Fill in a Valid Missionary Recommendation Checklist Template

The Missionary Recommendation Checklist form is an essential document that helps ensure candidates are prepared for full-time missionary service. It guides bishops and branch presidents through the process of evaluating a candidate's worthiness and readiness to serve. If you're ready to start the process, fill out the form by clicking the button below.

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The Missionary Recommendation Checklist form serves as a crucial tool for church leaders in assessing candidates for full-time missionary service. This form outlines a series of steps that bishops and branch presidents must follow to ensure that potential missionaries meet the necessary qualifications and are spiritually and emotionally prepared for their missions. Candidates must undergo thorough interviews to evaluate their worthiness, understanding of key gospel principles, and their physical and emotional readiness to serve. The form also requires detailed personal information, including citizenship status, family background, and any medical considerations that might affect the candidate’s ability to fulfill their mission duties. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of financial readiness, ensuring that the candidate and their family can meet the financial obligations associated with missionary work. Each section of the checklist is designed to guide leaders in making informed decisions, while also providing a framework for documenting their evaluations and recommendations. By adhering to these guidelines, church leaders can support candidates in their journey to serve, ensuring they are fully equipped for the challenges ahead.

Missionary Recommendation Checklist Example

Checklist for Full-Time Missionary Recommendation

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

To the Bishop or Branch President

Review the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 1: Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics, and the First Presidency letters of 12 December 2000 and 11 December 2002 for information on qualifications, terms of service, requirements for special clearance, and other instructions on calling missionaries.

The missionary recommendation packet for young missionaries should be submitted to the Missionary Department not more than 90 days before the candidate's availability date. Couples' packets may be submitted up to five months in advance. The date given in the “Date available to serve” field should not be earlier than the birthday when the missionary reaches the minimum age for service. Normally about two to four months are allowed between the issuing of the call and the beginning of the mission.

If the candidate has been living away from home, the home bishop or branch president and the away-from-home bishop or branch president must confer regarding worthiness and the procedures for submitting the recommendation forms (see the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 1).

Conduct a thorough, searching interview with the candidate to determine

worthiness, qualifications, and the individual's physical and emotional capability to serve. Confirm that the candidate has an understanding and testimony of the Savior and His Atonement, the Restoration and Joseph Smith' role in it, the Book of Mormon (having read it), and the singular privilege of serving the Savior as a missionary.

Give the candidate the missionary recommendation packet.

Review these forms after the candidate completes them. Ensure that any serious concerns are resolved, including completion of recommended tests or treatment, before the forms are submitted. Give special attention to emotional, behavioral, and learning problems. If the candidate is on medication for a chronic condition, encourage him or her to continue the medication throughout the mission.

Conduct a final interview with the candidate before submitting the forms. Make sure that all requested information has been provided, and fill in the Unit Information for Missionary Candidate form including the candidate's record number. Discuss with the candidate important information requested on the forms, such as visa or citizenship documentation and information about special medical problems, diets, or medications.

Ensure that after the contribution from the missionary and family, the ward or branch missionary fund can meet the financial obligation for the missionary.

For countries where supplemental financial support from the General Missionary Fund is authorized: If the candidate cannot be supported fully from personal, family, ward or branch, or stake or district funds, complete a Request for Supplemental Financial Assistance for Full-Time Missionary form (31964), and send it to the area office with the missionary recommendation packet. Do not request assistance from the General Missionary Fund until the missionary, the family, and the ward or branch and stake or district have committed themselves to provide all the financial support they can.

Ensure that family members and others contributing to the Church's missionary funds are aware that contributions belong to the Church for use in its discretion to further missionary work and are not refundable even if the missionary is unable to complete the full term of his or her mission.

On the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form, provide pertinent information on the candidate' qualifications and abilities. Add comments on the candidate' experience, leadership capability, potential, interests, talents, or limitations that should be considered in determining the mission assignment.

The picture that accompanies the recommendation form should be current and should show the candidate dressed and groomed according to missionary standards.

Sign the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form and send all required forms to the stake president. When you sign this form, you are stating that in your opinion this individual is worthy to serve a mission. You are also confirming that you have reviewed the medical information and conducted a thorough personal interview, which has convinced you that this person is physically and emotionally able to serve a mission.

