That was Then, This is Now - Missionary Standards

*(President) Elder Quinn at the LTM - Language Training Mission. Provo, Utah 1978*

Can missionaries have a pet, or light a candle in their apartments, or go for a horseback ride? No, noooo, and nope. LDS Missionaries have strict rules and standards to follow. This makes sense if you think about it. The Church has nearly 80,000 missionaries world wide to keep safe and healthy.

In 1978 President Quinn (above) served a mission in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. He was a missionary in the days of flip chart discussions. In those days missionaries carried around a little white booklet of missionary standards they nicknamed “the White Bible.” It was around 10 pages in length. He remembers well the rules he was asked to obey, such as to only drink bottled water and soda pop. Missionaries were also not allowed to call home - not even on Christmas! It was just too expensive. He wrote and received a lot of letters! I am not sure if our missionaries today even own envelopes and stamps.

*Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.*

The other day President Quinn and I were smiling when comparing the “White Bible” of the past with the two blue booklets of today’s “Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.” Today’s standards books are longer. One has 73 pages and the other 40 pages. Clearly, we live in a much more complicated and more technical world, where more guidance is needed. President Quinn and I ask our missionaries to take the time during personal study each day to read four pages of the standards on repeat so they are familiar with all the standards and guidance.

*You can’t own a pet, but a cute pink elephant makes these sisters happy!*

Over the last two weeks, I played a little game with the missionaries as they waited for their interview with the president. It was a pop quiz to see how well they know the missionary standards. The missionaries earned Hi-Chew candies for their answers. It was a lot of fun! They did a great job answering my questions! Some of their answers made me laugh.

*Sister Quinn giving out Hi-Chews for answers*

I laughed out loud when I asked, “What is the best way to deal with rejection?” One sister said, “Cry uncontrollably!” ha ha

Here are a few of the questions I quizzed them with.

When serving and helping with yardwork can you mow a lawn? No, unless they have an old fashion push mower. Missionaries are asked not to use power tools.
Can a missionary climb on a statue? Nope – This one seems obvious. Show respect and don’t put yourself in a position to fall.
Is it okay to video record a baptism. No, sacred ordinances are not recorded. It is okay to have people Zoom in for the occasion.
Which of the following can a missionary participate in? A. mountain climbing, B. riding a motorcycle, C. riding in a private airplane D. none of the above. The answer is D. They can go hiking!

*Missionaries hiking on p-day here in beautiful Northern California!*

Can missionaries have fun using fireworks on special occasions, like the 4th of July? Nope, this one seems obvious too.

If you are at a park and see a young child needing a push on a swing, can you give them a little push? No, For your safety and the safety of children do not engage with children. You do not want your actions to appear inappropriate or to be misinterpreted.
To show respect for others and protect your safety avoid potentially problematic topics of conversation such as: Can you name two topics? Local and national politics, joking about terrorism, are two examples
Can sisters wear open toe shoes? No, open toe shoes do not look professional.
How long can you stay at a member meal when having dinner? One hour.

The booklets of standards for missionaries are interesting to read. Sometimes as you read a standard you laugh and think, “Wow, I wonder what happened to make that a standard?” For instance the rule for having a “backer.” Every time a missionary backs up a car, their companion has to get out, stand beside the car and wave them on! They don’t love this rule, yet they are good to obey it!

It was a great week. Here are some photos of missionaries from this week of interviews.

That was Then, This is Now - Missionary Standards

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