Missionary Age Lowered to 18 for males, 19 for females

[Guest]

TSM just said. That's gotta be the 'big announcement', I'm thinking.

Edited to correct age for females. See: LDS Church lowers age requirement for missionary service - Deseret News

[_sock puppet]

Wonder how that would help a 19 year old decide he should go?

Does this signify that the Church has been losing too many young men during that year between high school and age 19?

[_Stormy Waters]

Wonder how that would help a 19 year old decide he should go?

Does this signify that the Church has been losing too many young men during that year between high school and age 19?

Honestly that was my first thought upon hearing the change. It gives young men less time to decide not to go.

Although you would think that it would cause an overflow in the MTC right after high school graduation.

[_DarkHelmet]

It seems like a good strategy to keep young people active. take away the one year gap between high school and mission. I heard 19 for yw.

[_RockSlider]

Well it's good to see that the oracles are alive and well in the church. To now have verified that the channels between God and the Leaders of his Church are vibrant and active!

Yes a momentous revelation that will affect every man, woman and child in the church.

[_3sheets2thewind]

Happened over a year ago in some European Countries.

[Guest]

I can still see that you guys are still american centered. It is a world wide church. Many countries require a draft into the service, especially in europe. This age drop helps them since they will finish their mission at 20, still plenty of time to serve in the military and then go to university or vocational school. Likewise for other parts of the world.

Lets try to think world wide and not just from Utah.

[_Yoda]

Frankly, the women's age was more intriguing to me than the men's new age. They are really trying to encourage more women to go on missions. Before, a woman was basically told they had to choose between marriage and mission. Now, the Church is basically encouraging both men and women to do both.

[_Jason Bourne]

Wonder how that would help a 19 year old decide he should go?

Does this signify that the Church has been losing too many young men during that year between high school and age 19?

yes and yes. Retaining youth as they move from the YM/YW program to YSA has been a big issue for some time. I think this move is to help with just that.

[_why me]

yes and yes. Retaining youth as they move from the YM/YW program to YSA has been a big issue for some time. I think this move is to help with just that.

Not quite. It makes it easier in countries where youth are required to do other commitments without having to cause a problem.