Do not recommend members who are in debt and have not made definite arrangements to meet their financial obligations.

To the Stake or Mission President

Conduct a thorough, searching interview. Confirm that the candidate has an understanding and testimony of the Savior and His Atonement, the Restoration and Joseph Smith's role in it, the Book of Mormon (having read it), and the singular privilege of serving the Savior as a missionary.

Add your comments on the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form.

Make sure that all concerns have been resolved or adequately explained either on the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form or, if confidential, in a separate letter.

Review all forms for accuracy and completeness.

Sign the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form, and send all forms to the Missionary Department (at the address above). When you sign this form, you are stating that in your opinion this individual is worthy to serve a mission. You are also confirming that you have reviewed the medical information and conducted a thorough personal interview, which has convinced you that this person is physically and emotionally able to serve a mission.

Missionary Recommendation

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Full legal name (first)	(middle)	(last)	(suffix)		Date available to
					serve

Home street address

City			State or province	Postal code

Country			District (if any)		Airport

Home phone (include area code)			E-mail address (optional)

Other states, provinces, or countries where you have lived recently (or for extended periods)

Address where your call should be sent, if different from home address

City	State or province	Postal code

Country	District (if any)

Phone (include area code)	Date of birth	Gender
		Female	Male

Attach with tape one (1) photograph of the

missionary candidate dressed and groomed according to missionary standards.

Confirmation date		Current marital status				Have you ever been
			Single		Married	Widowed	Divorced

Have ever been arrested (If yes to any of these, explain, including date of arrest, charge, and resolution.)
Yes	No

Have ever had a police record
Yes	No

Have ever been convicted of a crime
Yes	No

Citizenship Information

Citizenship at birth				Place of birth (city, state, or			Birth	Current country of citizenship			If dual citizenship, indicate second
				province)			country				country of citizenship.

You have an official birth certificate				Currently a documented citizen of your resident country (If no, indicate your current status in your country of residence.)
Yes	No			Yes	No

Citizenship status imposes restrictions on traveling outside				Nationalities of ancestors
the country where you live
Yes	No

You have a current passport				Expiration date:					Name (exactly as it appears on the passport)
Yes	No

Passport Number				Country of Issue

Father's Information

Father's full name				Father is a member					Father is deceased
				Yes	No				Yes	No

Father's birthplace (city, state, or province)				Father's occupation

Father's street address, if different from your home address

City				State or province					Postal code

Country				District (if any)

Home phone (include area code)

E-mail address (optional)

Check here if you do NOT want your father to be contacted at all.

Missionary Recommendation

Your full legal name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Age

Gender

Female Male

Mother's Information

Mother's full name					Mother is a member		Mother is deceased
					Yes	No	Yes	No

Mother's birthplace (city, state, or province)					Mother's occupation

Mother's street address, if different from your home address

City					State or province		Postal code

Country					District (if any)

Home phone (include area code)					E-mail address (optional)		Check here if you do NOT want your mother to be
							contacted at all.

Residence and Caregiver Information

You live with:
Both parents		Mother only	Father only	Other (name)			(relationship)
Both parents		Mother only	Father only	Other (name)

If you do not live with both parents, please explain why.

Address of caregiver, if other than parents and different from home address

City					Postal code		Country

State or province					District (if any)

Home phone (include area code)					E-mail address (optional)		Check here if you do NOT want this person to be
							contacted at all.

Other Family Members Who Have Served or Are Serving Missions

Father has served a mission (If yes, give name of mission.)					Mother has served a mission (If yes, give name of mission.)		Grandparents have served missions (If yes, give name of
Yes	No				Yes	No	missions.)
Yes	No				Yes	No
							Yes	No

Relationship and location of immediate family members currently serving missions (parents, brother, sister, grandparents)

Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Missionary candidate's name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Age

Gender

Female Male

Final Evaluation (Items to be reviewed by priesthood leaders)

Check the following when they are complete:

I have reviewed all forms completed by the candidate.

I have discussed and resolved my concerns, if any, with the candidate.

The candidate is worthy to hold a temple recommend.

The candidate is willing to serve where called and in any assignment that might be given.

Has the candidate lived outside your ward for any significant time in the last year? (School, Military, Employment, etc.)

