The Lord has declared that missionary work is the responsibility of all who follow Him (see
Additional Information
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!“ (D&C 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; see also ”Converts and Young Men,“ Ensign, May 1997, 47-50).
—See True to the Faith (2004), 104-6
Scripture References
Additional Study Materials
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"They Taught with Power and Authority of God"
Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 25 -
"Missionary, Missionary Life"
Encyclopedia of Mormonism -
Preach My Gospel
A Guide to Missionary Service -
"Spiritual Preparation for a Mission"
Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, Lesson 43 -
"Preparing and Encouraging Missionaries"
The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A, Lesson 19 -
"Understanding a Missionary's Responsibilities"
Young Women Manual 3, Lesson 20 -
"Preparing to Teach Others"
Young Women Manual 2, Lesson 19 -
"Every Young Man Should Serve a Mission"
Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3, Lesson 25 -
"Missionary Work"
Guide to the Scriptures -
"Practical Preparation for a Mission"
Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, Lesson 23 -
"Sharing Our Blessings"
Family Home Evening Resource Book, Lesson 26 -
"Learning to Share the Gospel"
Young Women Manual 3, Lesson 21 -
"Every Member a Missionary"
Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 41 -
"Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel"
Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 26 -
"The Field Is White Already to Harvest"
Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 11
