<P> Throughout the church's history, over one million missionaries have been sent on missions . </P> <P> LDS Church president Spencer W. Kimball said, "Every young man should fill a mission". Completing a mission is often described as a rite of passage for a young Latter - day Saint . The phrase "the best two years of my life" is a common cliché among returned missionaries when describing their experience . Although Gordon B. Hinckley had suggested that a mission is not to be a rite of passage, this cultural aspect remains . With the usual starting age of 18--20, a mission provides a clear event or marker for the traditional age of adulthood, but is not necessary for continuance in church membership . </P> <P> Young men between the ages of 18 and 25 who meet standards of worthiness are strongly encouraged to consider a two - year, full - time proselytizing mission . This expectation is based in part on the New Testament passage "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt . 28: 19--20). The minimum age had previously been age 19 in most countries until October 6, 2012, when church president Thomas S. Monson announced that all male missionaries, regardless of nation, could serve from age 18 . Prior to the announcement, some countries held that male missionaries may be 18 years old because of educational or military requirements . It was also announced that young women may serve beginning at age 19 instead of 21 . In 2007, approximately 30% of all 19 - year - old LDS men became Mormon missionaries; from LDS families that are active in the church, approximately 80--90% of 19 - year - old men serve a mission . </P> <P> In cases where an immediate family member dies, the missionary has the choice to travel home for the funeral or to remain on the mission . Missionaries can be sent home for violating mission rules, and occasionally missionaries choose to go home for health or various other reasons . However, the vast majority of missionaries serve the whole two - year (men) or eighteen - month (women) terms . </P>

What is the age limit to go on an lds mission