Sisters Serving Missions
“Regarding single sisters serving as missionaries: We need some young women. They perform a remarkable work. They can get in homes where the elders cannot. But it should be kept in mind that young sisters are not under obligation to go on missions. They should not feel that they have a duty comparable to that of young men, but some will wish to go. If so, they should counsel with their bishop as well as their parents.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Bishops of the Church,” Worldwide Leadership Training)
“A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.” (President Thomas S. Monson, As We Meet Together Again, Oct. 2010)
- Sister Missionaries, What Made You Decide to Serve?: This article will help young women who are considering going on a mission. A panel of returned sister missionaries shares why they decided to serve.
- Advice for Young Women Considering Serving a Mission: The panel of returned sister missionaries was also asked to give some advice to young women who are considering serving as an LDS missionary.
- Mission Preparation for Women and How It Differs from Men: This next article in the series of articles geared to future sister missionaries discusses how mission preparation for young women differs from men.
- A Day In The Life of Sister Missionaries: From a panel of returned sister missionaries: What is a typical “day in the life” of a sister missionary? Here are their answers and a funny video to go along with it.
- I asked our panel of returned sister missionaries: What should future sister missionaries know about clothing and what advice would you have for them on dress and appearance? Here is their Sister Missionary Clothing advice.
Share Your Mission Call
Give a Mission Report
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I want to get my B.A. before I go on my mission. Can I put in my papers when I am 22 or 23?
That shouldn’t be a problem at all.
I was 22 when I submitted my papers and just turned 23 and starting my mission in 1 and a half weeks to the California Los Angeles MIssion!! I seriously couldn’t feel happier about it!
Hi Jimmy! This is a great website you have here. I have searched and searched and am looking for the answer to this most important question!
I served a mission at 21 and am not married yet. At what age can I serve another mission in the next 20 years?
I am 27 and I do want to serve a mission but I not finacially able to and I may not be finacially ready until next fall. Am I or will I be too old to serve a mission next year?
Brandie, I could be wrong, so double check this with your bishop or stake president, but I’m pretty sure there is no upper age limit for single sisters to go on a mission. God bless.
jimmy,i have a disire to go on a mission but the problem is my family didnt allow me to go on a mission beacuse of i have an ashma,but is not totaly happen of my sick.but i have realy a disire and its difficult for me,what can i do..i know that if you have a disire go on..but my family discourage me..its so bad to me…
Myra, I’m sorry your family is discouraging you from serving a mission. Your asthma condition does not prohibit you from going, but it may influence where you are able to serve a mission. Continue to seek the Lord’s help and pray that the right things will happen with your family. Perhaps talk to your bishop about the situation and see what advice he might have. Good luck, and may God bless and be with you. -Jimmy
Random question for you — I am interested in buying the rights for this photo on this page of the two sister missionaries and am wondering if you could point me in the right direction. You are welcome to respond to me privately via email. Thank you!
Are there any special exceptions that would allow a sister missionary to leave before she is 21?
Meg, I’m sorry, but there are no exceptions that I am aware of.
Hey Meg,
there are exceptions… your Stake or the Mission president (of the Mission you live in) can approve 1 month earlier. If you want to go with 20 however, your Bishop and Stake president have to approve it and state a reason (school… other personal reasons). So it’s possible to go before 21. I am planning to go with 20 3/4 and already talked to a mission president about it. He gave me this information.
Hello, what other “personal reasons” besides school would qualify a sister to be able to go early? I have wanted to go since I was 13 and am barely 20. I am DYING to be able to go as soon as I can. I was under the impression that women could put their papers in up to 4 months before they turn 21… Is that correct?