If yes, enter the date on which you conferred with the candidate's former bishop.

Bishop's or Branch President's Recommendation Provide information on the qualifications and abilities of the missionary candidate. Comment on the experience, leadership capability, potential, interests, talents, or limitations of the candidate that should be considered in determining the mission assignment. Confidential comments should be discussed in a separate letter.

Please evaluate the missionary candidate's leadership capability.

Low	1	2	3	4	5	High
Low						High

Bishop or Branch President's Confidential Comments

When you sign this form, you are stating that in your opinion this individual has a testimony of the gospel and is worthy and willing to serve a mission wherever called. You are also confirming that you have reviewed the medical information and conducted a thorough personal interview, which has convinced you that this person is physically and emotionally able to serve a mission.

Bishop or branch president's signature	Telephone (include area code)	Date submitted

Print name	Unit name	Unit number

Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Missionary candidate's name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Check the following when they are complete:

I have reviewed all forms completed by the candidate.

I have discussed and resolved my concerns, if any, with the candidate.

The candidate is worthy to hold a temple recommend.

The candidate is willing to serve where called and in any assignment that might be given.

Age

Gender

Female Male

Stake or Mission President's Recommendation Provide information on the qualifications and abilities of the missionary candidate. Comment on the experience, leadership capability, potential, interests, talents, or limitations of the candidate that should be considered in determining the mission assignment. Confidential comments should be discussed in a separate letter.

Stake or Mission President's Confidential Comments

Stake or mission president's signature	Telephone (include Area Code)	Date submitted

Print name	Unit name	Unit number

If English is not the candidate's native language, have a native English speaker evaluate his or her English-speaking ability. The evaluators should use the following questions to interview the candidate and check the appropriate ranking, paying particular attention to the candidate' ability to use correct verb tenses, to answer appropriately, and to use sentences.

What did you do to prepare for your mission? What will you do on your mission to ensure that you are successful? Tell me about your favorite scripture. Key: Nonfunctional — Does not respond to questions.

Partially Functional — Has difficulty resonding to questions; does not use complete sentences or appropriate verb tense. Functional — Responds appropriately to questions; uses complete sentences; generally uses proper verb tense.

Fluent — Understands and speaks with near-native ability; mostly uses proper verb tenses; responds confidently.

0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
No English	Nonfunctional		Partially Functional		Functional		Fluent

Area Medical Advisor Review

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Missionary candidate's name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Age

Gender

Female Male

Area Medical Advisor Review Based on a review of the missionary candidate's history, the physician's health evaluation, and a review of laboratory findings, indicate the candidate's ability to function at various levels of activity as a missionary.

Level A—No limitation	Level B—Slight limitation	Level C—Moderate limitation	Level D—Marked limitation	Level E—Not appropriate
No limitation of activity in lifting,	Slight limitation of activity; slight	Moderate limitation of activity;	Marked limitation of activity or has	Conditions exist for which corrective
carrying, walking 6 or more	decrease of function or stamina,	moderate decrease of function or	special requirements, such as specific	action has not been or cannot be
miles per day, or spending 12 to	such as problems with walking	stamina; requires limited walking	climate, use of wheelchair, frequent	taken, such as severe chronic pain,
16 hours per day in missionary	(limited to 3-6 miles per day) or with	(0-3 miles per day) or sedentary	rest periods, special medical needs, or	loss of stamina, or recurring
activity.	extensive standing.	work.	medical visits.	conditions.

Selected Limitations

Additional Comments

Education and Service of Missionary Candidate

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Your full legal name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Age

Gender

Female

Male

Language Information

Number of years studied in the last 5 years

Language

Native speaker

(Complete this column for languages you do

Average grade

NOT speak natively.)

Yes

Language you want your call letter to be printed in

Indicate how interested you are in learning a language.

Very interested

Moderately interested

Somewhat interested

Not interested

Rate how successful you feel you would be in learning a language for your mission.

Very successful

Moderately successful

Somewhat successful

Not very successful

Education and Work Experience

Highest education level achieved

Graduated from high school

Rate your performance at schoolwork

Yes

Extremely good

Very good

Good

Average

Not very good

Poor

Years in seminary

Graduated from seminary

Yes

Post-secondary education (such as bachelor's degree)

Number of years

Degree

Major

School

Post-graduate education (such as master's degree, doctorate, and so on)

Number of years

Degree

Major

School

Extracurricular activities, special skills, hobbies, and special accomplishments

Previous Church callings and leadership experience

Work experience outside the home (Include number of years in each job.)

