Editor’s Note: See an updated version of this article at https://lds365.com/2023/11/07/resources-for-lds-missionary-preparation-2
This article reviews key materials that prospective missionaries can use to prepare for missionary service.
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Standard Works. It goes without saying that prospective missionaries should read all four books of scripture before their missions. Order printed scriptures. You can also access the scriptures digitally:
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Preach My Gospel. This is the standard curriculum for missionaries. I recommend that all prospective missionaries read it cover to cover, and study chapter 3 several times. Chapter 3 covers the doctrines that missionaries teach. Order a printed copy or read online in the Gospel Library, where you can also listen or download audio files or PDFs. Also study the associated pamphlets The Restoration, The Plan of Salvation, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Chastity, Tithing and Fast Offerings, Word of Wisdom, Learning and Serving in the Church (download PDF), and Families and Temples (download PDF). |
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Gospel Topics (topics.lds.org). A study resource of gospel principles, Church history events, and social and moral issues facing members today. Each entry has a short summary (250-300 words) of the topic and inks to resources to learn more and ideas to help you teach it to others. Can be used as a quick reference to answer questions and also as a deep study of doctrines. Included within the Gospel Topics is a set of 11 longer essays on sensitive topics. Originally published in a booklet form as True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, but the online version has been updated significantly since the booklet was published. |
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Gospel Principles (lds.org/manual/gospel-principles). This book provides an overview of gospel principles. Young men and women who study this manual before their missions will gain a strong doctrinal foundation in the gospel. Order a printed copy. At lds.org/manual/gospel-principles, you can read, listen, or download audio files and a PDF of the manual.) |
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Teaching in the Savior’s Way. The principles described in this basic teaching resource can help prospective missionaries learn how to more effectively teach in the Savior’s way. The site teaching.lds.org provides the text of the booklet, a PDF of the booklet, and training videos. |
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Come, Follow Me: Learning Resources for Youth (ComeFollowMe.lds.org). The youth lessons for young men, young women, and Sunday School classes are based on 9 basic doctrinal principles that are important to prospective missionaries to know and understand well. |
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Seminary. Seminary is key to preparing Latter-day Saint youth for missions. President Thomas S. Monson has said, ”Seminary will help you to understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ. You will feel the Spirit of the Lord as you learn to love the scriptures. You will prepare yourselves for the temple and for missionary service. Young people, I ask you to participate in seminary. Study your scriptures daily. Listen to your teachers carefully. Apply what you learn prayerfully.” Read seminary materials online. Watch a video with President Monson on how Seminary Can Change Lives. |
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This special issue of the New Era magazine is focused entirely on missionary preparation. Topics include the application process for full-time missionaries, the MTC experience, and even a typical day in the mission field. Parents, teachers, and leaders can also use it as a resource for lessons and discussions, Although it came out back in March 2007, the Church continues to make it available. See it online or order a printed copy. |
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The page Preparing to Serve on LDS.org has resources and videos to help in missionary preparation. It has the following sections:
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Learn about other LDS missionary resources.
I would add to the list the pamphlets associated with the Preach my Gospel lessons. The Families and Temples and Learning and Serving in the Church pamphlets were added with updated materials in 2016 and are very helpful for teaching those topics. Thank you for compiling this list. I currently serve as a young men’s president and will encourage the young men to dive into these resources.
Thanks. I’ll add these to the list above.