More Changes to Missionary Program

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EmmaLee
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More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by EmmaLee »

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/m ... anges-2017

"Such changes will include a new set of interview questions to be asked of prospective missionaries; a trimming of the number of missions to better fit the needs of each region of the world; replacing tablets with smartphones and an increased use of technologies that help find those interested in religion.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles alluded to such changes June 28, 2017, at the annual seminar for new mission presidents. In late September, two missionary department representatives—General Authority Seventy Elder Brent H. Nielson and managing director Gary Crittenden—spoke to Mormon Newsroom about the reasons for these coming changes and the areas of missionary work that will be impacted.

“We have really been focused on looking at absolutely every element of missionary operations, starting from when a missionary is thinking about preparing, through the experience that he has on his mission, and even the time after that,” Crittenden said. “And through that we’ve found opportunities where we think we can improve. Many of the changes we will talk about come from that analysis.”

Improving the Overall Mission Experience

The Church has no higher priority in its missionary work than the success and safety of each missionary—no easy task with a missionary force of nearly 70,000 serving around the world in a wide variety of circumstances.

For those preparing for missions, Church leaders have approved a standard set of interview questions to be asked of prospective missionaries uniformly across the world. The hope is that each young man and woman will be familiar with them years before they formally prepare to serve so they have a more complete understanding of the rigorous requirements of missionary work.

For those currently serving, safety is a special concern. In June of this year, the Church sent out a physical safety survey to missionaries everywhere. The results of that survey are helping the Church continue to provide missionaries with safer apartments and training videos to foster more self-awareness.

For those who return home early (the most common reason being health challenges), the Church is always seeking ways to make the transition smooth and beneficial for the missionary.

“Their mission isn’t over [when they come home],” Elder Nielson said. “They now have an opportunity after they get better to perhaps complete their mission at home serving in Church Service missions and other opportunities. We’re working diligently to try to be sure they can complete their mission and have a positive experience.”

Adjusting Missions After the Surge

When President Thomas S. Monson announced in 2012 the change in the ages for missionary service, the Church expanded the number of missions to accommodate a surge of growth in only a few years from 58,000 to 88,000 missionaries. Five years later, with its missionaries spread throughout more than 400 missions, the Church will be implementing reductions to achieve an overall number of missions that better fits the total number of missionaries and the needs in each region.

“We’ve leveled off to around 70,000 missionaries—still way up from the 58,000 we had,” Elder Nielson said. “In the orderly process of accommodating changes in our numbers, we’ll be slowly closing missions because we don’t need as many as we required for the great increase we experienced in 2012-13.”

Changes to facilities are also a part of the adjustments. For example, this year the Church has expanded its missionary training centers in Provo, Utah, and the Philippines, and finished the Ghana MTC this summer.

Using Technology to Organize, Find and be Found

Through nearly 200 years of missionary work, the Church has repeatedly recognized that methods and approaches need to be updated as cultures and technologies shift and change. Because the ways people communicate and interact are always in flux, especially for the rising generation, the Church has consulted with industry leaders in the technology world to learn how to improve. For example, the number of missions using mobile devices is being increased from 87 to 162. Tablets are being replaced with smartphones, and in the future, most missionaries will arrive on their mission with a smartphone to assist them in their study, finding and teaching.

The online world is helping those asking life’s most important questions find the Church. Technologies can identify those who might be interested in the gospel, and the Church is using such tools to help those interested in spiritual things connect with the Church’s resources.

“‘How can I find peace in my life?’ or ‘Is there a God?’ There tends to be a pattern for people who are asking,” Crittenden said. “In a world of 7.4 billion people, many online are involved in that search. They look at the same kinds of websites and seek the same kind of information. And it’s possible for us then, because they’ve asked that question, to put content in front of them that might be of interest to them. We are able to reach those who are actually searching for the truth.”

