Start with the Right Expectations

Plant seeds. Share Jesus. Trust God to work.

If you’re imagining your LDS missionaries disavowing the Mormon church and asking to be baptized by your sixth visit, pause for a moment. That’s not the goal.

The truth is, most LDS missionaries have never heard the gospel the way you understand it. They may have grown up surrounded by religious vocabulary, but many have never been told that forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life are gifts freely given through Jesus alone.

These visits are not about closing a conversion. They are about planting seeds of the gospel—truths that the Holy Spirit may use days, months, or even years later.

Sometimes, you’ll meet with a missionary once. Other times, you might form a long-term friendship. Missionaries may return, or they may be reassigned unexpectedly. Conversations may feel open and warm, or guarded and formal. All of these outcomes are common. What matters most is your faithful presence:

• That you speak the truth with gentleness.
• That you take their beliefs seriously enough to ask good questions.
• That you share the good news of what Jesus has done, even if it’s only a glimpse.

Expect emotional and spiritual tension. Many missionaries are kind, respectful, and sincere—but they’re also under pressure. Some may seem confident on the surface while privately wrestling with doubts. Others may appear unmoved. Don’t be discouraged by their reactions. The gospel often stirs hearts quietly. You might not see it, but God’s word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:10–11).

And remember: this isn’t just for them. Many Christians find that witnessing to LDS missionaries deepens their own faith. As you clarify the gospel for someone else, you may find yourself even more anchored in the grace of Christ.

So, go into these visits not expecting to harvest but to sow. Speak clearly. Listen kindly. Point to Jesus. And trust that God will do what only he can do.

Your role is to witness, not win. Sow the seed, water it with love, and let God bring the growth.

Ask for Prayer Support

The Bible tells us to pray for each other. Paul frequently asked people to pray for him. James encourages us to pray for each other when he states that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Having fellow Christians pray for you is extremely valuable.

We encourage you to ask a handful of your Christian friends to pray for you as you witness.

They might be members of your small group, family members, or friends.

Keep your Prayer Support Team informed. The more specifics you share with them, the more intelligently and fervently they can pray for you and the missionaries.

Be sure to tell them the date and time of your next visit with the missionaries. More than one has shared that someone was praying for them while they were meeting with them. This simple act gave them so much comfort and confidence!

One unintended benefit has been that some of these people subsequently became interested in witnessing to Mormons themselves. They were so encouraged by the reports sent to them that they gained the courage to share their faith as well.

PLEASE NOTE: We have a dedicated group of Christian Prayer Partners ready to lift your requests before God’s throne of grace. Share your witnessing prayer requests here: https://tilm.org/prayer/ .