Returned Missionary
Serving a mission is a valuable experience for any Latter-day Saint. Many students from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose to serve a mission before beginning or continuing their college journey, fulfilling their calling to bring truth and light to the world.
Your unique experience in missionary service can have a profound impact on your academic, personal, and spiritual success later on. Here’s how a religious mission could prepare your heart and mind to make the most of college.
What is a Religious Mission for Latter-Day Saints?
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missions are a designated period of voluntary, full-time service—typically 6 to 24 months—for single Latter-day Saints focused on teaching, humanitarian work, and faith-based outreach. Missions are assigned by the Church and can be either domestic or international. There are a few different formats to choose from depending on your situation and needs:
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Young teaching missionaries dedicate themselves to bringing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to people away from home. Single men aged 18-25 and single women aged 19-29 can serve 18-24 months.
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Young service missionaries serve God in their local communities without leaving home. They can serve 6-24 months through mission activities tailored to their gifts and talents, as close to full-time as their situation allows.
Latter-day Saint missionaries commit to strict guidelines, including daily study of the Scriptures and holy texts, prayer, service for those in need, and proselytizing (bringing people to faith).
Unpacking the LDS Missionary Purpose
At its heart, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about inviting others to come to Christ by sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Missionaries step into communities with humility and purpose, dedicating each day to teaching, serving, and loving the people around them.
But a mission is more than just sharing faith—it’s also a time of deep personal growth. Missionaries learn spiritual discipline, build empathy, and develop resilience as they navigate challenges far from home. They grow as leaders, learning to manage responsibilities and work with others in meaningful ways.
Above all, a mission centers on service: putting others first and living with intentional faith. It’s a time that shapes who you are and prepares you to return to college and life with a clearer sense of purpose, ready to continue your journey of discipleship and learning.
How many LDS missions are there? Currently, there are over 450 missions worldwide, the highest number of missions in the Church’s history.
How many LDS missionaries are there? More than 74,000 missionaries serve across the globe, making them one of the most recognizable features of the Church’s outreach.
How Latter Day Saint Missionaries are Prepped for College Success
Returning from a religious mission, many Latter-day Saint students step onto campus with a stronger sense of focus and maturity. Those early mornings and structured days spent teaching and serving help returned missionaries excel in college schedules that demand discipline. They’re used to setting daily goals, so they’re ready to keep up with assignments and manage long-term projects without last-minute stress.
Living independently in unfamiliar areas during a mission also prepares students for the challenges of living away from home, including navigating meal planning, time management, and personal finances while balancing a full academic load. Their experience collaborating with other missionaries translates into stronger group project contributions and smoother roommate dynamics, as they already know how to communicate and compromise.
And perhaps most importantly, missionaries return with a deep sense of purpose that influences how they approach college itself. They aren’t just there to earn a degree; they’re there to prepare for a life of service and leadership.
Transition from Religious Missions to College Community: Make the Move to SVU
Southern Virginia University offers a close-knit, values-centered environment where returned missionaries thrive. Here, your mission experience isn’t something you leave behind; it’s a foundation you continue to build on as you prepare for a life of leadership and service.
At SVU, you can continue to grow spiritually while pursuing a degree that prepares you for meaningful work in your field. Our returned missionary students find that the community, focused classes, and close mentorship they receive at SVU help them make a confident transition back to academic life. From personalized advising to a campus culture rooted in faith and respect, SVU is designed to support you as you serve others.
To help make your college journey even more accessible, SVU offers specific scholarships for missionary students, allowing you to continue your mission of learning and service without financial barriers.
Explore how SVU can help you build on your mission experience.
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