Why do Mormons only require 2 years of ministering to people?

Question

How did they determine that 2 years is sufficient and why only two? Why not just one? Why not for their whole life? Jesus didn't minister for only 2 years.

EDIT: Jesus was only on earth for a certain time. He wasnt supposed to be here on earth for forever. But he commanded his followers to continue in his footsteps, not specifying a time period. None of the apostles only preached for a determined period of time. I just want to know who decided on 2 years and then move on.

wahnote: No, i dont think u are doing too much. the point of my question is that, shouldnt followers of Christ heed his command to preach and make disciples? the answer is yes. which leads me to wonder why LDS members only actively preach (missionaries or not) for only a short period of time. Yes, we are all busy and have lives to lead, but we can all make time to engage in such life saving work. Yes, there are "non-pay callings" in my religion. But every member, regardless of age/status in the congregation has a responsibility to preach the good news.It doesnt matter how long, 15 minutes or 15 hours. so long as it is whole souled and the best you can do.

:)

Answer 1

You're talking about just the young full time missionaries (who's missions go from 1 and a half to 2 years). You can also serve full time missions over and over again when you're retired (like my parents - on their 3rd year now).

Also, we have a saying "every member a missionary." Meaning, while us everyday members don't go knocking on doors or wearing badges, we are happy to share our beliefs with our friends and family, and invite them to church and activities - that's a life long thing.

Thanks

Answer 2

Back a few years ago, one of our prophets was always saying "Every member a missionary". It's still true. However, there is a difference between that, and serving a full-time mission.

A full-time missionary serves at his or her own expense, or their family, or their ward, whatever. They are not paid by the church or anyone for their service. Therefore, a FULL TIME mission is, by necessity, limited in time.

Now, for some people who have worked their whole life, and have some savings they can draw on, they will, when they are older and the kids are gone, etc., elect to go on two or more missions, as their finances permit. But, again, they live off their savings, not paid by anyone.

Answer 3

Good question. The one thing to point out is that one of the missions of the Church is to "Proclaim the Gospel". This can be done in many ways. The missionary effort is encouraged and expected from its members, but in different ways. It doesn't have to necessarily be on a full time mission.

However, I think 2 years was determined to be the time to serve a full time mission because

(1) its enough time for a missionary to become accustomed with the lifestyle of a missionary and to learn a foreign language, etc. When I was on my mission in Brazil, it took me over a year to learn to speak the language to a level where people thought I was a native Brazilian. My first year was difficult for me to get used to the culture and language, not to mention feeling comfortable with teaching in general. I became most effective as a missionary after my first year out.

and

(2) the Church wants its members to live normal lives and wants its missionaries to get back home to get their education, start a career, get married and raise a family. You can't exactly do that if you spend your whole life on a mission.

However, you can minister to people anytime throughout your life. It doesn't just end when your mission is over.

Answer 4

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Being a missionary, a teacher or any other assignment is a calling from the Lord. We may be called on a full time mission in our youth or in old age too. The term of the calling is usually limited, so that we grow and mature in other ways. I know of people who over a life time have repeatedly served in missionary capacities in the church. Sometimes it means wearing a name tag, and sometimes it doesn't.

Answer 5

It used to be longer but changes were made to accommodate an urban community and higher formal education. After the 2 year mission marriage occurrs and then service to their own families begin to be their central focus. As Mormons have lay ministers they can be called on to continue service to others beyond their immediate families.

Jesus had a very specific mission that none of us have and it begun at the legal age he could become a rabbi within his culture. His mission on earth didn't last very long. Less than five years.

Different cultures and time eras require some different things.

Answer 6

As Daisy Kristina already said, we have a saying "every member a missionary." We do have the privilege and blessing of testifying of Jesus Christ and His Atonement throughout our entire lives. The missionaries just get to devote more of their time to it, without having to hold down a job while they are serving their missions. By the way I also was a sister missionary for 18 months. Have a great day, and I send you a gummy bear.

Answer 7

The mormons give up too much of their lives to the church and that s why they are all mental cases!!! The women have too many babies and then have to work their buts off int he home and outside of the home and then in the church as well, they are told what they will do in the home and in the church. The men must give up two year sof their lives and do what the general authorities tell them to do, everything is all a chain of command and look good in public and constantly look right and pretend like everything is OK and like they are Gods and Goddesses now when they are not. Its all make believe and then they get the diseases they shouldn't be getting from smokign and drinkign and and drugs becaus eof stress.

Answer 8

Hey,I have been a mission leader for over five years. Are you saying I 'm doing too much?

If you know our church, you should know that decision are from inspiration from the Holy Ghost.

Again, even some LDS already said it.

In LDS, every member is a missionary. We also have
non- pay church callings too. Do you????

Answer 9

We serve missions longer than 2 years haven't you heard that every member is a missionary.

Answer 10

Mormons do this their entire life. The two years is devoted solely to spreading the gospel. It is also important to live life, get married and have a family. It is not good for man to be alone.
Also, they pay for the missions they go on. It costs quite a bit to go on a mission. About 30,000 is what is required for their food, clothing, etc. Imagine what it would cost for 70 years.
I have to work for a living to feed my family.