Interview Questions for Prospective Missionaries

Bishops and stake presidents are invited to “conduct thorough, spiritually searching, and uplifting interviews” with each missionary candidate using the following questions (see General Handbook, 24.4.2).

1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?

2. Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as your Savior and Redeemer?

   Please share your testimony with me. How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ influenced your life?

3. Do you have a testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon?

   How has your understanding of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and your study of the Book of Mormon deepened your relationship with Jesus Christ?

4. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

   Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?

   Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?

5. The Lord has said that all things are to be “done in cleanliness” before Him (Doctrine and Covenants 42:41).

   Why would striving for cleanliness before God include avoiding pornography?

   From your understanding, what does it mean to live the law of chastity?

   Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior?

   Do you obey the law of chastity?

6. Do you follow the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ in your private and public behavior with members of your family and others?

7. Do you support or promote any teachings, practices, or doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

8. Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

9. Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?

10. Are you a full-tithe payer?

11. From your understanding, what does it mean to live the Word of Wisdom?

    Do you obey the Word of Wisdom?

12. As a full-time missionary will you live in accordance with these standards we have discussed?

13. (This question is omitted when interviewing a member who is not endowed.) Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?

14. (This question is omitted when interviewing a member who is not endowed.) Do you honor your sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances? (Read the “Wearing the Temple Garment” statement, included below, to each member).

15. What does it mean to you to repent, including confessing serious sins to priesthood authorities?

    Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with priesthood authorities as part of your repentance?

16. Do you consider yourself worthy to represent Jesus Christ and His restored Church as a missionary?

Wearing the Temple Garment

“The garment of the holy priesthood reminds us of the veil in the temple, and that veil is symbolic of Jesus Christ. When you put on your garment, you put on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. Wearing it is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow Him. The garment is also a reminder of your temple covenants. You should wear the garment day and night throughout your life. When it must be removed for activities that cannot reasonably be done while wearing the garment, seek to restore it as soon as possible. As you keep your covenants, including the sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances, you will have greater access to the Savior’s mercy, protection, strength, and power” (General Handbook, 26.3.3.2).