Financing LDS Missionary Trips: Strategies and Policies

Financing a mission trip, whether it be abroad or within the United States, is a process that involves careful planning and resource allocation. The Church plays a significant role in providing support, while missionaries and their families often contribute through various means. This article delves into the financial aspects of serving as an LDS missionary, offering insights from personal experiences and available data.

Personal Finance and Experience

My personal experience as an LDS missionary provides a unique perspective on how missionary work is funded. In 1987-89, I served in Hokkaido, Japan, which cost around $10,000. To prepare for my mission, I worked for a year in a fiberglass and paint warehouse in Seattle. For the final two months, I managed a karate dojo briefly. The Church covered the plane fare to my destination, and while I had most of the money saved, a wealthy uncle footed the remaining bill. This experience reflects the diverse methods missionaries use to finance their missions.

Many missionaries save a portion of their earnings before their mission, and some rely on donations to the Church’s general missionary fund. For example, members of the family or congregation may contribute a predefined monthly amount to support the missionary's expenses. This standard amount, currently set at $500, ensures that missionaries receive adequate support regardless of the country they serve.

Missionary Support and Fundraising

The Church provides the bulk of the financial support required for missions, adjusting according to the specific needs of each country and setting. However, many missionaries still contribute to their own expenses through various means. These contributions can be made directly by the missionary or by family members or congregation members. The standard fixed monthly amount of $500 ensures a consistent income for missionaries, though this amount may be supplemented by additional contributions.

In some cases, financial barriers can prevent missionaries from serving. The Church often uses funds from the general missionary fund to support missionaries from low-income backgrounds, especially those in developing countries. This support is crucial for ensuring that missionaries from all backgrounds can serve.

Domestic Missionary Work

Domestic missionary work, or serving within the United States, is distinct from international missions. Missionaries who serve within the US are typically not stationed in or near their hometowns. Instead, they are often called to serve in different regions to avoid potential distractions from family and friends. The vast majority of missionaries serve from missionary quarters, ensuring that they are immersed in ministering and focused on their calling, rather than being influenced by their local environment.

For those who cannot or do not want to serve a full-time proselytizing mission, there is the option of a service mission. In these cases, missionaries typically continue to live at home and provide community and Church service. This arrangement helps them contribute to the Church while staying in their familiar surroundings.

Conclusion

In summary, financing an LDS missionary trip involves a combination of personal savings, family contributions, and financial support from the Church. The standard monthly contribution of $500 ensures that missionaries receive consistent support, while additional contributions can provide supplementary funding. Missionaries who serve within the US do not typically stay in or near their hometowns, as this can create distractions and affect their mission. Regardless of the location, the core focus remains on serving the Lord and sharing the gospel.