Mobile Device Standards

Mobile Device Standards (2017)

“Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up elders and send unto them. Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:72–73).

Additional scriptures: D&C 58:27–28, 64; 60:13; 64:33

Your Ministry

Follow principles outlined in Preach My Gospel as you include technology in your proselyting efforts. Use technology only in ways that will help you accomplish your purpose and that reflect the sacred nature of your calling.

While you may be approved to use technology to teach people outside of your area (or mission), give priority to helping people that live in your assigned area. Your online activities should enhance the work you do each day.

However, you may have opportunities to teach people who do not live in your area. With case-by-case approval from your mission president, you may teach people outside your area (including your friends and family members) using online tools. When teaching those who live outside your area, your goal is to prepare them to meet with local missionaries. You may connect with family and friends through social media, but do not allow communicating with them or reviewing their posts to distract you from your purpose. Follow the communication policies outlined in the section “Communicating with Family” in the Missionary Handbook (see pages 20–21).

When using a mobile device, be respectful and mindful of those around you. Give others your full attention when you are with them. Do not check posts or answer text messages while speaking with another person face-to-face.

Online Conduct

When others view your online profile, they should be able to immediately recognize you as a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In some cases, your profile will be their first introduction to you and the Church. Use only your full name (for example, “John Peterson” or “Sarah White”). Do not include “Elder” or “Sister.” Your profile picture should reflect your sacred calling. Use an individual photo of yourself (not a group photo) in which you are dressed in appropriate missionary attire, including your missionary name tag. Leave social media groups and stop following organizations or websites that do not reflect your calling as a representative of the Lord. Remember, the Church is politically neutral. Your posts and interactions with others should reflect the same political neutrality.

Your posts and messages should be purposeful and focus on the needs of those you teach; do not become concerned with receiving many “likes” or “going viral.” The focus of your efforts through social media should be one-to-one interactions.

Do not say or imply that your views or posts are official Church communications or that they are authorized by the Church. Do not create websites, blogs, or social media profiles for local Church units or members; members are to create these. If you choose to write a personal blog, do not use it as a journal of activities or as a travelogue; rather, use it to share the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In all things, focus your technology use on fulfilling your missionary purpose.

Ensure that you use an approved device that is enrolled in Church protections.

Although you will have access to several gospel study resources in Gospel Library and LDS.org, focus your study around the doctrine and principles found in Preach My Gospel. Do not spend excessive time studying resources that go beyond what you will teach people as outlined in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel. Choose to study resources that will help you best fulfill your missionary purpose.

The Safeguards for Using Technology

Follow the guidelines in Safeguards for Using Technology, and help your companion and others to do the same. The four safeguards are:

Be in tune with spiritual promptings.
Be focused on your missionary purpose.
Be disciplined.
Be one.

If you feel vulnerable or susceptible to temptation while using your mobile tools, you should:

Acknowledge the problem.
Choose to overcome the temptation.
Learn and improve.

With your companion, create a culture of helping each other be safe by regularly and thoroughly reviewing each other’s devices. In reviewing your companion’s device, look at his or her app histories, recent contacts, photos, notes, usage information, and so on. Do not reset your device or erase your online history. As directed by your mission president, missionary leaders may also conduct device reviews. Seek the guidance of missionary leaders and your companion on how you can continually improve your effectiveness and righteousness while using technology.

Regularly review the Safeguards for Using Technology booklet and the Safeguards for Using Technology online course available on the Missionary Portal.

Your Companion

Always sit or stand so that you and your companion can see each other’s screen when using devices. Be aware of your companion’s contacts, messages, and communication. Also make sure that your companion reviews anything you plan to email, post, comment, or message except for letters to your mission president and emails home. When teaching or communicating via social media messaging, make sure that your companion is added to the group conversation; this will allow you and your companion to both participate in the teaching.

Safety

When in public, do not draw attention to your devices. Be aware of your surroundings when using or carrying mobile devices. Take any needed precautions to protect your mobile device from theft and damage. However, don’t put yourself in danger if someone tries to forcibly take your device.

While driving, both companions should be alert and aware. You should never be distracted by your device while driving or riding as a passenger. Vehicle drivers should not use mobile devices.

Be careful about whom you follow or add as friends on social media. Also be careful about whom you allow to follow you or add you as a friend. Focus on people you have met, those who live within your area, and those who are introduced to you by members. Do not engage in online conversations with those whose goal is to destroy your testimony. Additionally, do not communicate with anyone who may have malicious intent or may want to physically, emotionally, or spiritually harm you or others.

Regularly check the security and privacy settings of your device and social media profiles to help protect your own and others’ safety.

Digital Privacy and Property

Do not take pictures or make recordings in the chapel or photograph or record sacred ordinances (including baptisms and confirmations).

Also protect other people’s sensitive information. Always remember to maintain confidentiality by not including names or private information about investigators on any digital media (such as social media or email). You should carefully guard investigators’ full names, contact information, images, and private struggles. Recording sensitive information on a computer or mobile device may be a violation of data privacy laws. Do not post or share photos of others.

Your posts and messages should also respect the digital property of other people and organizations. You should not create content using someone else’s art, name, photos, music, videos, or other content without permission. Unless otherwise indicated, the content in the Media Library on LDS.org has been cleared for use by individuals without their needing to seek permission from the Church. This resource will assist you in creating uplifting gospel messages. Only access media that is available through Church websites (including mormon.org, LDS.org, FamilySearch.org, mormonnewsroom.org, and so on). For additional information about the use of Church media, see social.lds.org.

Accountability

Be accountable to the Lord and to your mission leaders for both what you do with technology and how you do it. The attitude you have toward the use of digital tools in fulfilling your ministry is “a reflection of your love toward your Heavenly Father and His Son and your respect for the priesthood” (Preach My Gospel, 151).

Share with other missionaries and your mission president your success stories of how technology has helped in your finding, teaching, baptizing, retaining, and reactivating efforts (without disclosing full names or personal information). You can do this on the mission’s private social media group pages, during district meeting and other meetings, and in your weekly letters to your mission president.