3

Missionary Conduct

3.0

Introduction

This section describes missionary standards of behavior and Christlike attributes. Strive to live by these standards. Seek to cultivate Christlike attributes in your effort to become a more dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. As the prophet Mormon counseled, “Remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also” (Moroni 7:5).

3.1

Christlike Behavior

“Christlike attributes are gifts from God. Like all good things, these gifts come through ‘the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost’ ” (Preach My Gospel, chapter 6).

Seek Christlike attributes that are described in the scriptures, the teachings of living prophets and apostles, and Preach My Gospel, chapter 6. Some of these attributes are faith in Jesus Christ, hope, charity and love, virtue, integrity, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, and obedience. “Focus on Christ as you seek to cultivate His attributes. … You can receive them as you strive to become a more devoted disciple of Jesus Christ” (chapter 6).

Be kind, positive, and uplifting. Be thoughtful of each person’s situation. You are a guest in the locations where you serve. Treat people and places with respect and appreciation.

While serving in the community, always respect the customs, religious beliefs, and practices of others. Avoid offending others. What you say and what you do during your service assignments may be heard, observed, and recorded. Wherever you serve, you are a representative of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.

3.2

Temple Worthiness

Missionaries should be temple worthy throughout their missions.

The Lord Jesus Christ invites you to “prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:74). Part of this preparation includes keeping your baptismal and temple covenants (if you have received your temple endowment).

3.2.1

Temple Covenants (If Endowed)

Keeping temple covenants will empower you and help you become more like the Savior. These covenants include:

• The law of obedience.

• The law of sacrifice.

• The law of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• The law of chastity.

• The law of consecration.

  (See General Handbook, 27.2)

Even if there is not a temple near you, stay temple worthy. Ask your bishop and stake president for a temple recommend interview before your current recommend expires.

Wearing the temple garment is the sacred privilege of those who have made covenants with the Lord associated with the endowment. For guidance on wearing the garment, see General Handbook, 38.5.5.

3.2.2

Temple Service and Worship

If a temple is nearby, you are encouraged to attend as a patron throughout your mission. Serving as a patron may also be one of your assigned service opportunities.

Temple attendance will enhance your mission experience. Coordinate it with your other missionary assignments. When you are serving in the temple, fulfill your assignment with dignity, respect, and reverence.

When you attend the temple, remember the following:

• If you are called by the temple presidency to serve as an ordinance worker, you will serve in the temple as they direct.

• You may participate in any of the ordinances performed in the temple except acting as a proxy for a husband or a wife in a sealing ceremony. This is to avoid misinterpreting spiritual feelings as romantic feelings.

• Do not bring cameras, cell phones, or reading materials (including patriarchal blessings) to use inside the temple.

• Do not congregate as missionaries or kneel in prayer in the celestial room.

• By taking family names to the temple, you can help gather Israel on the other side of the veil and enhance your temple experience.

3.3

The Law of Chastity

An important part of being temple worthy is to obey the law of chastity. Do all you can to protect yourself from sexual temptation that could lead to breaking your sacred covenants. Doing things that break the law of chastity may even result in criminal charges in some areas.

Avoid any thought or action that would separate you from the Spirit. This includes but is not limited to adultery; fornication; same-sex activity; oral sex; arousing sexual feelings; inappropriate touching; sending or receiving messages, images, or videos that are immoral or sexual in nature; masturbation; and viewing or using pornography. For more information, see For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, “Your Body Is Sacred.”

If you are struggling to keep these standards, ask Heavenly Father for help and talk with your bishop or stake president immediately.

3.3.1

Avoiding Pornography

There are many forms of pornography. Planning ahead and making righteous choices can help you avoid pornography. If you see it, look away, turn the device off, or leave the situation.

Use the following suggestions to help you avoid pornography:

• Avoid websites, materials, and locations where you are likely to hear, read, or see suggestive materials or pornography. Contact your service missionary advisers if you are subjected to inappropriate material at your service assignment locations.

• Learn to recognize times when you are most tempted to use technology inappropriately, such as when you are tired or bored.

• Have a plan for what you will do instead at those times. Your service missionary advisers can help.

• Frequently review the “Use Technology Righteously” and “Follow the Safeguards for Using Technology” sections in chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel.

You can also find information at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/life-help/pornography.

Anyone seeking to avoid or overcome pornography can find help and healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If you are struggling, talk with your bishop or stake president. He will provide loving counsel and support.

3.4

Honesty

We are commanded to be honest. Temple worthiness includes being honest in all your dealings with others. Being honest includes:

• Telling the truth, especially to your bishop, stake president, service missionary advisers, and mission president regarding your conduct, testimony, work habits, and emotional and physical health.

