LDS Church Nears Record Missionary Total as 55 New Missions Lift Network to 506
Updated
Updated · Church Newsroom · Jun 21
LDS Church Nears Record Missionary Total as 55 New Missions Lift Network to 506
3 articles · Updated · Church Newsroom · Jun 21
Summary
87,000 missionaries are serving worldwide, and President Dallin H. Oaks said the church will reach its highest-ever full-time missionary count in coming weeks.
55 new missions will be added in July, taking the total to 506, while the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries has begun service and is driving the increase.
At a June 18–21 seminar for new mission leaders in Provo, Utah, Oaks said missionaries' first responsibility is to testify of Jesus Christ and invite people into the church.
Oaks also used the address to reaffirm the church's claim to be the "only true and living Church," citing fullness of doctrine, priesthood authority and a unique testimony of Christ.
The remarks paired a near-term expansion in missionary capacity with a broader push to emphasize the church's distinct teachings on revelation, ordinances and family.