LDS Church Updates Missionary Handbook to Provide Clarity and Guidance | Cliptv Online

In a continued effort to support its missionary force in their sacred calling, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released updates to its missionary handbook titled “Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.” Originally published in 2019, this handbook has been revised to address common queries from missionaries and mission leaders, as well as to offer clarifications on existing standards.

The latest updates, effective as of August 21, 2023, include guidance on various aspects of missionary life. One notable change revolves around the use of time, emphasizing that communication with non-immediate family members should occur only on preparation day, the missionary’s designated day of rest. Further, communication with friends is advised to be limited to email or letter, excluding phone or video chat.

Chapter 3 of the handbook also introduces a reference to the “General Handbook,” promoting the rejection of prejudice in all its forms, emphasizing equality and goodwill among all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or beliefs.

Several additional updates are as follows:

• New artwork for each chapter
• Provision for missionaries to study English, if needed, within their daily schedule (chapter 2)
• Guidelines regarding appropriate music choices (chapter 3)
• Clarification about the use of missionary support funds (chapter 4)
• Alignment of dress and appearance guidelines with recently approved standards
• Designation of one missionary as the senior companion in all companionships (chapter 7)
• Permissible Wi-Fi usage with approval from mission leaders (chapter 7)

Elder Marcus B. Nash, the executive director of the Missionary Department, highlighted the importance of missionary standards as a means to remain true to the core principles of discipleship and fulfilling the mission of bringing others to Christ. He expressed that these updates are aimed at providing missionaries with practical guidance on effectively teaching the gospel and representing the church with integrity and devotion, regardless of their geographical location.