• Giving accurate reports of your service and how you have spent your time throughout the week.

• Being trustworthy and never giving a false report or false information about any person or your service assignment.

• Respecting others by not borrowing, taking, or using their personal items (such as clothing, books, electronic devices, and jewelry) without permission.

3.5

Interacting with Others

The Savior taught, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Choose to follow the Savior’s example and act in ways that are polite, safe, and appropriate for the situation.

3.5.1

General Standards for Interacting with Family and Friends

Be a strength and a good example to your family and friends. Share uplifting experiences and what you are learning from your mission experiences.

Family members may need to assist you with physical and emotional needs, with transportation, or in other ways for you to serve successfully. There will be some adjustments to family life during your missionary service. You and your family will need to make some sacrifices to ensure you have the most meaningful and productive mission experience possible.

3.5.2

General Standards for Interacting with Adults

Build trust and meaningful relationships with those you serve. Be professional and kind. Observe the following standards:

• Avoid situations that could become physically or spiritually dangerous or that could be misunderstood.

• Do not date, attend dances, flirt, or inappropriately associate with anyone. Be careful not to participate in any activity or behavior that could be misinterpreted as flirting or might look like dating.

• Keep your language dignified. Avoid using slang. Use appropriate titles when addressing others. For example, use the title “Elder” or “Sister” when referring to other missionaries and service missionary advisers. This shows respect for their callings.

3.5.3

General Standards for Interacting with Children and Vulnerable Adults

For your safety and the safety of children and vulnerable adults, strictly observe the following standards when working with these people:

• Never be alone with children or vulnerable adults under any circumstance.

• Do not babysit them, dress them, administer medications to them, or care for their personal hygiene.

• Serve them only with another responsible adult present. Follow safety protocols for the Church or the charity you are serving.

• If you will be working with them in a charitable organization, you may first need to complete a background check.

Vulnerable adults are people with a mental or physical impairment that substantially affects their ability to understand situations and to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Vulnerable adult also applies to refugees who may not understand language or cultural differences.

3.5.4

General Standards for Interacting with Teaching Missionaries

You will interact with teaching missionaries at zone conferences and in other settings as directed by your mission president. Interactions with teaching missionaries will be a blessing to you, and you will be a blessing to them.

As a service missionary, you may accompany teaching missionaries on teaching visits. Wear your name badge and follow the dress standards for teaching missionaries when you join teaching visits. If you travel in the same vehicle, avoid listening to music and viewing media that is not in harmony with standards for teaching missionaries.

3.5.5

Dating

You may not date or flirt as a missionary. You are encouraged to participate in young single adult (YSA) wards and activities, but you should not attend dances. Be careful not to participate in any activity or behavior that could be misinterpreted as flirting or dating.

3.5.6

Wearing the Missionary Badge

It is an honor and a privilege to wear the missionary badge. Always wear it while you are traveling to or from your missionary assignment, at your missionary assignment, when you join teaching visits, and at Church meetings.

Missionary assignments include missionary meetings and conferences, time serving your family, and Church and charitable assignments done from home. If you have any questions about when to wear your missionary name badge, ask your service missionary advisers.

3.5.7

Living at Home

Young service missionaries live at home. Preach My Gospel says: “The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us develop stronger family relationships. The home is the best place to teach and learn the principles of the gospel. A home established on gospel principles will be a place of refuge and safety. It will be a place where the Spirit of the Lord can abide” (chapter 3).

In your call letter, you were assigned to labor as a service missionary in your local community, giving Christlike service while living at home. Use this special opportunity to strengthen and serve those in your home and help them come closer to Jesus Christ.

3.5.8

Employment and Schooling

Employment and schooling—either full time or part time—are not part of full-time missionary service. You should devote your time, talents, energy, and financial resources to your mission. This is part of the law of consecration, which you covenant to obey in the temple endowment.

You are encouraged to participate in institute classes and activities, except dances and dating activities. You may also enroll in BYU PathwayConnect if you desire.

3.5.9

Safety Guidelines for Activities

Safety guidelines for activities that apply to young single adults apply to you as a service missionary. There are restrictions on overnight activities, temple visits outside your assigned temple district, and long-distance travel. Work with your service missionary advisers, mission president, and stake president for any exceptions.

3.6

Recreation and Entertainment

Choose activities that are uplifting, are good for your spiritual and emotional well-being, and help you relax. Exercise and be active to keep your body and mind fit for service. Avoid recreational activities that could cause injury or extreme fatigue.

