Future Visits: Ask Questions. Share Confidence. Build Friendship.

LDS missionaries used to follow a fairly rigid script. Today, things are more flexible. Some will still work through a set of prepared lessons, while others may take a more conversational approach. Regardless of their style, your approach remains the same: listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and share the confidence you have in Jesus whenever the opportunity arises.

If They Are Following Their Lesson Plans

If your missionaries begin teaching from their prepared lessons, take it as a gift. These lessons provide a helpful structure, and they offer natural opportunities for you to ask meaningful, gospel-centered questions. Their core topics typically include:

• Lesson 1: The Message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Lesson 2: Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation
• Lesson 3: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Lesson 4: Becoming Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ 

The next lesson will explore these topics in more depth. Understanding what they’re likely to say allows you to prepare respectful, truth-filled questions that gently highlight the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity.

Guiding Principles for Every Visit

No matter the structure of your conversations, these principles will help guide you:

Ask purposeful questions.

Listen closely to how they define terms like grace, faith, repentance, and salvation. If they say, “We’re saved by grace, but…”—pause there. That “but” is a window into their deepest stress points.

Focus on one big idea at a time.

You don’t need to correct everything at once. Let each visit center on a key theme—whether it’s grace, forgiveness, assurance, or Jesus as our substitute.

Love them enough to slow down the conversation.

Don’t feel pressured to rush through their outline. If something they say sparks a question or concern, pause and gently say:

“That last point really stuck with me—could we stay on that for a moment?”

Follow up on past conversations.

Revisit something they said in your last meeting. This shows that you’re listening and care about them, not just the topic.

Use their own words to invite gospel conversations.

If they say, “We need to do our part,” you might reply:

“I’ve always believed Jesus did all the parts. Can I show you why I think that?”

Share Your Confidence, Not Your Credentials

You don’t need to be an expert in Mormonism to make an impact. What matters most is the confidence you have in what Jesus has done for you. That confidence often speaks directly to the uncertainty your missionaries feel inside, even if they never say it out loud.

Here are three areas where your confidence can plant powerful gospel seeds:

1. “I’m confident the Bible is true and accurate.”

Missionaries often say, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly.” That qualifier opens the door to doubt. Many have been taught that the Bible is less reliable than other LDS scriptures.

This is a chance to gently plant a different view:

“I actually believe that too—that the Bible should be translated accurately. And I’ve been amazed to learn how reliable it really is. There are thousands of ancient manuscripts that confirm we have an accurate Bible today.”

You don’t need to give a history lesson. Just let them hear that your trust is based on evidence, not just emotion. If they’re curious, you can point them to resources that explain why the Bible is trustworthy. (We’ve linked to an article we like to share when this topic comes up.)

2. “I’m confident I don’t have what it takes to meet the demands of God’s law.”

This runs entirely counter to Mormon teaching. LDS missionaries are taught that they must prove their worthiness to live with Heavenly Father. That pressure is real—and heavy.

So when you speak honestly about your inability to measure up, it may be the first time they hear someone admit what they secretly feel.

“I used to think God just wanted me to try harder. But the more I read the Bible, the more I realized he doesn’t ask for progress—he demands perfection. And I can’t meet that standard. That’s why I need a Savior.”

Then gently share Scripture that shows the truth:

• Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect… as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
• James 2:10 – “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
• Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short…”

This may not lead to an immediate change of heart, but it can be the beginning of a spiritual awakening.

3. “I’m confident in Jesus as my substitute Savior.”

More than anything else, this is the confidence they need to hear.

In Mormonism, Jesus is often seen as a helper or an example—someone who makes up the difference after we’ve done all we can. But that’s not the gospel. The Bible presents Jesus as our substitute—the one who did it all.

“The Bible teaches that Jesus didn’t just die for sin—he died for me. He took the punishment I deserved and, in return, gave me his perfect record. He’s not just my example—he’s my substitute. Because of him, I know I’m forgiven, I know I’m right with God, and I know I’ll live with him forever.”

Then invite them to read it for themselves:

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…”
• Romans 5:1 – “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God…”
• John 5:24 – “Whoever hears my word and believes… has crossed over from death to life.”

Build a Real Relationship

Your conversations don’t always need to happen over a Bible or across a table. Some of the most impactful moments happen while doing “normal” life things together.

Missionaries are far from home. Most miss the warmth of casual, family-like interactions. If it feels natural, consider inviting them to:

• Stay for a meal.
• Help with a yard project.
• Bake something together.
• Join your kids for a game of catch.

A relaxed, welcoming moment—where they feel like people, not projects—can build trust in a way no conversation ever could. And that trust may be what makes them truly listen when you talk about Jesus.

Let the Gospel Do the Work

Future visits won’t follow a script—and that’s a good thing. Each conversation is a new opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, patiently plant truth, and deepen your relationship. Some meetings will feel spiritual. Others might feel casual. Both are valuable.

Just keep asking good questions. Keep pointing them to Jesus. Keep sharing your confidence in what he’s already done.

You don’t have to prove anything. You just have to be present because these aren’t one-time conversations. They’re an ongoing invitation to know the Jesus who gives rest, not rules.