A New Testament story illustrates the challenge and the opportunity of finding people interested in faith. After his Resurrection, Jesus came to his apostles, some of whom had returned to their fishing nets after His death. At the end of a fruitless day of fishing, Jesus instructs them to “cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find” (John 21:6). The yield of fish is so large that the apostles can’t lift it into the boat.

“The lesson is that the fish were always there in the water, but Jesus directed the apostles where to find them,” Elder Nielson said. “Our circumstance is similar. God knows where to find those who are seeking truth, and that’s why we’re seeking better ways to find them. There are billions of people on earth. And here’s the amazing thing—we can now reach them in a focused way. That’s very exciting.”

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Arenera
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Arenera »

Ask God, or ask Google? :)

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Arenera
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Arenera »

Convert Baptism 2011: 281,312. Ful-Time Missionaries: 55,410. Per FTM: 5.08

Convert Baptism 2012: 272,330. Full-Time Missionaries: 58,990. Per FTM: 4.62

Convert Baptism 2013: 282,945. Ful-Time Missionaries: 83,035. Per FTM: 3.41

Convert Baptism 2014: 296,803. Ful-Time Missionaries: 85,147. Per FTM: 3.49

Convert Baptism 2015: 257,402. Ful-Time Missionaries: 74,079. Per FTM: 3.47

Convert Baptism 2016: 240,131. Ful-Time Missionaries: 70,946. Per FTM: 3.38

The overall baptism numbers are dropping. Will focused social media searching help?

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Arenera
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

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Interview Questions
1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?
2. Do you have a testimony that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and the Savior and Redeemer of the world? Please share your testimony with me. How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ influenced your life?
3. What does it mean to you to repent? Do you feel that you have fully repented of past transgressions?
4. Will you share your testimony with me that the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that [current Church President] is a prophet of God?
5. Full-time missionary service requires living gospel standards. What do you understand about the following standards?
a. The law of chastity In reference to the law of chastity, have you always lived in accordance with what has been discussed? If not, how long ago did the transgression(s) occur? What have you done to repent?
b. Avoiding pornography
c. The law of tithing
d. The Word of Wisdom, including the use of drugs or the abuse of prescribed medications
e. Keeping the Sabbath day holy
f. Being honest in all you say and do Have you lived in accordance with all of these standards? Are you now living in accordance with them? Will you live in accordance with them as a full-time missionary?
6. Do you have any legal actions pending against you? (If yes, ask the candidate to explain in detail possible legal or financial obligations. See Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.4.)
7. Have you ever committed a serious violation of criminal law, regardless of whether or not you were arrested, you were convicted, or the record was expunged? (If yes, ask the missionary candidate to explain in detail what happened, the outcome of any criminal 4 October 20, 2017 charges, whether there are criminal or other legal requirements that have not been completed, and what he or she has done to repent. See Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.4 and “Serious Transgressions” in 4.5.2.)
8. Have you ever sexually abused a child in any way, regardless of whether or not you were charged, you were convicted, or the record was expunged? (If yes, and the abuse has not been reported, see Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 17.3.2, for instructions. If the abuse was previously resolved, see Handbook 1, 4.4, for direction.)
9. Have you ever committed any other serious transgression or misdeed that should be resolved before your mission? (If yes, ask the candidate to explain in detail what happened, the outcome of any criminal charges, whether there are criminal or other legal requirements that have not been completed, and what he or she has done to repent.)
10. Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
11. Do you have any unpaid debts? How will these debts be paid off before your mission or managed while you serve a mission? (See Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.4.)
12. Do you currently have or have you ever had any physical, mental, or emotional condition that would make it difficult for you to maintain a normal missionary schedule, which requires that you work for 12–15 hours a day, including studying for 2–4 hours a day, walking or biking for up to 8–10 hours a day, and so forth?
13. Have you ever been diagnosed with or received treatment for dyslexia or other reading disorder? If so, are you comfortable reading the scriptures and other documents aloud? Do you believe that you could memorize appropriate scriptures and other information with the assistance of your companion? In what ways do you now compensate for this disorder?
14. Have you ever been diagnosed with or received treatment for a speech disorder? If so, are you comfortable speaking in front of others? Do you feel that you have adequate tools to help you learn, teach, and communicate?
15. Have you ever been on medication or otherwise treated for any of the following conditions: attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger’s)? If yes, please explain. 5 October 20, 2017
16. If you were being treated for one of these conditions and discontinued treatment, did you do so under a doctor’s supervision? If not, why did you stop? How well have you been functioning without treatment or medication? When was the last time you were on medication for these issues?

