What Latter-day Saints Do

Jesus Christ showed us that faith is more than a belief. When we put our faith into action and follow Christ’s example in all that we do, He can bring more joy and peace into our lives. This is the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jesus Christ guides everything we do

Jesus Christ teaches us how to experience personal happiness by loving God and serving others. Whether it’s through acts of personal devotion or world-wide efforts that involve millions of people, we believe God can help each of us come closer to Him and His Son.

Painting depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Other people are watching.

We live the gospel of Jesus Christ

Christ taught that we show our love for Him by keeping His commandments. In our homes, families, and congregations, we worship Jesus Christ and strive to live as He lived.

What happens in local congregations?

We care for those in need

We follow Christ’s call to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and help the poor, whether it’s on a local level or through humanitarian efforts that reach far and wide.

How do we care for those in need?

View our annual humanitarian report

We invite all to receive the gospel

In the Bible, the gospel means “good news,” and we believe good news is meant to be shared. Our members and missionaries all over the world invite others to learn more about the truth of Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Connect with missionaries.

We unite families for eternity

Family relationships are an essential part of God’s plan. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can strengthen our families in this life and be together forever in the life to come.

How can your family be together forever?

Common questions

Why do Latter-day Saints build temples?

For us, temples are sacred buildings where we are taught about the central role of Christ in God’s plan of salvation and our personal relationship with God.

Temples existed throughout Biblical times. These buildings were considered the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 2:1-5). Latter-day Saint temples are likewise considered houses of the Lord by Church members.

In temples, members of the Church make covenants or promises where we enter a relationship with God to live a virtuous and faithful life. They also participate in ordinances on behalf of their deceased ancestors.

Temples are also used to perform marriage ceremonies that promise the faithful eternal life with their families. For members of the Church, we believe families can be together forever.

Why do Latter-day Saints send out missionaries?

The goal of every missionary is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of the things they do include meeting and interacting with people who are interested in learning more, teaching them, studying the scriptures together, and volunteering service in the community.

The missionary effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ (see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts).

Missions look a little different depending on location. For example, some missionaries walk or ride bicycles while others drive cars. Some are assigned to rural areas, others to large cities. Sometimes missionary work looks like connecting with people via social media; other times it involves knocking on doors or giving people tours of Church historic sites.

One thing all missionaries have in common is that they want to help others come to know and develop a relationship with Jesus. If you have faith-related questions, are looking for someone to pray with, or want to go to church with someone, let us know! Missionaries are happy to talk with you!

Request a Visit with the missionaries

How does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help those in need?

Get a Personal Introduction

If you’re interested in visiting your local congregation, local missionaries can visit with you beforehand to let you know what to expect, answer your questions, and even save a seat for you when you’re ready to visit.

Talk to Missionaries