1 October 20, 2017

Interviewing Prospective Missionaries

For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, missiona ry service is a significant milestone in their lifelong spiritual growth. Church leaders desire that this sacred time of service be a joyous and faith-building experience for every missionary, from young men and women to senior couples. With this goal in mind, it is imperative that each missionary be appropriately prepared, worthy, and healthy. Preparing a missionary for service is the collective blessing and responsibility of the prospective missionary, their family, and Church leaders. All are encouraged to engage in candid and meaningful conversations to ensure that the prospective missionary is adequately prepared to meet the rigors and challenges that a mission might present. Missionaries, no matter their assignment, have the sacred privilege to represent the Lord Jesus Ch rist and His Chu rch. As suc h, they mus t be properly called, assi gned, and s et apart (see D&C 42:11). Bishops and stake presidents therefore have the responsibility to identify members who are spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for missionary service. These priesthood leaders should submit a recommendation only when they are satisfied to the best of their knowledge that a mission ary candidate is able to fulfill the responsibilities for which he or she is being recommended. The enclosed interview questions are intended to guide these conversations with missionary candidates. Priesthood leaders should ensure that each prospective missionary and his or her parents or guardians (in the cases of young prospective missionaries) receive and understand the requirements for full-time missionary service, as described in the enclosed questions and appendix, well in advance of the missionary candidate's interview. These questions do not represent any change in the standards for missionary service. The bishop and stake president represent the Lord in conducting thorough interviews to certify that each missionary candidate is worthy to serve and that he or she has been, is now, and will continue abiding by the standards described in the enclosed interview questions. The bishop and stake president should seek the gift of discernment as they interview missionary candidates, so that they may understand the individual’s mind, heart and capacity to serve (see 1 Samuel 16:7). They ensure that each candidate clearly understands every question. If needed, they discuss and explain the meanings of terms and policies so that the candidate can honestly and completely answer the question. An appendix of terms and policies taken from the scriptures,

Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops, Preach My Gospel, True to the Faith,

and

For the Strength of Youth