Worthiness
“A person who has been guilty of adultery, fornication, heavy petting, homosexual activity, other sexual perversions, serious violation of civil law, or other serious transgressions must repent before he or she may be recommended for missionary service. A prospective missionary must also overcome any addictions before being considered for missionary service. “Mere confession and refraining from a sin for a period of time do not on their own constitute repentance. There must also be evidence of a broken heart, a contrite spirit, and a lasting change of behavior (see Mosiah 5:2). The bishop and stake president are to confirm that the member is free of transgression for a sufficient time to manifest genuine repentance and to prepare spiritually for the temple and for a sacred mission call. This period could be as long as three years for multiple serious transgressions and should not be less than one year from the most recent serious transgression. Questions about specific individuals may be directed to a General Authority in the Missionary Department, the Area Presidency, or a member of the Presidency of the Seventy” (Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.5.2).

EmmaLee
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by EmmaLee »

Arenera wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:43 am Ask God, or ask Google? :)
Same thing anymore, right?! :shock: ;)

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Robin Hood
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Robin Hood »

I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.

Serragon
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Serragon »

Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
I had a discussion with a ward mission leader in ward council a while back that kind of typifies what you are saying.

He wanted to set some goals for the ward with regards to missionary efforts. One of his goals was to hit 10 convert baptisms in the next year. I asked why we should set a goal that we have almost no control over as it rests almost entirely on the person being baptised and the Holy Ghost. My suggestion was to make a google map of every residence in the ward boundaries and set a goal to visit each residence within 6 months and preach the restored Gospel and then follow up with each residence every 6 months. The baptism plan goal won out with predictable results.

Robin Hood: I would love to be in a ward council with you as Bishop. I think we could have a lot of fun. :)

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Robin Hood
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Robin Hood »

Serragon wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:17 pm

Robin Hood: I would love to be in a ward council with you as Bishop. I think we could have a lot of fun. :)
Next full ward council, 1st November. 7pm.
You're invited Serragon.
Fun is on the agenda.

drtanner
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by drtanner »

Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
Where did you serve Robin Hood? What % of your baptisms do you think came from knocking on doors?

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Sirocco
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Sirocco »

Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
How does that work with apartments?

Michelle
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Michelle »

Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
I have concerns too, but not because the church is making the change. I think it fits in today's world.

My concern is that the world has become a place where we can't really knock on our neighbors door unannounced to share such a message.

People are so disconnected from real life interactions, and so connected to their phones, that the move makes sense as a way to be able to do any sort of missionary work in the future.

Sad, but true. This isn't about the church changing, it is about the world changing. :(

PressingForward
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by PressingForward »

Every Missionary an IPad didn’t last long, well longer than every Mall a Missionary. So now every Missionary a Google phone.
I believe that the numbers of mission applications from young men must be on a downward spiral since the “Surge”. I can only testify that I only see 1in 4 young men go on Missions. I think the number was much higher when I was a kid.

I thought we tried very briefly the Facebook Time for Missionaries a few years back?

JohnnyL
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by JohnnyL »

No offense, but I really question what the heck they're doing. I served a mission, served as ward mission leader twice, served as the member of the bishopric working with missionaries (kind of twice), done exchanges, etc. It's a grand mess, from the Seventies and mission presidents on down, and it doesn't seem to get better with all the "wonderful changes".

