Finding answers to questions about senior missions

Part of a series on serving as a senior missionary.

You've struggled with making a decision on whether you should serve a mission now that you're retired.

You feel like you have something to offer, but you're afraid you'll be asked to give more than you're able.

You don't really like knocking on doors to ask people to let you in to share a message like young missionaries do.

You're afraid that you won't get to see your grandchildren as often as you'd like, and you're not crazy about the idea of missing family events.

What if you'd rather stay in the United States than go somewhere else?

What does it mean if you have a chronic health problem?

Do you think you might be too old to serve?

Yes, you've got questions that make it tough to decide, but there are answers available on lds.org's frequently asked question page of the senior missionary section.

First of all, "you are not expected to meet the same level of intensity in your work as younger missionaries …," according to lds.org. In addition, the opportunities to serve don't include tracting door-to-door or giving public speeches in a park. The senior missionary equivalent to proselying is teaching, retention, strengthening leadership and working with less active members and young single adults.

Other assigments include serving in the Church Educational System, family history support, mission office work, temple ordinance work and many others.

According to lds.org, senior missionary candidates are encouraged to list the types of assignments and locations of interest when they fill out their application.

Most senior couple missionaries deal with missing their grandchildren and family events by using the Internet and related technology to stay in touch.

As far as age, the minimum is 40, and there is no maximum age as long as they are in good health and have no dependent children at home, according to lds.org. People with chronic ailments are urged to get them under control as much as possible; the medical screening will help decide the ability to serve.

Still have questions about mission issues and current opportunities? Visit lds.org and under "Serving in the Church," click on "Mission Opportunities" and then "Full-Time Senior Mission Opportunities." You can also call the Senior Missionary Hotline at 801-240-6741 or 800-453-3860, ext. 2-6741, or send an e-mail to seniormissionaries@ldschurch.org.

e-mail: rwalsh@desnews.com