Black name tags? Bicycle helmets? Traveling in pairs? Here’s some things to know about missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1
They’re the ones with the black name tags and sweet bicycle helmets
Some missionaries ride bikes, some walk, and some even drive cars. But all of them wear black name tags with their names and the Church logo which says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So, if missionaries knock on your door and they don’t have name tags with the logo, they’re from a different church.
2
You’re not seeing double (unless you see four of them)
Typically, missionaries work in pairs, called companionships. Sometimes there are more than two missionaries in a companionship but never fewer. And they’re not just companions—they’re roommates too. Companionships exist so missionaries can look out for each other. After all, most missionaries are working in places far from home. Their parents rest easier knowing they’re not out there alone.
3
They don’t just look young, they are young
Most missionaries are between 18 and 25 years of age. Both men and women can serve missions, although companionships are exclusively male or female. Only unmarried members of the Church serve missions. That’s because their missions last from 18 months to two years, and that’s just too long for someone to be away from a spouse! One big exception to this: retired married couples can serve missions together too.
4
There’s no script
Missionaries do receive some training. For example, some learn different languages. Missionaries also receive instruction on effective communication so they can be better teachers and, more important, better listeners. And even though they have a set list of principles they teach, the general rule is to adapt each discussion to the individual needs of the person being taught.
5
They don’t get paid, but the benefits are great
Being a missionary is a lot of work, but the pay is pretty low. In fact, missionaries don’t get paid at all. They actually pay their own way. And they do it willingly—even cheerfully. That’s because they truly love what they do. They are there because they want to be. They enjoy the personal growth. And, even more, they enjoy seeing the difference the gospel makes in the lives of those they teach.
6
You can talk to them in person, or in pixel
If it’s more comfortable for you, you can meet online with missionaries. They’ll answer your questions about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church today. No need to worry about feeling obligated or getting involved more than you’d like. It’s up to you to decide how much you would like to learn.
7
They respect their mothers, the law, and your time
Missionaries are not pushy, door-to-door salespeople. They’re nice people who only want to help. They try to keep meetings short and to the point—an hour tops. If you ask them to leave, they go. If you want to talk to them again but are busy, they work around your schedule.
8
Not everyone agrees with them, but most people like them
When people talk with the missionaries, many different things can happen. Even if people decide to stop meeting with the missionaries, they usually feel like their experience with the missionaries was positive. That’s because missionaries tend to be nice people who only want to help others. That’s why you’ll likely see missionaries pitching in and doing service around the community whenever they get the chance.
9
Lots of people do agree with them
Millions of people have had their lives changed by talking with the missionaries. All over the world, missionaries share a message of happiness about God’s plan and the divine mission of Jesus Christ. It’s amazing news that has the power to inspire and transform.
10
They’re just following Jesus’s lead
Going around talking about God isn’t new. It’s what Jesus Christ did when He was alive. After His death and Resurrection, it’s what He instructed His disciples to do. That goes for our day too. So while the names of the missionaries vary on those black name tags, the most important name—Jesus Christ—is always there, included in the name of our Church. It is, and always has been, His message the missionaries share.
Invite missionaries to pray with you online or in person
Prayer is an important way to communicate with God, draw closer to Him, and navigate life’s challenges. Missionaries canoffer prayers on your behalf or help you make the most of your own prayers.
As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or beliefs, but I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article about missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here's a breakdown of the key points mentioned in the article:
1. Black Name Tags and Sweet Bicycle Helmets
- Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear black name tags with their names and the Church logo.
- The name tags help identify them as missionaries from that specific church.
- Some missionaries ride bikes, some walk, and some drive cars as a means of transportation.
2. Missionaries Work in Pairs
- Missionaries typically work in pairs, known as companionships.
- Companionships are designed to provide support and companionship to each other.
- While most companionships consist of two missionaries, there can be more than two in certain cases.
3. Missionaries' Age and Marital Status
- Most missionaries are between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Both men and women can serve as missionaries.
- Companionships are exclusively male or female.
- Only unmarried members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serve missions.
- Retired married couples can also serve missions together.
4. Missionary Training and Adaptability
- Missionaries receive training, including language learning for those serving in foreign countries.
- They are instructed in effective communication to be better teachers and listeners.
- While they have a set list of principles to teach, they adapt their discussions to the individual needs of the person being taught.
5. Financial Aspects of Being a Missionary
- Missionaries do not receive payment for their service.
- They pay for their own expenses while on their mission.
- Missionaries willingly and cheerfully fund their missions because they believe in the work they're doing.
6. Meeting with Missionaries Online
- If it's more comfortable for you, you can meet with missionaries online.
- They can answer your questions about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church.
7. Respectful and Non-Pushy Approach
- Missionaries are not pushy salespeople.
- They aim to help and respect people's boundaries.
- Meetings with missionaries are usually kept short, typically lasting no more than an hour.
- If asked to leave, they will do so, and they will work around your schedule if you want to talk to them again.
8. Positive Experiences with Missionaries
- Many people find their experience with missionaries to be positive, even if they decide to stop meeting with them.
- Missionaries are generally nice people who genuinely want to help others.
- They often engage in community service and are seen pitching in to help whenever possible.
9. Impact and Transformation
- Millions of people worldwide have had their lives changed by talking with missionaries.
- Missionaries share a message of happiness about God's plan and the divine mission of Jesus Christ.
- This message has the power to inspire and transform lives.
10. Following Jesus's Lead
- The act of going around and sharing a message about God is not new; Jesus Christ did it when He was alive.
- After His death and resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples to continue spreading the message.
- The missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow this example.
- The most important name, Jesus Christ, is always included in the name of the Church, and His message is what the missionaries share.
If you have any specific questions about any of these concepts or would like further information, feel free to ask!