I wish they'd stop worrying so much about numbers and worry a lot more about on-boarding, from day one. It's horrible. Other than the push for numbers, it's one of the biggest problems.

No, switching from a tablet to a smartphone is not going to be a huge key in success, lol.

I like the new interview questions. Maybe THAT should be the curriculum for SS and Mutual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

drtanner
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by drtanner »

JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:02 pm No offense, but I really question what the heck they're doing. I served a mission, served as ward mission leader twice, served as the member of the bishopric working with missionaries (kind of twice), done exchanges, etc. It's a grand mess, from the Seventies and mission presidents on down, and it doesn't seem to get better with all the "wonderful changes".

I wish they'd stop worrying so much about numbers and worry a lot more about on-boarding, from day one. It's horrible. Other than the push for numbers, it's one of the biggest problems.

No, switching from a tablet to a smartphone is not going to be a huge key in success, lol.

I like the new interview questions. Maybe THAT should be the curriculum for SS and Mutual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What would you change it if you were in charge?

JohnnyL
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by JohnnyL »

drtanner wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:06 pm
JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:02 pm No offense, but I really question what the heck they're doing. I served a mission, served as ward mission leader twice, served as the member of the bishopric working with missionaries (kind of twice), done exchanges, etc. It's a grand mess, from the Seventies and mission presidents on down, and it doesn't seem to get better with all the "wonderful changes".

I wish they'd stop worrying so much about numbers and worry a lot more about on-boarding, from day one. It's horrible. Other than the push for numbers, it's one of the biggest problems.

No, switching from a tablet to a smartphone is not going to be a huge key in success, lol.

I like the new interview questions. Maybe THAT should be the curriculum for SS and Mutual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What would you change it if you were in charge?
A whole lot, not that they want to hear anything different than what people who tell them what they want to hear, tell them.

And yes, I have written them about many problems and solutions. No dice.

drtanner
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by drtanner »

JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:08 pm
drtanner wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:06 pm
JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:02 pm No offense, but I really question what the heck they're doing. I served a mission, served as ward mission leader twice, served as the member of the bishopric working with missionaries (kind of twice), done exchanges, etc. It's a grand mess, from the Seventies and mission presidents on down, and it doesn't seem to get better with all the "wonderful changes".

I wish they'd stop worrying so much about numbers and worry a lot more about on-boarding, from day one. It's horrible. Other than the push for numbers, it's one of the biggest problems.

No, switching from a tablet to a smartphone is not going to be a huge key in success, lol.

I like the new interview questions. Maybe THAT should be the curriculum for SS and Mutual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What would you change it if you were in charge?
A whole lot, not that they want to hear anything different than what people who tell them what they want to hear, tell them.

And yes, I have written them about many problems and solutions. No dice.
Would love to hear your thoughts. I work a lot with the missionaries, ward council, ward mission leader, etc. I love missionary work and am always interested in ways to improve.

gardener4life
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by gardener4life »

drtanner wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:13 pm
JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:08 pm
drtanner wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:06 pm
JohnnyL wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:02 pm No offense, but I really question what the heck they're doing. I served a mission, served as ward mission leader twice, served as the member of the bishopric working with missionaries (kind of twice), done exchanges, etc. It's a grand mess, from the Seventies and mission presidents on down, and it doesn't seem to get better with all the "wonderful changes".

I wish they'd stop worrying so much about numbers and worry a lot more about on-boarding, from day one. It's horrible. Other than the push for numbers, it's one of the biggest problems.

No, switching from a tablet to a smartphone is not going to be a huge key in success, lol.

I like the new interview questions. Maybe THAT should be the curriculum for SS and Mutual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What would you change it if you were in charge?
A whole lot, not that they want to hear anything different than what people who tell them what they want to hear, tell them.

