Mission president
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Categories: Leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Latter Day Saint hierarchy | Mormon missionaries
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Mission president is a priesthood leadership position in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A mission president is a man who presides over a mission and the missionaries serving in the mission. Depending on the particular mission, a mission president may also be the presiding priesthood leader of some or all Latter-day Saints within the geographic boundaries of the mission. Mission presidents are typically men between 40 and 65 years old. A mission president must be married; typically, his wife and any minor children accompany him on his mission. Mission presidents leave their vocations for three years to preside over their mission. They usually leave in July, though some leave at different times due to emergencies or serious medical conditions. On a few occasions, some serve shorter terms because of other church assignments. The wife's role varies depending on the age of her children and her background. Some wives with nursing criteria serve as the medical person for the mission. They help with hygiene, particularly in developing countries. Wives also frequently cook meals for visiting missionaries. Candidates are typically interviewed after the fall conference of the LDS Church by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Mission presidents are usually assisted by two counselors who reside within the mission boundaries; these serve in the mission for varying periods of time while maintaining their regular employment. The responsibilities of these counselors are generally oriented towards the general members of the Church within the mission. Where there are no stakes, the mission president is the presiding authority over the Church within the mission area. In that instance, the mission is divided into districts which are composed of branches. Mission presidents are also assisted in their management of the full-time missionaries under their supervision by two missionary men who are known as Assistants to the President (AP). Mission presidents are typically respected and admired by the missionaries they supervise. Many general authorities of the church have previously served as mission presidents. After his mission ends, a mission president generally returns to his vocation and to activity in his home ward and stake. |