Office experience
General bookkeeping	Word processing	WPM	Computers	Details

Education and Service of Missionary Candidate

Your full legal name (first)

(middle)

(last)

(suffix)

Age

Gender

Female Male

Other Information

Driver's license

Yes No

Expiration date

Country	State or province

License has been suspended If yes, explain. (Give date and reason for suspension.) Yes No

Military Information

Current or previous military experience		Name of military organization
Yes	No

Member of military reserve unit (U.S. only)		Name of reserve organization
Yes	No

Reserve service number		Name of commanding officer

Unit mailing address

City

State or province

Postal code

Source of Funds Indicate how much money (in your local currency) will be contributed per month in support of your mission from the sources below. Enter single combined amount for a couple in “Self.”

Local currency

Self

Family

Ward or branch

Other

Total

Candidate Comments Explain any special circumstances or situations that the Brethren should consider when making your mission call.

Comments

Unit Information for Missionary Candidate

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

Missionary candidate's record number (provided by ward or branch)

Unit Information Completed by bishop or branch president

Home ward or branch		Unit number	Home stake or mission

Name of home bishop or branch president			Name of home stake or mission president

Mailing address (including country)			Mailing address (including country)

Home phone (area code)	Work phone (area code)	Cell phone (area code)	Home phone (area code)	Work phone (area code)	Cell phone (area code)

E-mail address		Fax	E-mail address		Fax

Unit Information for Unit Submitting Recommendation If other than home unit

Ward or branch		Unit number	Stake or mission

Name of bishop or branch president			Name of stake or mission president

Mailing address (including country)			Mailing address (including country)

Home phone (area code)	Work phone (area code)	Cell phone (area code)	Home phone (area code)	Work phone (area code)	Cell phone (area code)

E-mail address		Fax	E-mail address		Fax

Instructions for Missionary Candidate

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

50 E NORTH TEMPLE ST RM 345 W SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150-5400

1. Complete all information on the Missionary Recommendation form.		Have the physician complete the Physician's Health Evaluation of
Type if possible, or print neatly in black ink. Write dates in day, month,		Missionary Candidate form and mail it and the Personal Health History
year format (15 Dec 2001).		of Missionary Candidate form to your bishop or branch president.
2. Complete the Education and Service of Missionary Candidate form. Fill		Where mail is unreliable, personally retrieve the forms.

out the Personal Health History of Missionary Candidate form	7.	Begin the hepatitis A and B immunizations and boosters for diphtheria,
completely, honestly, and accurately before your medical examination.		tetanus, measles, and mumps immediately. You will receive additional
3. Sign the “Authorization to Release Information” section on the		immunization information with your mission call.

Physician's Health Evaluation of Missionary Candidate form.	8.	Obtain a thorough dental examination. Begin early. Sign the
4. If you have had any major illness, major operation, major injury,		“Authorization to Release Information” section on the Dental Evaluation
		for Missionary Candidate form, and give the form to the dentist along
prolonged treatment, or hospitalization, obtain a statement from the
		with a stamped envelope addressed to your bishop or branch
professional who treated you, if possible, to explain the nature of the		with a stamped envelope addressed to your bishop or branch
		president. Have the dentist fill out the form and mail it to your bishop or
problem and its current status. It is important that you provide complete
		branch president. Where mail is unreliable, personally retrieve the
information about your physical condition. For example, it is not enough
		forms.
to say that you had a knee injury; you must also state which knee was		forms.

injured and explain whether there are any persistent problems with the	9.	Have all dental work, including orthodontic work, completed before
knee.		submitting the missionary recommendation packet to your bishop or
5. The Physician's Health Evaluation of Missionary Candidate form must		branch president.

be signed by a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). If the	10.	You are expected to be physically and emotionally capable of working
examination is done by a physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner		several hours a day. For young missionaries, this means walking
(NP), the supervising physician must verify the findings and review and		several miles a day six days a week. If there are reasons why this
countersign the form. An examination by any other practitioner is not		might not be possible, please discuss them with your bishop or branch
acceptable.		president.
6. Give the following forms to the physician along with a stamped envelope	11.	Before entering the MTC, correct any problems such as plantar warts,
addressed to your bishop or branch president:		flat feet, chronic headaches, inguinal hernias, and so on. Stabilize and
The completed Personal Health History of Missionary Candidate		understand the treatment for chronic problems such as asthma,
		diabetes, seizures, emotional disorders, irritable bowel, endometriosis,
form.
form.		and so on.
The Instructions for Physicians Evaluating Missionary Candidates.		and so on.

