The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now has approximately 88,500 full-time missionaries serving around the world, the highest total in its history. The new figure surpasses the previous record of just over 88,000 missionaries, set in 2014.
According to a Church Newsroom release, the current missionary force includes young teaching missionaries, service missionaries and senior missionaries. The Church of Jesus Christ attributed the increase in part to the first wave of sister missionaries beginning service at age 18.
Infographic from ChurchofJesusChrist.org.Growth Across the Missionary Program
The Church has also opened 55 new missions worldwide, bringing the total number of missions to 505. That expansion accompanies the increase in full-time missionaries now serving in assignments around the world.
President Dallin H. Oaks addressed the expected growth during the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders in June. Speaking at the Provo Missionary Training Center on June 20, President Oaks said Church leaders expected the missionary total to reach a new high within weeks.
“Missionary work is soaring to new heights,” President Oaks said. “In the coming weeks, we will have more missionaries than at any time in the history of the Church. What a group to lead!”
The Church reached that projected total by July 14. The new number confirmed that the worldwide missionary force had moved beyond the previous record.
Elder Rasband Recognizes Missionaries’ Faith
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles marked the record in a social media post on July 14. Elder Rasband, who chairs the Missionary Executive Council, said the all-time high reflects the “faith and devotion of a rising generation of disciples of Jesus Christ.”
He also described the present moment as a “marvelous time to be engaged in the Lord’s work.” His remarks focused on the commitment of missionaries and the blessings they receive through their service.
“As the Lord’s missionaries give their heart, might, mind and strength to their missionary service, the Lord will magnify their efforts,” Elder Rasband said. “He will bless them with strength beyond their own and fill their lives with joy as they participate in the great and marvelous hastening of the Lord’s work.”
The Church’s record missionary total includes people serving in different roles and at different stages of life. Together, young missionaries, service missionaries and senior missionaries make up the largest full-time missionary force the Church has recorded.
How have you seen the recent sister missionary age change impact your ward or family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
Yes, my granddaughter leaves in September to Everett, Washington!