foundation for spiritual maturity. Seeking a genuine testimony — personal confirmation that Jesus Christ is the Savior, that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is true — is essential. Missionaries who arrive with shaky testimonies often struggle; those with bedrock convictions thrive even when challenged by skepticism or loneliness.

Physical and Medical Preparation

Missionaries must pass a medical evaluation confirming they can handle the physical demands of mission service. This includes a comprehensive physical exam, dental checkup, eye exam, and any required vaccinations based on assignment location. Young people should address dental issues (cavities, missing teeth, orthodontia) well before serving, as dental work is limited during missions. Physical fitness is not formally required but is strongly encouraged — missionaries walk extensively, often in warm climates. Cardiovascular health, proper footwear, and reasonable fitness level help prevent injury and burnout. Mental health screening is increasingly recognized as crucial; missionaries with untreated depression, anxiety, or trauma may struggle significantly. Seeking counseling or therapy before serving, if needed, sets a healthy foundation.

Financial Preparation

The cost of an LDS mission requires intentional planning. Missionaries and their families are asked to contribute approximately $500 per month for living expenses. For men serving two years, this totals approximately $12,000. For women serving 18 months, the cost is roughly $9,000. Not all families can afford this amount. The church offers assistance funds for families facing financial hardship, ensuring that inability to pay does not prevent qualified individuals from serving. Beginning to save early — in teenage years — allows families to spread the cost. Some wards hold fundraisers. Some missionaries work part-time jobs to contribute. The key is acknowledging the cost and planning ahead rather than arriving at the mission having expected the church to cover all expenses.

The Mission Papers Process

The formal process of becoming a missionary begins at age 17.5 with the online submission of mission papers through the LDS Church's official portal. The applicant provides personal, medical, dental, and religious information. A background check is conducted. The prospective missionary meets with their bishop for an interview affirming their worthiness, emotional readiness, and commitment to serve. The stake president conducts a second interview, assessing maturity and readiness at a broader leadership level. If approved, paperwork is forwarded to church headquarters. Within 2–4 weeks, an official mission call letter arrives, personally signed by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or the First Presidency, announcing the specific mission assignment and language (if not English). This call letter is typically opened publicly in front of family and is a momentous occasion in LDS culture.

Practical Life Skills

Missionaries live independently with their companion, managing finances, cooking, cleaning, and self-care. Young people who have never done laundry, cooked meals, or managed a budget should learn these skills before leaving. Practical preparation includes: learning to cook simple, nutritious meals; understanding how to do laundry and maintain clothing; managing money responsibly; knowing basic cleaning and household maintenance; handling minor illnesses and first aid; navigating public transportation if the mission uses it. Learning these skills at home prevents preventable stress in the field. Additionally, missionaries benefit from understanding the culture and history of their assigned region. Learning basic facts about the country's geography, political climate, and religious landscape helps missionaries serve effectively and respectfully.