3.6.1

Games, Movies, and Television

Activities during hours you are not at a service assignment, such as appropriate games, movies, and television shows, are acceptable with the approval of your service missionary advisers.

Your mission provides an opportunity to develop righteous habits. It is imperative that you do not listen to, view, or participate in activities or media that distract from the Spirit’s influence in your life and your purpose as a missionary. Remember that you have been set apart as a full-time missionary. Strive to align your behavior with the sacred nature of your calling.

As you begin your missionary service, set goals and make plans to ensure that your media habits are consistent with being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Continue to set these goals and make plans during your mission. Your service missionary advisers will regularly review your goals and help you make plans in your use of media. An important question to ask is, “Would this [activity, movie, music, etc.] distract from having the Spirit’s influence in my life?”

3.6.2

Ward and Institute Attendance

During your service as a missionary, your membership records remain in your home ward. With your bishop’s approval, you may attend the young single adult (YSA) ward in your area.

You are encouraged to participate in institute classes and activities. You may also participate in young single adult activities sponsored by your ward or stake, such as home evening activities, temple trips, devotionals, games, and picnics. However, you may not participate in dances or dating activities.

3.6.3

Cultural and Recreational Activities

Remember, you are a missionary. Your activities should always be wholesome, uplifting, and aligned with the standards of this handbook. They should be consistent with your calling to be a representative of Jesus Christ.

Always be safe and use good judgment when participating in recreational activities. During your mission you should not participate in activities that have higher than ordinary risk.

If approved by your service missionary advisers or mission president, you may participate in social gatherings with other service missionaries when you are not at your service assignments. These activities should follow the standards in this handbook. They should never be held overnight.

The purpose of your mission is to serve. However, there may be instances when it is appropriate to participate in family vacations. Discuss family vacations in advance with your service missionary advisers and seek approval from your mission president. Develop a plan with these leaders to enhance your mission experience and fulfill your missionary purpose while on a family vacation.

3.6.4

Music

Listen to music that is consistent with your sacred calling. Music should invite the Spirit, help you focus on the work, and direct your thoughts and feelings to the Savior.

Do not listen to music that encourages immorality, glorifies violence, or uses offensive language. Avoid music that dulls your spiritual sensitivity through its beat, instrumentation, volume, lyrics, or intensity.

3.6.5

Electronic and Computer Equipment

The Lord has entrusted you with the technology to help accomplish His work. “Your mission is a great opportunity to learn to use technology wisely” (Preach My Gospel, chapter 2).

Using technology wisely and righteously can help you fulfill your missionary purpose and use time effectively. Technology can enhance your study of the gospel and the scriptures, as well as help you set goals and make plans. It can also help you avoid inappropriate material.

Follow the Spirit about when and how to use technology in ways that will help strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and the faith of those you serve.

Avoid anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic.

Be purposeful in your device usage. Avoid using your cell phone for personal purposes during service assignment hours.

3.6.6

Social Media

Social media (and related platforms) can be an effective way to share how you are following the Savior as a missionary. Posts about non-missionary activities should still reflect the dignity of your mission call.

Choose wisely when using media. Whatever you read, listen to, or look at affects you. Select only media that uplifts you.

Guard your safety and the safety of others by being careful about what personal information and images you share through technology. When using social media to fulfill your missionary purpose, do not:

• Use the title “Elder” or “Sister” in your social media account name.

• Communicate anything over the internet or through texting that would be inappropriate to share in person.

• Share political views.

• Imply that your posts are official Church communications.

Be sure to obey the laws that govern the sharing of music, movies, and other copyrighted items.

Be careful not to spend too much time using the internet, a mobile device, or other media. Doing so can keep you from participating in activities that help you fulfill your missionary purpose and complete your service missionary assignments.

If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to watch or listen to, talk to your parents or guardians, bishop, or service missionary advisers. The Holy Ghost will also guide you and give you strength to make correct choices.

3.7

Policy Exceptions

If you feel that an exception to the standards in this handbook should be considered, discuss it with your service missionary advisers. Some exceptions may require approval from your mission president or the Missionary Department.

3.8

Communication with Mission Leaders, Service Missionary Advisers, Priesthood Leaders, and Service Location Supervisors

Serving as a missionary includes a responsibility to be accountable to the Lord and your leaders. You do this by providing regular missionary reports, including a weekly email report to your service missionary advisers. These reports may consist of:

• Your missionary assignments and schedule.

• Your physical and emotional well-being.

• Your spiritual experiences and development.

• Your recent successes and challenges.

Notify your service location supervisor and your service missionary advisers any time you may not be able to attend to your service assignment. This communication should take place well in advance if possible.

During your mission, use your assigned missionary email account instead of any personal accounts.