How Much Does an LDS Mission Actually Cost?
Understand the complete financial commitment for an LDS mission. Learn about the various costs, what's included, and how to plan.
An LDS mission, formally a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a period of dedicated service where young men and women, and sometimes senior couples, teach others about their faith. These missions are a significant experience for participants, often lasting 18 to 24 months for young adults. Serving involves a substantial commitment of time, effort, and financial consideration. This article clarifies the financial expectations and details the various costs involved.
Understanding the Standard Monthly Contribution
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints requires a standardized monthly contribution from its missionaries. Currently, this is $500 per month for young missionaries from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several European nations. For missionaries from other regions, such as parts of Africa, Central and South America, and Asia, the monthly contribution is typically $400. This standardized fee applies regardless of the assigned location, whether high-cost urban or rural.
This contribution is the responsibility of the missionary and their family. The funds are not sent directly to the missionary in the field but are instead contributed to a ward missionary fund at their home congregation. From this fund, the Church headquarters withdraws the monthly commitment to cover overall missionary costs. This system ensures equitable resource distribution across the global missionary program, as contributions are pooled centrally.
What the Monthly Contribution Covers
The standardized monthly contribution covers essential living expenses for missionaries. These pooled funds provide for basic housing, which typically includes shared apartments with other missionaries. Utilities are also covered, ensuring access to services like electricity and water.
Missionaries receive a modest allowance for food, for groceries and meals. This stipend is often provided on a bi-weekly basis, such such as $110 every two weeks, for basic sustenance. Local transportation costs are also covered, including public transit or mission-owned vehicle maintenance and fuel. Additionally, the funds address essential mission supplies, including teaching materials, basic communication, and other operational expenses.
Other Mission-Related Expenses
Beyond the recurring monthly contribution, prospective missionaries and their families should anticipate additional, often one-time, expenses. Costs include acquiring appropriate clothing and luggage suitable for the mission field, adhering to specific dress standards. This includes durable, modest attire for varying climates, and necessary luggage.
Personal toiletries, like hygiene products and over-the-counter medications, are also the missionary’s responsibility. Depending on the assigned country, costs for passports and visa applications can be substantial. Missionaries also undergo comprehensive medical and dental check-ups prior to departure, incurring fees. Any personal items desired beyond what is provided, like specific stationery, a bicycle, or a camera, are additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Financial Preparation and Support
Financial readiness for a mission involves careful planning and dedicated savings. Families and individuals establish savings plans, sometimes years in advance, to accumulate funds for monthly contributions and initial out-of-pocket expenses. The missionary and their immediate family bear primary responsibility for funding this service.
While the Church itself does not provide financial aid for the standard monthly contributions, local Church units (wards or branches) facilitate fund collection. Though the Church does not refund prepaid contributions, excess funds in a missionary’s account at the end of service can sometimes be reallocated to another missionary within the same ward.