The Viability of Stateside Missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

There is a common belief floating around that the stateside missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will eventually be phased out due to most missionaries not getting one interested investigator in two years, let alone an actual baptism. However, the reality is more nuanced and often reflects a different set of circumstances.

Personal Insights and Success Stories

Let me share a personal story. I have been an investigator for over a year, and recently, after failing with Elder missionaries, I found success with Sister missionaries. On the day of my baptism, I passed the baptism interview, and we spent more than two and a half hours discussing my journey and faith. The experience was so profound that even the interviewer felt the presence of God and Jesus. Had I gone the day before as originally scheduled, I likely would have failed the interview. I believe this moment was written in heaven, and my story truly feels like a divine appointment. I am now joining an incredible family and feel honored to belong to this spiritual community.

An Organized Religious Machine

The LDS Church operates like a finely tuned machine. It is one of the most organized religions, if not the most. This organization ensures that the church can achieve its goals efficiently. The financial burden of a two-year mission is shared; missionary parents, family members, and friends often contribute, rather than the church itself. This genius approach allows the church to continue its mission without direct financial strain.

Another key aspect is the church's strategic approach to missionary work. Efforts are directed towards more "fruitful" areas, such as remote countries and regions with minimal LDS presence. In the US, missionaries focus on areas where LDS exposure is limited. The idea is to wear down interest over time, making potential converts more receptive to the teachings of the church.

Success and Challenges

Despite the challenges, stateside missions continue to have success. It is highly unlikely that a missionary will not come across at least one interested investigator in two years, and usually, missionaries have more than one. My own mission, for example, saw multiple investigators and even baptisms. Returned missionaries often share success stories, sometimes involving half a dozen or more investigators.

Recently, there have been no reports of entire missions having no investigators or baptisms over the entire two-year period. The trend is more towards variability in outcomes across different missions and regions.

In conclusion, while there may be challenges in stateside missions, the program is far from being phased out. The church is more likely to increase missions in the US when there are fewer baptisms, driven by the need to maintain a strong and active membership base.