Missionaries


Recommended Posts

Romans 10

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

Verse 13 sets it up why its important and 14 and 15 explain the role the missionaries fill.

 

Missionaries will preach.  Some will hear and act on that thus being enabled to find God themselves.  Others will not hear and continue looking for God in some other way.

 

The missionaries will talk you you about God, Christ, Prophets.  Then they will present Joseph Smith as a modern prophet and the Book of Mormon as additional scripture and invite you to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true.

 

Having pointed the way it is then up to you.  If your personal study and prayers lead you to accepting the Book of Mormon then the missionaries will preach to you about other things Joseph Smith did as a prophet of God and invite you to continue your personal quest in finding out more about God.

 

If you reach a point where you don't believe what the missionaries are preaching, you tell them that and they go away.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I strongly believe it is up to oneself to "find" God, to pursue God on their own, to discovery him for themselves. So, I wonder, why does the Church of Latter-day Saints have missionaries? Could some explain in detail the purpose behind the missionaries? And, if one were to seek them out, what should I expect? 

 

As a scientist and engineer as well as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I must say I am quite surprised to see such a theory put forward.  My guess is that this concept was not generated on one's own as a result of learning anything.  For example, if I wanted to learn mathematics I would seek out institutions and individuals experienced and expert in mathematics.  The same for all science, accounting, law, medicine and even a physical trainer to compete in sports.  Pursue learning to swim on my own?  Not if I intended to accomplish anything beyond the ridiculous.

 

I suggest you invite the missionaries to meet with you and present their message.  They are teenagers for gosh shake not theologians with degrees from some university - hardly intimidating?  If you find their message convoluted or disjointed and out of touch with the reality of our day, age and culture - you will not have to meet again.  But before you judge them as inappropriate - I believe it would be the honest thing to meet with them first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Apologies if my post came off as rude, I did not mean it to be so. My question was more based on understanding what it is the missionaries do, I definitely did not mean to sound dismissive with regards to their mission. It makes sense; many Christian religions do not have missionaries, which is what I am used to, hence my questioning. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It makes sense; many Christian religions do not have missionaries, which is what I am used to, hence my questioning. 

 

 

You'd see it more when Christians are working with non-Christians...  In countries were there are large numbers of Christians (I am assuming you live in one) there is not much more the typical Christian can teach about Christ thus not a big push for missionary efforts.  We are different in that respect in that we feel our message is of value to all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

many Christian religions do not have missionaries, which is what I am used to, hence my questioning. 

 

There are many Christian denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that do have missionaries. Typically, their missionaries focus their work in countries outside the United States.  Entire families will move to various countries to serve as missionaries for an undetermined amount of time.  It isn't quite in the numbers that the Church does, but there are many.  The Church definitely has the most within the United States, which is what you are seeing on a regular basis.

 

Missionaries, from all Christian denominations, want to share the Gospel with others who may not have had an opportunity to truly hear it.  Plus, the Church and other denominations do service work to help those around them as there is a need.  

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is unique in that it doesn't overlook the United States.  It would be easy for one to assume that the US doesn't need missionaries.  After all, isn't the US primarily a Christian country?  However, even though someone may know the name of Jesus they may not have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel or to feel comfortable enough to ask questions or learn more.  I'm thankful that the Church not only shares and assists those in countries throughout the world but that we spend just as much time and focus within the US.  It is a real blessing.

 

Thank you for asking your question.  It is certainly a good one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was speaking to the two Missionaries who found me about this very topic and I said to them that, I found it strange that other churches in my area didn't have such a thing, which annoyed me when I thought about it. How else is someone suppose to hear the word of God if the Preachers and everyone else ( in my area ) have this ''Faith is all you need '' attitude..

 

To tell you the truth, I hadn't even thought about Mormonism when I was approached by two Missionaries so out of politeness and as it was on the subject of God, I agreed for them to come visit me. 

 

I found them to be very sincere ( which doesn't prove anything ) but it let me know that the two young adults who were talking to me were undertaking a duty they felt they had a calling to take.They were very knowledgeable and I admit I played nice as they were younger than me , so I didn't want to give them a hard time. 

 

For me, I think Missionaries excel in bringing in the flock that are out on the fringes of the God topic.They clear a way for people like me to find a route into the subject and sample/study it in the correct environment without judgement.They answered all my questions and were very patient with me. 

 

I got the feeling I was being played, but that was probably me picking up their Missionary training techniques that are probably designed to keep people onside, this doesn't bother me as I guess we all partake in a little bit of that in our daily lives, so it's not a negative. 

 

I think the Missionaries are a strong point for the LDS and it's just as well God made that path available as I don't think he'd trust us in the dark.In my humble, made from clay opinion. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Apologies if my post came off as rude, I did not mean it to be so. My question was more based on understanding what it is the missionaries do, I definitely did not mean to sound dismissive with regards to their mission. It makes sense; many Christian religions do not have missionaries, which is what I am used to, hence my questioning. 

 

Your post did not come off as rude.  It was a good question.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

...many Christian religions do not have missionaries, which is what I am used to, hence my questioning. 

 

I just did a simple google search and I found several missionary organizations. Here's a list of just a few:

 

SAM Ministries (missions in South Africa and South America)

SIM (Serving in Mission)

The Christian and Missionary Alliance

OM (Operation Mobilisation)

Lifeline Christian Mission

TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission)

 

That's just a small list. Look for yourself, there are several missions (and missionaries) all over the world.

 

M.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had asked the lady when at the... the thing you look up your family tree (I also use such things for finding unique names) if she could ask the missionaries to obtain for me all the "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church" books.

I do wonder what they will think of that request.

I saw some on a shelf but didn't know if I was allowed to simply take them, better to be sure. Haven't met any missionaries since I've been back yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I strongly believe it is up to oneself to "find" God, to pursue God on their own, to discovery him for themselves. So, I wonder, why does the Church of Latter-day Saints have missionaries? Could some explain in detail the purpose behind the missionaries? And, if one were to seek them out, what should I expect?

The purpose of missionaries is to get people the message of the Church, and a proving ground for future leaders of the Church.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As my son rapidly approaches the age of 18 I have thought about this more.  I think it is also a wonderful opportunity for a young man to understand sacrifice.  I find it interesting to think that giving two years at the age of 18 would be a full tithe. This sets the tone for service for not only that young man but for his future family.  I know it is not going to be easy for me.  My eyes are tearing up just thinking about it. It is a bit of sacrifice for everyone in the family.

I know I benefit from my husbands service even though I did not serve a full time mission. He is able to share personal stories of conversion with our family and what it means to deticate oneself to the Lord's work. The time he spent studying the gospel while on his mission has helped me in my understanding the gospel.  We hope to be able to serve a mission as a couple down the road. He has told me there were certain gifts of the spirit that he was able to partake of while on his mission that would likely have not occured in any other position than as a dedicated full time unpaid servant of the Lord.

I think the strength of our Church is rested upon the sacrifice of these young men and women who leave their busy and exciting lives behind in service of the Lord. I love farewell and homecoming Sacrament meetings, they're the best.

I also think the best way to understand something occurs when one has to teach someone else about it.  It is one thing to believe, it is another to testify.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share