Doctrinal Study
Missionary Work
Overview
The Lord has declared that missionary work is the responsibility of all who follow Him (see Matthew 28:19–20; Doctrine and Covenants 88:81). Members of the Lord’s Church can, by the goodness of their lives and the strength of their testimonies, share the gospel message and help prepare family members, friends, and other acquaintances who are not Latter-day Saints to be taught by the full-time missionaries.
When we experience the blessings of gospel living, we naturally want to share those blessings with others. The Lord spoke of the joy that comes into our lives when we share His gospel:
“If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:15–16).
After His Resurrection, the Lord commanded His disciples to “go … and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). In fulfillment of this command, able young men in the Church have a duty to prepare spiritually, physically, and emotionally to serve as full-time missionaries. Single women and mature couples also have the opportunity to serve full-time missions.
Missionary work also includes helping and supporting those who join the Church. As instructed by President Gordon B. Hinckley, each new member of the Church needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with “the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4).
Record Your Impressions
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Missionary Work,” “Preach”
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Topical Guide, “Missionary Work,” “Israel, Gathering of”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Mormon Missionaries”
“Value of a Full-Time Mission”
“Missionary Work and Retention: Georgia Elias”
“Unto All the World: Missionary Work in Brazil”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
Learning Resources
General Resources
“Seven Simple Suggestions for Sharing the Gospel,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Sharing the Gospel Online,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Follow Up on Opportunities to Share,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Church Magazines
E. Tracy Williams, “Working Out Weaknesses, Sketching Out Faith,” Ensign, February 2017
Brian Johanson, “Friendship Brownies,” Friend, February 2017
“We Believe the Church Will Fill the Earth,” Ensign, January 2017
Richard J. Anderson, “Sacrament Meeting in a Hogan,” Ensign, January 2017
“Think You Failed? Think Again!” New Era, December 2016
Lana Krumwiede, “Abish and Abby,” Friend, November 2016
R. Val Johnson and Rachel Coleman, “Serving Beyond Jordan,” Ensign, October 2016
Wendy Ulrich, “The Hardest Part of Being a Missionary,” New Era, June 2016
R. Val Johnson, “How to Be a Great Member Missionary,” Ensign, August 2007
S. Brent Scharman, “Preparing Your Future Missionary,” Ensign, October 2004
Barbara Jean Jones, “It’s Your Call,” Liahona, October 2001
“Getting Ready,” Liahona, October 2001
“The MTC Experience,” New Era, June 2000
Laury Livsey, “Bank on It,” New Era, June 2000
Study Manuals
In the News
“Missionary Program,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Missionary Work,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children