At the 2026 Seminar for New Missionary Leaders, Church President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the continued growth of the missionary force, noting that more than 87,000 full-time missionaries are serving and sisters as young as 18 are beginning to serve.
This is the largest number of full-time missionaries in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As more young men and women prepare for the missionary service, Church leaders have outlined several helpful guidelines to support missionary candidates and their families, according to a news release from ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
When to submit a mission application
Missionary candidates may submit an application through their local church leader up to 150 days prior to their mission availability date.
This expanded schedule can be a meaningful blessing to future missionaries and their families. Submitting your application sooner may give you more time to make important life plans. Meet all necessary medical, dental, passport and visa requirements. and prepare spiritually and emotionally for service.
Church leaders encourage missionary candidates to begin working with their bishop and branch president well in advance of the 150-day date to ensure sufficient time to prepare a completed application.
physical and mental health
Missionary candidates are encouraged to ensure that their physical and mental health is ready for full-time service before submitting their application.
Part of this process requires an examination by both a doctor and a dentist. These professionals can identify any conditions that should be addressed before you begin your ministry and provide helpful guidance to help you stay healthy in the field. Many countries require missionaries to receive certain vaccinations to protect against disease.
wisdom teeth
The Church has updated dental care guidelines for missionary candidates.
In recent years, removal of healthy wisdom teeth is no longer required before missionary service. Instead, you should consider removal if the tooth shows signs of disease or poses a significant risk. This approach helps avoid unnecessary steps while reducing costs for missionary candidates and their families.
the mission of each missionary
All missionaries are called by prophets and inspired by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
It is important to provide complete medical, mental health and background information. Accurate and complete information is a blessing during missionary service.
young service missionary
Young service missionaries are called by prophets and their service assignments are tailored to their individual needs.
Although they live in their homes, they belong to a mission and are invited to attend zone conferences and other mission-related gatherings. In addition to your service assignments, you may also participate in teaching with other missionaries under the direction of your mission president.
Service Missionary Advisors play an important role in providing day-to-day support and guidance, ensuring each service missionary feels engaged in his or her mission.
11 missionary training centers
Missionary Training Centers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are located around the world, offering training in a variety of languages and serving missionaries assigned to a wide range of geographical areas.
Missionary training centers are located in Brazil, England, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Provo, Utah. These MTCs reflect the global reach of the Church’s missionary programs.
Additional Information
For more information, please visit this page with frequently asked questions.