The Physician's Health Evaluation of Missionary Candidate form.	12.	If you are taking prescribed medication for any chronic problem,
		medical or emotional, do not stop taking it unless your physician

		advises you to do so. Please list on the Personal Health History of
		Missionary Candidate form all medications you are currently taking.
	13.	Complete all appropriate sections of the Personal Insurance
		Information of Missionary Candidate form.

Instructions for Parents of Young Missionaries	5. Pay particular attention to item 11 above. This will help avoid unnecessary
1. Review the completed forms, and add any pertinent information.	problems and expenses in the MTC or the mission field.

2. Please make sure that the instructions under item 3 above are carried out	6. If you have private insurance coverage for your son or daughter, do not
	discontinue it. Please note it on the Personal Insurance Information of
and that clarifying statements are submitted with the Personal Health
	Missionary Candidate form with pertinent data.
History of Missionary Candidate form. Failure to do so may delay the	Missionary Candidate form with pertinent data.

mission call unnecessarily.	7. During the mission, a missionary’s family must bear the costs of caring for
	preexisting medical conditions. A preexisting condition is any chronic,

3. Encourage your son or daughter to continue to take any prescribedcongenital, or medical condition with signs or symptoms, a diagnosis, or

medications. Problems may arise when missionary candidates stop taking treatment within two years before the missionary enters the mission field, medication because they believe that being on medication might affect the

missionary assignment they receive.

regardless of whether the symptoms are present when the missionary enters the field.

4. Please make sure your son or daughter gets thorough medical and dental All donations to the Church's missionary funds become the property of the examinations. The Church is greatly concerned about the health and safety

of the missionaries. The purpose of a careful medical evaluation is to

Church to be used at the Church' sole discretion in its missionary programs. Contributions are not refundable, including any advance contributions, if the

ensure that missionaries can handle the rigors of missionary work and missionary is unable to complete the full term of the mission. receive assignments in which they can succeed. Missionaries are exposed

to many physical, environmental, social, and emotional stresses, often in areas where there is minimal medical care. It is unfortunate when a missionary must return home early because of problems that could have been avoided or stabilized before the mission.

Click for Missionary Recommendation Checklist File

File Breakdown

Fact Name	Details
Submission Timeline	The missionary recommendation packet for young missionaries should be submitted no more than 90 days before the candidate's availability date.
Couples Submission	Couples' packets may be submitted up to five months in advance of their intended service date.
Minimum Age Requirement	The date in the “Date available to serve” field must not be earlier than the candidate's birthday when they reach the minimum age for service.
Interviews for Worthiness	A thorough interview must be conducted to assess the candidate's worthiness and capability to serve.
Medical Considerations	Special attention should be given to any emotional, behavioral, or learning problems, as well as any chronic conditions requiring medication.
Financial Obligations	Do not recommend candidates who are in debt without a plan to meet their financial obligations.
Supplemental Financial Assistance	If additional financial support is needed, a Request for Supplemental Financial Assistance must be completed and submitted with the recommendation packet.
Photo Requirements	The accompanying photograph must be current and show the candidate dressed and groomed according to missionary standards.
Confidential Comments	Any confidential comments should be discussed in a separate letter to ensure privacy and clarity.
Governing Laws	In some states, specific laws may apply regarding youth service and financial obligations. Always refer to local guidelines.

Guide to Using Missionary Recommendation Checklist

Completing the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form is an important step in the missionary preparation process. It involves gathering essential information about the candidate and ensuring that all necessary evaluations and interviews are conducted. Following these steps will help ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely.

