SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have expanded missionary opportunities for single members of the Church age 40 and older.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced that effective November 1, single men 40 and older may be called as full-time senior missionaries if they do not have dependent children living at home. Those who serve in this capacity will be considered for various assignments in area and mission offices, family history and other roles for which they have unique life experience (for example, medical, legal and other realms).
Church leaders also expanded the types of missionary assignments available for single women age 40 and older. In addition to the current roles they fill supporting local Church units, advising missions on medical matters, working in family history, and other roles in mission offices, potential assignments will now include visitors’ centers, historic sites, employment centers and additional roles in area and mission offices.
Similar to most single senior sisters, single senior elders will be devoted to their individual area of responsibility and will not serve in a companionship. Single senior missionaries, like senior couples, can serve for six, 12, 18 or 23 months.
Church officials noted that serving a full-time mission — be it in the teenage years or later in life — is a goal for many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The new changes will enable the Church to utilize the gifts, talents and experiences of more members around the world.
Leaders noted that members who seek to serve must meet the Church’s requirements for health and financial support. Full-time senior missionaries typically serve 40 or more hours per week and live away from home.
Local bishops will be able to initiate full-time missionary recommendations using the Church’s Missionary Recommendation System.