Do you get a 19 year old missionary in any missionary visit? Meaning no disrespect whatsoever to these guys (who are putting their money where there mouth is, after all) but as a 40-something year old woman, married with kids, and with a varied & complex spiritual past, I’d worry that they wouldn’t have enough experience to deal with my questions & concerns. I know you very kindly say that visitors are welcome at services, but that seems too scary at this very early stage of enquiry! Alternatively, can you speak to people by email or online? Many thanks.
conversion
Js from Northumberland, UK,
(This question was posted by someone who decided to join the Church, perhaps thanks in part to answers posted on AllAboutMormons.com. Click here to see other questions posted by Mormon converts.)
2 Responses to “Do you get a 19 year old missionary in any missionary visit?…”
Francisco Rubio
2012-01-23 02:47:05
The Church's missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics.
Hi JS. I'm happy you're interested in learning more about the LDS Church. Missionaries' primary task is to help people learn the basics of our faith. While there are some missionaries with the maturity to help with other, deeper questions, you're right in thinking that many missionaries in their late teens or early twenties, whether men or women, would not be prepared to answer some of your more specific questions. You'd perhaps want to supplement their visits with additional information. You're also right in recognizing that visiting the church any Sunday would be a perfect solution. :) Mormon congregations are typically quite diverse; there's very likely someone there who could relate to your specific life situation. I know you're reluctant, but many people do visit the church early in the investigation process, some without ever having had contact with the missionaries.
I can think of a few other solutions as well. In some areas of the world, retired couples serve as "senior missionaries." Perhaps they could visit you. Even if there are no senior missionaries in your area, younger missionaries could certainly put you in touch with other church members like you who would be happy to chat. There's also plenty of support from more mature members of the church on the internet. You're certainly welcome to post any questions you might have on this site, for example.
Regardless, the first step is to request a missionary visit so you can start learning the basics. The request-a-visit form on the mormon.org website has a box for comments. Perhaps you could request a senior couple there, if one's available in your area.
Anonymous
2012-01-31 00:08:09
Not to worry... My Wife who is in her late 60's joined the LDS faith last April. The missionaries are highly trained and smart enough to not try to argue anyone into the faith. Rather they are taught to teach with the Spirit and let the Spirit and the investigator do the heavy lifting. I have met 10 or so young 'elders' since then and all of them show high levels of sensitivity, good manners, training, and humility. They are ordained ministers and are more than qualified to do their part of the process.
I can think of a few other solutions as well. In some areas of the world, retired couples serve as "senior missionaries." Perhaps they could visit you. Even if there are no senior missionaries in your area, younger missionaries could certainly put you in touch with other church members like you who would be happy to chat. There's also plenty of support from more mature members of the church on the internet. You're certainly welcome to post any questions you might have on this site, for example.
Regardless, the first step is to request a missionary visit so you can start learning the basics. The request-a-visit form on the mormon.org website has a box for comments. Perhaps you could request a senior couple there, if one's available in your area.