Begin by reviewing the Church Handbook of Instructions and relevant First Presidency letters for guidance on qualifications and requirements.
Conduct an initial interview with the missionary candidate to assess their worthiness and readiness to serve.
Provide the candidate with the missionary recommendation packet to complete.
Review the forms after the candidate has filled them out, ensuring all necessary information is included.
Conduct a final interview with the candidate, confirming all details and addressing any concerns.
Fill in the Unit Information for Missionary Candidate form, including the candidate's record number.
Gather and review any required documentation, such as visa or citizenship information and medical records.
Ensure that financial obligations can be met by the missionary and their family before submitting the forms.
Complete the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form, providing insights into the candidate's qualifications and abilities.
Attach a current photograph of the candidate dressed according to missionary standards.
Sign the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form, confirming the candidate's worthiness to serve.
Send all completed forms to the appropriate authority, such as the stake president or Missionary Department.

Get Answers on Missionary Recommendation Checklist

What is the purpose of the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form?

The Missionary Recommendation Checklist form is designed to help bishops and branch presidents assess the qualifications of candidates who wish to serve as full-time missionaries. It ensures that candidates are spiritually, physically, and emotionally prepared for their mission. This form also helps gather necessary information about the candidate's background and family support.

Who is responsible for completing the form?

The bishop or branch president is primarily responsible for completing the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form. They must conduct interviews with the candidate, gather information from family members, and ensure that all required documentation is submitted. The candidate will also fill out specific sections of the form regarding their personal information.

When should the recommendation packet be submitted?

The recommendation packet for young missionaries should be submitted no more than 90 days before the candidate's availability date. For couples, the packet may be submitted up to five months in advance. It's essential to adhere to these timelines to allow sufficient processing time.

What should be included in the candidate's recommendation packet?

The candidate's recommendation packet should include:

The completed Missionary Recommendation Checklist form.
A current photograph of the candidate dressed according to missionary standards.
Any necessary medical information or documentation.
Comments from the bishop or branch president regarding the candidate's qualifications.
Any additional forms required for financial assistance if applicable.

What if the candidate has lived away from home?

If the candidate has been living away from home, both the home bishop or branch president and the away-from-home bishop or branch president must communicate. They need to discuss the candidate's worthiness and the process for submitting the recommendation forms. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of the candidate's situation are considered.

What are the financial obligations for the missionary?

The bishop or branch president must ensure that the ward or branch missionary fund can cover the financial obligations for the missionary after contributions from the missionary and their family. If additional support is needed, a Request for Supplemental Financial Assistance form must be completed and submitted along with the recommendation packet.

What happens after the forms are submitted?

After the forms are submitted, the Missionary Department will review the recommendation packet. They will verify the information provided and determine the candidate's eligibility to serve a mission. The candidate will then receive their mission call, which includes details about where and when they will serve.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes can lead to delays or complications. One frequent error is submitting the forms too early. The missionary recommendation packet for young missionaries should not be submitted more than 90 days before the candidate's availability date. Couples may submit their packets up to five months in advance. Ignoring these timelines can result in unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

Another mistake is failing to provide a current photograph of the candidate. The photograph must show the candidate dressed and groomed according to missionary standards. If the picture is outdated or does not meet the requirements, it may be rejected, causing delays in the process.

Inaccurate or incomplete information is also a common issue. Each section of the form must be filled out completely, including personal details like the candidate's full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Missing information can lead to confusion and may require additional follow-up.

Some candidates do not discuss their living situation adequately. If the candidate does not live with both parents, an explanation is necessary. This information helps clarify the candidate's support system and can impact the recommendation process.

Financial obligations can complicate the recommendation process. If the candidate is in debt and has not made arrangements to meet those obligations, it is crucial to address this issue before submitting the forms. Ignoring financial responsibilities can lead to disqualification from serving a mission.

Another oversight involves medical information. If the candidate is on medication for a chronic condition, it is essential to confirm that they will continue their treatment throughout the mission. Failing to address medical concerns can raise questions about the candidate's readiness to serve.

Lastly, some individuals overlook the importance of the final interview. Conducting a thorough interview with the candidate ensures that all concerns have been addressed and that the candidate is indeed worthy to serve. This step is critical for both the candidate and the recommending leaders.

By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can help ensure a smoother process for submitting the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form. Attention to detail and open communication are key components in successfully completing this important task.

