There is a strong tradition of missionary service in the Church. The Savior taught, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Church members consider it a privilege to show their love for other people and the Lord by sharing the gospel.
Missionaries generally begin serving when they are from 19 to 21 years old. Many retired seniors, men, women, and married couples also serve missions. Missionaries serve from 18 months to 2 years. Missions are voluntary, and missionaries are not paid for their service. Missionaries come from around the world, and they serve wherever the Church calls them. While serving full-time, missionaries are official representatives of the Church.
Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.
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Quite simply, no. The young men of the church have been strongly encouraged to serve a mission at age 19, and the sisters are able to serve at age 21, but no one is required to serve. We do it because we want to! Who in their right mind would give up two years and pay that's right, missionaries pay their own way to go somewhere they had never been and do all that they do? We serve missions becuase we know that Jesus is the Christ, and we want the happiness that knowledge bring to be available to everyone! So no, Mormons are not required to serve a mission. It's a personal choice to share the happiness and joy they've received from the Gospel.
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"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.
Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.
To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.
Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.
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No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.
Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.
I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.
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We are not required to serve a mission, but we have been called by the prophet as the young men of the church (if worthy and able) to take the gospel to the rest of the world. This church has done so much for us and brought so much purpose and happines into our lives, so we just want to share it with everyone else. The mission is an oppertunity to make other people's lives better, whether that be through service or throught Jesus Christ, we are just there to help them. I am too excited to go and serve, and help someone every day.
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God wants all members to share the message of Jesus Christ with everybody whether they go on full time missions or not. However, God wants all young men, usually from 19 to 21 to serve a two year mission, completely devoted to teaching the Gospel. It is voluntary, nobody forces you to go and you are not an outcast if you do not go, but it is a wonderful opportunity to love God's children and feel God's love for you in return. Young women may also go on missions if they so desire, and many elderly couples also choose to go on missions.
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No. However, all worthy priesthood holders are strongly encouraged to serve. Simply put, the blessings of serving others, learning the scriptures, and dedicating one's life to God can help prepare young men to become better husbands, fathers, community members, and church leaders.
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It is definitely encouraged that young men serve missions. Though it is not a requirement for all young men to serve missions, I strongly support it. Being a missionary at this time, I realize the wonderful blessings of serving the Lord by proclaiming His gospel to the people here in Baltimore, Maryland. A lot of growth and learning comes from serving a mission. I know that what I'm personally learning out here will benefit me in my career, family, and overall life. It is still a choice for everyone as to whether or not they will serve a mission, but the benefits of doing so will far outreach any sacrifice given.
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Our Prophet has said Every worthy young man serve a mission. Now are we forced to go out and serve? Of course not, it is our choice just like living the commandments is a choice.
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