And yes, I have written them about many problems and solutions. No dice.
Would love to hear your thoughts. I work a lot with the missionaries, ward council, ward mission leader, etc. I love missionary work and am always interested in ways to improve.
Well let me comment a bit. You know at first I saw that question 'what would you change if you were in charge' and that worried me a bit. We're not in charge and we have to trust those that are. So that kind of question can be dangerous. I once knew a man that started to get really angry at the church because of this type of reasoning.

But then I saw your statement, 'I work a lot with the missionaries, ward council, ward mission leader, etc. I love missionary work and am always interested in ways to improve.' This is a good type of thinking actually. And I see you really mean good things. This shouldn't be criticized. I'm also reminded that because missionaries are there to love the mission and love what they are doing they believe they are supposed to just bear through any afflictions in the process. This applies to housing dumps especially. Sometimes people like that need to be protected.

When I was out on the mission a lot of missionaries were living in dumps that were contradictory to health. I suspect it may probably be still the same in some areas. You know that can't be good...working long hours, always being on the go, and then come back to some place that's filthy and probably gotten hidden mold in it under and in flooring and in walls that isn't visible. I worry that some of them are living in such places because at the time I was out I lived in such a place. Then I had health problems starting from living in one such place. I don't know if my current health problems are related to that or not. But it is positive to think about how to especially keep the missionaries in places that are healthy and not big mold / bacteria dens. This is a good issue to think about and it does seem from the wording above that could be one of the areas they are working on. There's also a lot of housing now that's spoiled by drug usage. How do you spot that? I don't know if you can. Heck, even normal member families I don't think people seriously talk about screening new apartments and places to live for unhealthy drug chemical residue. This is going to be a big issue from now since our culture and society are rejecting God.

Thanks for your positive comments and good attitude. I think I understand you better.

I am curious about the new interview questions. I do hope to learn more about if there's something in there everyone should be thinking about too and not just missionaries. And you are also right about not dwelling on numbers too much, but I don't think that all missionaries or leaders only think about numbers.
Last edited by gardener4life on October 20th, 2017, 11:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.

gardener4life
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by gardener4life »

I'm a bit confused about some of these questions. Didn't they just talk recently about including people with health problems? And now it's like that's the opposite? What if they fail some of those questions but not all of them? Specifically anyone with a student loan has debt. Also the health question I don't quite understand why that's a backflip from them recently accepting those with health problems. These 3 questions what happens if they fail these but don't fail the others? It's not going to be possible to find Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern on every street corner.

11. Do you have any unpaid debts? How will these debts be paid off before your mission or managed while you serve a mission? (See Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.4.)
12. Do you currently have or have you ever had any physical, mental, or emotional condition that would make it difficult for you to maintain a normal missionary schedule, which requires that you work for 12–15 hours a day, including studying for 2–4 hours a day, walking or biking for up to 8–10 hours a day, and so forth?
13. Have you ever been diagnosed with or received treatment for dyslexia or other reading disorder? If so, are you comfortable reading the scriptures and other documents aloud? Do you believe that you could memorize appropriate scriptures and other information with the assistance of your companion? In what ways do you now compensate for this disorder?

JohnnyL
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by JohnnyL »

gardener4life wrote: October 20th, 2017, 11:50 pm I'm a bit confused about some of these questions. Didn't they just talk recently about including people with health problems? And now it's like that's the opposite? What if they fail some of those questions but not all of them? Specifically anyone with a student loan has debt. Also the health question I don't quite understand why that's a backflip from them recently accepting those with health problems. These 3 questions what happens if they fail these but don't fail the others? It's not going to be possible to find Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern on every street corner.

