At LDS General Conference, President Monson announced a lowered age for missionary service. Young men can now go on missions at age 18 and young women at age 19. That just shaved off 1-2 years of preparation time.
This article reviews key materials that all prospective missionaries ought to use to prepare themselves.
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Standard Works. It goes without saying that prospective missionaries should read all four books of scripture before their missions. Order scriptures. Read online. (You can listen to or download audio files on the page for any chapter of scripture. You can also download audio files for entire books of scripture.) |
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Preach My Gospel. This is the standard curriculum for missionaries. I recommend that all prospective missionaries read it cover to cover, and study chapter 3 several times. Chapter 3 covers the doctrines that missionaries teach. Order a copy. Read online. Download audio files. |
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True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (or Gospel Topics on LDS.org). This small book is a companion to studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. It contains brief, simple statements on gospel doctrines and principles, arranged alphabetically. All youth should receive a copy at no charge from their bishop when they turn 12 years old. Order a copy. Read the topics online (the most updated source). |
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Gospel Principles. This book provides an overview of gospel principles. Young men and women who study this manual before their missions will gain a strong doctrinal foundation in the gospel. Order a copy. Read online. (You can also listen to or download audio files on that page.) |
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Youth Curriculum. Beginning January 2013, there are new resources for Sunday lessons for Young Men, Young Women, and youth Sunday School classes. These new resources, titled Come, Follow Me: Learning Resources for Youth, are designed to change the way teachers teach and the way students learn. There are no lesson manuals. All resources are online at lds.org/youth/learn.
Especially notice the Basic Doctrinal Principles on pages 14-16 in Teaching the Gospel in the Savior’s Way: A Guide to Helping Youth Become Converted through Teaching and Learning the Gospel. I find it inspiring to think that these new resources are being made available at the same time the missionary age is lowered. This new approach to teaching and learning will help significantly in preparing young men and women for missions. |
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Seminary.Seminary is key to preparing Latter-day Saint youth for missions. President Thomas S. Monson has said, ”Seminary will help you to understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ. You will feel the Spirit of the Lord as you learn to love the scriptures. You will prepare yourselves for the temple and for missionary service. Young people, I ask you to participate in seminary. Study your scriptures daily. Listen to your teachers carefully. Apply what you learn prayerfully.”
Read seminary materials online. Watch a video with President Monson on how Seminary Can Change Lives. |
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Special issue of the New Era magazine focused entirely on missionary preparation. Topics include the application process for full-time missionaries, the MTC experience, and even a typical day in the mission field. Parents, teachers, and leaders can also use it as a resource for lessons and discussions.
Although it came out back in March 2007, the Church continues to make it available. See it online or order a copy. |
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