Beginning this month, senior service missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be considered for service anywhere around the world.
The church’s First Presidency announced the change with a letter released May 6. The letter provides information about the expanded senior service mission opportunities.
Previously, senior service mission assignments were only available for those living in the United States, Canada and a limited number of other areas, according to a church statement.
We are deeply grateful for the faithful service of senior missionaries around the world and for the significant contributions they make in building the kingdom of God, the letter said. We continue to encourage members to serve either full-time missions away from home as their circumstances permit or senior service missions if they are unable to leave home.
What is a senior service missionary?
A senior service missionary (individuals and couples) generally lives at home and may serve for a period of six to 24 months, contributing anywhere from eight to 40 hours a week. They serve under the direction of their local stake president and ecclesiastical leader.
The service rendered by the church’s 20,000 senior service missionaries helps bring people closer to God.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more than 20,000 senior service missionaries who serve in a variety of church functions and operations.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Senior service missionaries assist church functions and operations in a variety of ways, the letter said, including bishops’ storehouses, distribution centers, FamilySearch centers, self-reliance programs, BYU–Pathway and employment centers.
Last February, the church called and assigned senior service missionaries to serve in the church’s temples in the United States and Canada to perform non-ordinance work, filling roles previously performed by temple volunteers.
Additional information about missionary recommendations and service is found in Chapter 24 of the church’s General Handbook.
Senior service mission opportunities
There are currently thousands of senior service missionary opportunities available, the church statement said.
Read more about senior service missions at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.