At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, President Dallin H. Oaks highlighted the continued growth in the number of full-time missionaries serving around the world. Church leaders anticipate that within the next few weeks, the total number of missionaries will reach an unprecedented level — surpassing any previous point in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As this historic milestone approaches, more young men and young women are preparing to begin their service. In anticipation of this continued growth, Church leaders are providing helpful guidance and information for those currently preparing to serve or considering future missionary service.
Did you know? Prospective missionaries may submit their application through local Church leaders up to 150 days before their availability date.
This expanded timeline can be a meaningful blessing for prospective missionaries and their families. Submitting an application earlier may provide more time to make important life plans, complete needed medical, dental, passport, or visa requirements, and prepare spiritually and emotionally for service. Church leaders encourage prospective missionaries to begin working with their bishop or branch president well in advance of that 150-day window to allow adequate time to prepare a completed application.
Did you know? Prospective missionaries are invited to complete health and dental examinations in preparation for their service.
As part of this process, an examination by both a physician and a dentist is required. These professionals can identify any conditions that should be addressed before missionary service begins and provide helpful guidance for maintaining health in the field. Many countries require missionaries to receive certain vaccinations to protect against disease.
Did you know? The extraction of healthy wisdom teeth is not required.
Church guidance has evolved regarding dental care. The removal of healthy wisdom teeth is no longer required prior to missionary service. Instead, removal should be considered when teeth show signs of disease or pose a significant risk. This approach helps avoid unnecessary procedures while reducing costs for prospective missionaries and their families.
Did you know? Each missionary assignment in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is personally made by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Every missionary is called by the Prophet and assigned to a mission, through inspiration, by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Providing complete medical, mental health, and background information is important. Accurate and complete information will bless the missionary during their service.
Did you know? Young service missionaries receive their call from the President of the Church.
Young service missionaries are called by the Prophet and assigned by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their service assignments are tailored to their individual needs. They live at home, belong to a mission, and are invited to attend zone conferences and other mission-related gatherings. In addition to service assignments, they can also participate in teaching alongside other missionaries under the direction of the mission president.
Service missionary advisors play a key role in providing day-to-day support and guidance, ensuring that each service missionary feels engaged in their calling.
Did you know? Full-time senior missionaries are needed throughout the world.
Married couples and single women and men ages 40 and older may be called as senior missionaries if they do not have dependent children. All full-time senior missionaries are called by the Prophet and assigned by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and usually serve away from home for 6–23 months. Senior missionaries are a blessing to the work of the Lord. Those considering senior missionary service can visit SeniorMissionary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org to learn more about available opportunities and needs.
Did you know? Across the Church’s 11 missionary training centers, more than 50 languages are taught.
Missionary training centers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are located around the globe, providing training in numerous languages and serving missionaries assigned to a wide range of regions. MTCs are located in Brazil, England, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Provo, Utah, USA. These MTCs reflect the increasingly global reach of the Church’s missionary program.
Serving a mission will bring blessings to you and those you serve. For additional information, visit this FAQ page to help you prepare to serve the Lord and share His gospel.