11. Do you have any unpaid debts? How will these debts be paid off before your mission or managed while you serve a mission? (See Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops [2010], 4.4.)
12. Do you currently have or have you ever had any physical, mental, or emotional condition that would make it difficult for you to maintain a normal missionary schedule, which requires that you work for 12–15 hours a day, including studying for 2–4 hours a day, walking or biking for up to 8–10 hours a day, and so forth?
13. Have you ever been diagnosed with or received treatment for dyslexia or other reading disorder? If so, are you comfortable reading the scriptures and other documents aloud? Do you believe that you could memorize appropriate scriptures and other information with the assistance of your companion? In what ways do you now compensate for this disorder?
I like the questions. I really hope they are not more about "passing", but about discovery and planning. And yes, it helps with those things with the potential missionary, local leaders, mission presidents, etc.

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Yahtzee
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Yahtzee »

I like the new questions. We've already decided to start teaching them to our kids. Its actually a bit of a relief for me as one of my kids struggles with anxiety. I hated the age change because I honestly think he should wait till he's 21 to go. I've seen too many come home early destroyed by mental illness who feel like failures and leave the church. It's completely heart breaking!
But i think these questions can help. We have a guy in our ward, about 22, who has struggled with emotional problems and health. He just received his mission call like 2 weeks ago to serve locally and I've rarely seen anyone so excited. He'll be at home so he has access to his doctors and medicines, but he is still considered a missionary. I used to worry we would lose him, but you can see the pride back in him. He feels good about himself.
So my hope is that this will help those who really shouldn't leave home for 2 years, or need more time for whatever reason, still be able to serve the Lord. Time will tell, but this could really help with retention.

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Arandur
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Arandur »

I strongly suspect that the recent missionary tech is mostly to teach youth how to use technology wisely and with purpose, and not so much to directly increase baptisms. Not saying that it can't also increase baptisms, but I think most of the benefits are to be found elsewhere.

I'm a huge fan of the interview as well. It directly addresses both testimony and conversion, and it makes it fairly clear what the missionary is signing on for, what the standard is, and so on. And the mental health struggles are no joke either - it's good to see that being tackled more directly. Now if we can just quit judging those who don't serve a mission or who come home early, we'll be good to go.

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Robin Hood
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Robin Hood »

drtanner wrote: October 20th, 2017, 6:17 pm
Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
Where did you serve Robin Hood? What % of your baptisms do you think came from knocking on doors?
I served in Scotland.
100% of my baptisms came from tracting.

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Robin Hood
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Robin Hood »

Sirocco wrote: October 20th, 2017, 6:21 pm
Robin Hood wrote: October 20th, 2017, 5:04 pm I have some concerns about this.
The purpose of the missionary outreach of the church is to warn and to call all to repentence. But the emphasis seems now to be focussed on using technology to identify those who might have a religious interest. That is not the same thing.

When I served we knocked on every door and gave everyone the chance. We did this deliberately. We took the admonition to warn our neighbour very seriously.We wouldn't close down an area until we had knocked, and got an answer from, every door... literally every single one. We were very thorough.
We also baptised way more people then than they do now.
How does that work with apartments?
It was mostly apartments in my area of Edinburgh.
Wasn't ever a problem.

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Robin Hood
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by Robin Hood »

In my last area we knocked on the door of an 86 year old man named Charlie. We taught him and baptisd him. Shortly afterwards my 2 years were up and I went home.
Charlie remained active in the church even though he lived 25 miles from the church building and didn't have a car and there were no other church members in his village. When he died he was the oldest active Elder in the stake.
How are we going to reach the Charlie's of this world with a smartphone?

diligently seeking
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Re: More Changes to Missionary Program

Post by diligently seeking »

Two years of knocking doors in the mid 90's in Kentucky Louisville mission and using only the right middle finger knuckle ---I had quite the enlarged callus skin abnormality on that joint. I had amazing experiences tracting. Multiple dozens of baptisms. My brother-in-law who served in a similar type of area on his mission got back a few years ago. He was not able to see a baptism the 2 years he was out through the fruits of his and companions efforts. He admitted to me that they rarely tracted because he said "it was less effective" I gathered my brother-in-law was no slouch as a missionary he had high-level leadership callings.

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