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The Eternal Call to Share the Gospel!
Mormon missionaries have always been at the heart of the Church’s global outreach, carrying the message of Jesus Christ to nations far and wide. In our time, the role of the church missionary has become even more urgent, as the world faces increasing moral confusion and spiritual hunger. From the earliest days of the Restoration, the Lord has commanded His people to take the gospel to “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:37). This is not a suggestion or a side project. It is the very heart of the work of salvation.
Missionary work is more than just traveling to new lands and teaching lessons. It is the divine act of reaching out to those who may have never heard the name of Jesus Christ spoken with love and authority. For some, meeting a church missionary is their first encounter with someone who truly believes in absolute truth and eternal purpose. For others, it is the moment when long forgotten faith is reignited.
Mormon missionaries act as living witnesses that God still speaks to His children, that prophets walk the earth, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fullness. They bring the scriptures to life and invite people into covenants that will bless them for eternity. Their message is bold yet tender, urgent yet patient.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
— John 14:6
Every church missionary carries this truth at the center of their work. When they extend invitations to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost, they are offering the very path back to the Father. This is why the work is sacred and why the Lord Himself directs it through living prophets.
President Russell M. Nelson has declared:
“The gathering of Israel is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty.”
— Preparing for the Lords Return
The Rising Need in a Declining World
The need for Mormon missionaries has never been greater because faith in Christ is declining rapidly in many parts of the world. A 2022 Pew Research Center study shows a significant drop in Christian affiliation in the United States and Europe. This growing secularism influences politics, education, and culture, often pulling people away from gospel truths. Without strong voices bearing witness of Christ, a generation can quickly lose the anchor of eternal truth.
In many nations, societal acceptance of sin is growing while moral absolutes are being dismissed. This is exactly why the presence of a church missionary in a neighborhood, school, or online space is so valuable. Missionaries do not just share doctrine. They embody the joy, peace, and moral stability that the gospel brings. Their example often speaks louder than their words.
When Mormon missionaries enter a city, they do so as representatives of Jesus Christ. They carry His name on their badge and in their hearts. They pray for guidance in every decision and trust that the Spirit will lead them to those prepared to hear the truth. Often, their influence begins in small ways. A smile, a conversation, or an act of service can open a door to a gospel discussion that changes a life.
“The world is moving away from the Lord at an ever-accelerating pace. So many are giving in to sin, cynicism, and despair.”
— The First Great Commandment, Oct. 2012
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s warning is not meant to discourage but to inspire action. The light of the gospel shines brightest when the surrounding world is dark. In this environment, a church missionary’s testimony becomes a beacon that can guide lost souls home.
Today’s missionary work is about meeting people where they are, in homes, workplaces, online spaces, and in service opportunities. As the Savior commanded:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16
Every Member a Missionary
President David O. McKay’s motto still rings true today:
“Every member a missionary.”
— Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 6
This is not just a slogan. It is a prophetic charge. Every baptized member has covenanted to stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places. This means that missionary work does not begin or end with a mission call. It begins the day we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and continues throughout our lives.
Members have opportunities every day to live this calling. Inviting a coworker to a Church event, sharing a personal testimony with a struggling friend, or simply living in a way that reflects Christ’s love are acts of member missionary work that prepare hearts to receive the gospel. These small and consistent efforts lay the groundwork for full-time missionaries to teach and baptize.
President Thomas S. Monson encouraged members:
“Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him.”
— Welcome to Conference, Oct. 2013
The unity between Mormon missionaries and everyday members is powerful. When an investigator sees friendship, love, and consistent fellowship from the ward family, the teachings they receive from the missionaries are confirmed through lived example. This combination of teaching and loving is one of the most effective tools in conversion.
Moving Forward With Purpose
Begin by praying daily for opportunities to share the gospel. A church missionary’s work is guided by the Spirit, and that same guidance is available to every member. Start small. Share a verse of scripture on social media, invite a friend to sacrament meeting, or give a Book of Mormon to someone searching for answers. These simple acts, when inspired by the Spirit, often open the door to life-changing experiences.
Support Mormon missionaries in your ward or branch. Offer meals, transportation, and friendship to those they teach. Missionary work thrives in an environment of unity and love, and the simplest acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on someone learning the gospel. When members are engaged in this way, they become partners in the work rather than spectators.
Families should also prepare their children for missionary service. Hold family councils about inviting others, teach gospel principles in the home, and encourage a spirit of service. When homes become missionary-minded, the entire ward benefits, and the Lord’s work moves forward.
The Promise of the Harvest
The urgency of sending Mormon missionaries and strengthening every church missionary’s efforts is not about fear. It is about love. It is about recognizing that every soul matters to God and that we have a role in bringing them to Him.
“The field is white already to harvest.”
— Doctrine and Covenants 4:4
Prophets and apostles have made it clear. Now is the time to act. With faith in Christ, we can help gather Israel and bring souls to Him. The Lord is hastening His work, and He will bless the missionaries and members who move forward in faith.
The question is not whether the world needs Mormon missionaries and church missionaries. The question is whether we will answer the call. The harvest is ready, the workers are called, and the Lord is waiting for willing hands.
Why do you use the name “Mormon” in this article? The name of the church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Hello Daniel! I think the two terms are interchangeable. If I am a Latter-Day Saint I am also Mormon, am I not?