How the Church of Jesus Christ is Expanding Missions to Single Seniors – Deseret News

Single men age 40 and older can now be called to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And opportunities for single women 40 and older have expanded.

The Church of Jesus Christ announced the news in a press release Friday. This means that single men age 40 or older who do not have dependent children at home can serve full-time missions in regional and mission offices, as well as in other areas such as family history or medical missions, depending from their unique life experiences. Changes take effect immediately.

Full-time senior missionaries typically serve at least 40 hours per week and live away from home.

Unlike younger missions in the church, single men and single women serving in senior missions will not serve in fellowship.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expanded missionary opportunities “to fully embrace the gifts, talents, and experiences of more Church members throughout the world.”

Opportunities have also been expanded for single women over 40 years of age.

Single sisters are currently serving in local churches, mission offices, doing family history work, and assisting with medical matters. According to a release from the Church of Jesus Christ, single women will now potentially be able to serve in visitor centers, historic sites and employment centers, as well as have additional opportunities in regional and mission offices.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ who wish to serve a full-time mission must meet health and financial support requirements.

“These new opportunities for our single senior members will be a blessing to them and to those they serve as they strive to follow the Savior’s example and care for their neighbors,” Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority. Seventy and the executive director of the Church’s missionary department shared Church News. He added that the unique contributions of senior missionaries are felt throughout the world.

Need for Senior Missionaries

Church of Jesus Christ there is a portal where potential senior missionaries, both singles and couples, can see areas where the church needs senior missionaries to serve.

On the portal, potential missionaries answer questions about length of service, financial capabilities, language abilities and interests.

Examples of missionary service opportunities for seniors with acute or acute need include a single sister who will serve as a Polynesian Cultural Center specialist in the Hawaiian Laie Mission. There is also a great need for a lone elder, preferably Portuguese-speaking, to serve as an office specialist in the Brazil Fortaleza Mission.

To learn more about opportunities for senior missionaries, visit Church of Jesus Christ website.

During general conference last year, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called for more senior missionaries.

“I pray that the next time I appoint senior couples, hundreds of you will be eagerly awaiting your call,” Elder Rasband said.