I was wondering what I need to do in order to prepare on going on a 2 year Mormon mission?

Answer 1

A bicycle, a white shirt and black tie, pair of black pants, book of mormon and you're all good. Have fun with that

Answer 2

Hey, bud,

Actually, I would suggest a lot of prayer and a LOT of reading. I wouldn't just stick with Nephi and Helamon either. You really need to understand some of the criticisms of your faith. If you can't face down the arguments against the LDS church, you aren't going to have much to offer anyone except for those who are already weak and just looking for anything to latch onto. Instead, go out and read why some people don't believe in some of the stuff found in the Pearl of Great Price. Read why some folks think the book of Mormon itself might be historically inaccurate. Familiarize yourself with some of the more esoteric teachings, like the King Follett discourse (which for all of its aww-shucks, homebred backwardsness is a pretty interesting speech) and some of the teachings of Lorenzo Snow and Brigham Young. Become as widely knowledgeable as you can. Without that, you're just going to come across as a judgmental kid in a clean white shirt.

But remember, part of things like this isn't just to missionize others. It's an inner spiritual work, an alchemy of sorts. You are going to be rejected every day and have nothing to sustain you but your soul.

Even if I disagree with a lot of what your church stands for, in some ways, I envy you.

All the best (seriously),

Laz

Answer 3

From the point of view of the missionary: 1) It is a way to show your devotion. 2) It may be necessary to earn your temple recommend which will determine heaven you go to. 3) It is good experience to have between high school and college while you are deciding what to do with your life. You learn sales skills, people skills and may become more (or less) spiritual. 4) Culturally it is the thing to do. From the point of view of the church: 1) Passionate young people are a good front line. They have the energy and the guts to do the job. The missionaries also usually represent what people would want their sons to be (clean cut, polite, religious, hardworking, dedicated). 2) Going on a mission / mission training helps solidify the faith in the minds of the missionaries. 19 is the age when people are usually looking for their adult faith. 3) Having such a large mission force helps continue to bring people into the church. 4) It is a cheap labor force. In fact, the missionaries pay 10,000 for the priviledge.

Answer 4

As a Christian, I obviously disagree with your theology, but let me suggest this approach.

Deviate from the prescribed methods and share all the truth about LDS doctrine.

Read Section 132, Doctrines and Covenants, about polygamous marraige being required for the Celestial Kingdom. Show them that it's polygamy isn't practiced, but the doctrine isn't rescinded.

Tell them, as James Talmage (LDS Prophet) said "as man is, God once was: as God is, man can become"

Tell them about the absolute authority of the living Prophet (president) and that only the LDS church can correctly interpret the Bible, since it is believed to be full of errors and mistakes.

Tell them, that while the KJV is "scipture" there are 3 other books that they ought to focus on much more, which supercede the Bible.

Just tell them the truth, that membership and adherence to the beliefs of your church is required for salvation (becoming gods, entering the 3rd level of heaven, etc), but that must be combined with temple works, personal effort and belief in Joseph Smith and his successors as God's Mouthpieces.

Explain that "heavenly father" and 'jesus' are totally different people and are two separate gods.

OK, I know that you aren't allowed to do that, but it would be more straight forward and honest if you could.
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But, here is something you should seriously consider, - if you want to look at other viewpoints, and want to see what others thinks, check out the website below. The website belongs to Shawn McCraney, a former 40-year LDS member & leader and discusses Mormonism vs Christianity. You can also see the show "Heart of the Matter" which is shown on TV 20 in SLC, through Itunes and for direct download. The notes with the shows are interesting and should be factually correct. The shows themselves are very informative. It's not "anti-mormon", it seeks to better define the teachest of each belief system. Shawn has close family in mormonism and he loves the people, as do I. He tries to share the love in true (Ephesians 4:15) There's also a book which, if you ask, they will send you for free.

I pray that you find Truth on your journey.

Take care and be safe -

Answer 5

This is a question that is best answered at the closest Baptist church. I reckon that you would want to get saved before going on a trip like this and another thing would be to understand that the priesthood that the LDS church talks about being restored is bogus. Read Hebrews 2,3,4,5,7,8, and 9. It tells you about the true priesthood in the church. Jesus is both the Aaronic and Melchizedek high priest and He is at it now. Whatever the Mormons tell you about a "restoration" is a sham!

Answer 6

I know you will most likely disregard this completely, but I couldn't feel good about myself not telling the truth to anyone I come across. You have been indoctrinated. Mormonism is a false religion. It is not Christian. Please - do some research on the Church that goes beyond.. the Church. You will soon see the light if you open your eyes.

"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet."

-Joseph Smith,
"History of the Church," Vol. 6, pp. 408, 409

Answer 7

First of all, on your mission, you will want to stay away from bible bashing and answering contentious questions. You will rely on the Spirit for conversion. If the question is asked with contention, your answer will mean nothing to them; they probably won't even be listening. Religion can't be found in a debate, but rather through the Spirit.

"For verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." (3 Nephi 11:29)

"And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit, ye shall not teach." (Doctrine and Covenants 42:14)

Read the Book of Mormon atleast twice before you go. Read 'Preach my Gospel', and I would recommend trying to answer several of the questions here at yahoo answers under religion and spirituality. That will be good practice. Go out with your ward missionaries and see first-hand what it is like. Pray always. Talk to youur bishop and stake president for more advice.

Answer 8

If you're an "active mormon", go to church every sunday, then ask your bishop about it, -not anyone can go on a mission, you must be serious about it. (I was raised a mormon, active untill after high school, so I never served a mission.) -but I only go to church on "special family occations",etc.

Answer 9

God does work in all Religions, and I do know that they are all off some..... I did a lot of study on the Internet on the Mormons when they try to get me to join. They are nice people and do have a great organized Church system.
Perhaps you should give it some thought. What I ascertain is that we really don't need to be in a religion to connect with God, just take the time to personally know him through prayers and doing his will. I go to whatever Church God leads me to go no matter what the religion. I prayed about it, God said to me basically not to join any of them, to go to them all and you'll learn more, about their perspectives and that I can give mine, and I can meet many new different people, then perhaps I may join a church when I feel real good about one:)

Good luck... pray about it, and be sincere with yourself.

Answer 10

Get a copy of Preach My Gospel from your ward mission leader. It will have literally everything you need to know and study. It has lessons for full time missionaries, ward missionaries and "member missionaries". In our ward we have some of the 17 years olds called as ward missionaries to give them a feel for it.

Answer 11

Get in touch with the spirit. That is the most important thing. To do so you should just do those things you know would bring you closer to God.