Just Got Your Mission Call? What to Do the First Week
Congratulations! Here’s a calm, step-by-step list for Elders, Sisters and parents, built from the Church’s own missionary FAQ.
1. Read everything in the Missionary Portal
Your call letter and call packet are on the Missionary Portal. A complete list of the items you’ll need is there too (Missionary FAQ).
2. Look at your MTC plan
For most missionaries, MTC training now includes at-home training and on-site training at one of 10 Missionary Training Centers worldwide. Your specific instructions are in your call packet and on the Missionary Portal.
3. Start travel documents early
If you’re serving outside your home country, follow the travel and visa instructions in your call packet right away; they’re also on the Missionary Portal (On-Site FAQ). U.S. citizens can start a passport at travel.state.gov.
4. Temple and finances
For when to receive the temple endowment, see General Handbook 27.2.2; for mission finances, see General Handbook 24.3.4 (both referenced in the Missionary FAQ). Your bishop can help with both.
5. Prepare spiritually and emotionally
The Church encourages daily study of the Book of Mormon and getting familiar with Preach My Gospel, especially chapters 1 and 3. The Adjusting to Missionary Life resource helps with the emotional side.
6. Get to know your mission
Find your mission page for its mission leaders, office address, language, weather and nearby temples, then add your report date to see your countdown.
7. Plan how you’ll keep in touch
Missionaries write home weekly on P-day. See section 3.9 of Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, and our letters & packages guide.
Sources
- Missionary Frequently Asked Questions, ChurchofJesusChrist.org (published July 8, 2026)
- Missionary Portal
- Provo Missionary Training Center: On-Site Training FAQ
- U.S. passports, U.S. Department of State
- Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, chapter 3
Checked October 9, 2026. Rules change, so the official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. Got My Call is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.