How the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Funds Missionaries
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church, has a strong tradition of sending missionaries around the world. This article explores how the financial aspect of supporting young missionaries is managed, highlighting the voluntary nature of the program and the various methods used to fund missions.
Individual Responsibility and Congregational Support
Each young man who plans to serve a mission is encouraged to save money as part of their preparation process. My husband, my son-in-law, and all four of our sons have served missions and dedicated their young lives to this noble endeavor. They saved money from their part-time jobs and worked hard to support themselves during their mission service.
Support for missions also comes from the family level. We maintained a mission fund savings account, and each of our sons had their own dedicated account. While my son-in-law's family approached the financial aspect a bit differently, it ultimately involves the same principle of personal responsibility combined with family and community support.
For young men who cannot afford to pay for their mission themselves, the ward, or the congregation, steps in to help. If the ward is unable to provide full support, the stake (a higher level of organization within the church) continues to ensure that the missionary can fulfill their calling. This hierarchical structure guarantee that no one is turned away due to financial constraints.
Volunteers and Voluntary Funding
The entire missionary effort is entirely voluntary. Young people choose to serve their missions of their own free will, and they are supported through voluntary funding.
The monthly cost for missionaries is approximately $400, which covers their rent and basic expenses. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the country and region. Some missionaries manage to live on less than this amount, while others may require more. The Church emphasizes the importance of personal responsibilities and encourages young people to save or work part-time jobs to support themselves.
Families often play a crucial role in this process. A significant number of missionaries work part-time or have saved for years to be able to pay for their missions. In cases where family contributions are insufficient, individuals and families in the stake provide additional support. The Church also offers assistance to those in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede someone's ability to serve a mission.
Financial Focus and Wealth Comparison
It's worth noting that the LDS Church holds more wealth than the Catholic Church, even though the latter has many more adherents and is a major provider of social, health, and emergency services. This underscores the different priorities and structures of these faith institutions.
The LDS Church places a strong emphasis on voluntary service and personal responsibility. While the Church aims to help all those who want to serve, it ultimately relies on the dedication and generosity of individual ward members and families.
Financial support for missions is not just a logistical challenge but a testament to the faith and commitment of the members who support these young missionaries. Many return from their missions with invaluable life-long blessings, making the effort worthwhile for both the individuals and the community as a whole.
In conclusion, while the financial aspect of supporting missionaries can vary, the commitment to these young people's service remains unwavering. The LDS Church's approach to funding missions ensures that the spirit of service is maintained, regardless of individual financial circumstances.