MissionChecklist.com — LDS Mission Preparation Checklists

1) Planning to Go on a Mission

Choose wise timing, understand interviews, and set goals before you start your recommendation.

Milestones

Pick an availability date (earliest you can leave) and a desired return date. Mission Timing
Meet with your bishop to align on timing; get oriented to the Missionary Portal. Missionary Portal
Review standard interview questions so you know what to expect. Interview Questions

Tasks and Logistics

Review mission timing guidance together as a family. When to Submit
Bookmark the Missionary Portal (steps appear as you progress). Missionary Portal

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

Pray and discuss timing with family and leaders; sketch a savings plan aligned to your availability date.

2) Before Receiving a Mission Call

Use this during high school/college up until papers are submitted and the call is issued.

Milestones

Meet with bishop to start the missionary recommendation. Missionary Portal
Stake president interview (final clearance before submission).
Medical exam & forms. Health Prep
Dental exam (incl. wisdom teeth evaluation).
Receive a patriarchal blessing (if not yet received). Rasband: Patriarchal Blessings
Attend stake/ward mission prep classes. Mission Prep lessons

Tasks and Logistics

Obtain a valid passport (apply early). U.S. Passports
Update immunizations per guidelines. Health Requirements
Gather documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, insurance info, patriarchal blessing copy).
Create a mission savings plan and account. Ballard: The Lord Provides a Way
Keep seminary attendance and worthiness current. Seminaries & Institutes

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

Daily gospel habits: scripture study, prayer, journal. Uchtdorf: Daily Restoration
Begin Preach My Gospel (2023) — Lessons 1–4. PMG (Online) PMG (Print)
Live missionary standards now. Missionary Standards
Serve & minister regularly. Oaks: Small and Simple Things
Study the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood (D&C 84:33–44) and become fluent with it. D&C 84 Priesthood Power (Burton)
Discuss temple endowment timing with parents and bishop; review temple prep resources together. Temple Prep (Self-guided)
Build self-reliance: cooking, laundry, budgeting, time management. Self-Reliance (Overview)
Health habits: exercise, sleep, avoid addictions. Nelson: Your Body

3) After Receiving a Mission Call

From the time your call arrives until you report to the MTC.

Milestones

Read and pray over the mission call letter as a family. Mission calls are inspired. Elder Rasband (video) Holland: Greatest Generation
Notify bishop and stake president; schedule follow-up interview.
Obtain Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (timing per bishop/stake). Bednar: The Powers of Heaven
Temple recommend & endowment; schedule and attend your first endowment session. Nelson: Spiritual Foundation
Plan sacrament meeting farewell talk.

Tasks and Logistics

Follow the clothing/packing list from your call packet; purchase approved gear and scriptures. Dress & Appearance Church Store
Complete any mission-specific immunizations and medical/dental follow-ups. Health Requirements
If international, prepare and submit visa documents as instructed in your call.
Confirm financial plan for monthly mission costs.
Practice travel readiness: packing, airport security, itinerary.
Prepare a family communication plan (email cadence, photos, weekly updates).
Complete any stake/mission office paperwork and endorsements.

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

Finish reading the Book of Mormon prior to departure. Nelson: The Book of Mormon
Memorize missionary purpose, baptismal invitation, and key scriptures (Preach My Gospel, Teaching Skills). PMG (Online)
Role-play teaching with parents/leaders/friends.
Practice technology use according to Missionary Standards. Missionary Standards
Build endurance with consistent exercise and healthy diet.
Strengthen family relationships before leaving; set expectations together.
Keep a gratitude journal and testimony record to bring to the mission.
Try a simplified missionary schedule (early to bed/rise, planned day). Bednar: Becoming a Missionary

FAQ & Notes

Is this official?

No. MissionChecklist.com is an independent resource that links to official Church materials at churchofjesuschrist.org and other government resources for passports and travel.

What if a link changes?

All links were verified as of publication. If something moves, use the site search at churchofjesuschrist.org and update your bookmark.

Can I print this?

Yes. This page is designed to print cleanly. Press Cmd/Ctrl + P for a checklist handout.

Your complete missionary preparation roadmap

At a glance

1) Planning to Go on a Mission

Milestones

Tasks and Logistics

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

2) Before Receiving a Mission Call

Milestones

Tasks and Logistics

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

3) After Receiving a Mission Call

Milestones

Tasks and Logistics

Spiritual and Personal Readiness

FAQ & Notes