Did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) Ever Pay Missionaries in Cash?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS Church or simply the Church, has a long history and tradition regarding how its missionaries are supported during their service. This article explores the historical and contemporary practices of missionary compensation and the role of personal funding.
Historical Context and Early Practices
Starting from the organization of the Church in 1830, the expectation was that missionary work would be carried out by individuals who did not receive formal payment. In fact, many early missionaries, particularly adult male members of the Church, were expected to “travel without purse or scrip [cash]” (cf. Matthew 20:4). This meant that instead of being financially compensated, missionaries were expected to rely on the kindness of strangers for food and lodging. This principle was rooted in the scriptural instructions given to early disciples, which emphasized self-sacrifice and reliance on divine providence.
Modern Practices and Contemporary Support
Despite the scriptural roots, the practice has evolved over time. Today, while missionaries do not receive a formal salary, they still incur many costs associated with their missions. Many missionaries bring their own funds, either from personal savings or financial contributions from family members and friends. In cases where individuals do not have the financial means to support a mission, there are alternative avenues for support. The Church has established charitable funds and programs to help finance missionary service, particularly for members from developing countries.
How the Church Supports Missions
The internal mechanisms for supporting missionaries are organized through the mission department. Any charitable contributions are processed through formal banking systems to ensure legal and ethical standards are met. The Church typically provides only enough financial support to cover basic living expenses during the mission period, and these funds are disbursed strictly for that purpose. This approach is similar to the way other charitable organizations operate, ensuring that contributions are used efficiently and for their intended purpose.
Individual family members and friends may choose to contribute cash donations, but these contributions are not sanctioned or regulated by the Church authorities. They are considered acts of charity and goodwill towards those serving in the mission field. Members are encouraged to contribute to these funds as they see fit, much like contributions to other humanitarian causes such as the Red Cross, United Way, Catholic Charities, or Doctors Without Borders.
Conclusion
In summary, while the historical and scriptural context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes self-sacrifice and reliance on divine providence, modern practices have evolved to provide a more structured support system for missionaries. Missionaries do not receive a formal salary, but the Church offers various forms of financial assistance and guidance to ensure they can undertake their missionary service without major financial strain.
For members considering a mission, the key principle remains the idea of service and sacrifice. Whether through personal financial contributions or through the support of the Church and charitable organizations, the ultimate goal is to enable missionaries to focus on their sacred work without financial worries.