Documents used along the form

The Missionary Recommendation Checklist form is an essential document for those preparing to serve as full-time missionaries. Along with this checklist, several other forms and documents are often required to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate. Below is a list of related forms that are typically used in conjunction with the Missionary Recommendation Checklist.

Missionary Recommendation Form: This form collects essential information about the missionary candidate, including personal details, contact information, and a photograph. It serves as the primary document for recommending individuals for missionary service.
Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions Form: This document allows bishops or branch presidents to provide feedback on the candidate's qualifications and abilities. It includes sections for confidential comments and evaluations of the candidate's leadership potential.
Request for Supplemental Financial Assistance for Full-Time Missionary Form: If additional financial support is needed, this form requests assistance from the General Missionary Fund. It should only be submitted after ensuring that all other financial resources have been considered.
Unit Information for Missionary Candidate Form: This form captures the candidate's record number and unit information. It is crucial for tracking the missionary’s progress and ensuring proper communication with church authorities.
Medical Evaluation Form: A medical evaluation may be required to assess the candidate's physical and emotional readiness for missionary service. This form includes medical history and any ongoing treatments that need to be managed during the mission.
English Language Evaluation Form: For candidates whose native language is not English, this form assesses their English-speaking ability. It helps ensure that the candidate can effectively communicate during their mission.

Each of these forms plays a vital role in the missionary preparation process. Together, they help church leaders evaluate the readiness and suitability of candidates for service, ensuring that all necessary information is gathered and reviewed thoroughly.

Similar forms

The Missionary Recommendation Checklist form serves as a crucial document for individuals preparing to serve as missionaries. It is similar to several other forms that also play vital roles in the recommendation and evaluation processes. Here are six documents that share similarities with the Missionary Recommendation Checklist:

Application for Admission to a Religious Institution: Like the Missionary Recommendation Checklist, this application requires detailed personal information and evaluations from leaders, ensuring candidates meet specific criteria for admission.
Job Application Forms: Both forms gather essential background information and require references. They seek to assess the candidate's qualifications and readiness for their respective roles.
Medical Clearance Forms: Similar to the health evaluations in the missionary checklist, these forms require candidates to disclose medical histories and undergo assessments to determine their fitness for service.
Background Check Authorization Forms: These documents, like the recommendation checklist, ensure that candidates are vetted thoroughly, focusing on their past behavior and suitability for their roles.
Volunteer Service Applications: Much like the missionary form, these applications assess a candidate's commitment, qualifications, and readiness to serve, often requiring endorsements from community leaders.
Educational Enrollment Forms: These forms, similar to the checklist, collect personal and family information while also requiring evaluations from academic or religious leaders to ensure the candidate's preparedness for the next step.

Each of these documents plays a critical role in evaluating candidates, ensuring that they are prepared and qualified for their respective commitments. Understanding these similarities can help streamline the recommendation process and ensure that all necessary information is gathered efficiently.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These guidelines will help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all necessary information is accurately provided.

Do review the Church Handbook of Instructions to understand the qualifications and requirements for recommending a missionary.
Do conduct thorough interviews with the candidate to assess their worthiness and readiness for missionary service.
Do ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner, ideally no more than 90 days before the candidate's availability date.
Do provide a current photograph of the candidate that meets missionary standards.

Don’t submit the recommendation if the candidate has unresolved serious concerns, such as medical or emotional issues.
Don’t recommend candidates who are in debt without a plan to address their financial obligations.
Don’t forget to include all necessary documentation, such as visa information or special medical needs.
Don’t overlook the importance of family contributions to the missionary fund; ensure everyone involved understands the non-refundable nature of these contributions.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Missionary Recommendation Checklist form can lead to confusion and delays in the recommendation process. Here are nine common misconceptions, along with clarifications for each.

It is only for young missionaries. The checklist is applicable to both young missionaries and couples serving missions, with specific guidelines for each group.
Submission can happen anytime. The recommendation packet for young missionaries must be submitted no more than 90 days before their availability date, while couples can submit up to five months in advance.
All financial support is guaranteed. The form does not guarantee financial support. Families must demonstrate their commitment to providing support before requesting assistance from the General Missionary Fund.
Medical evaluations are optional. Conducting a thorough medical evaluation is essential. Candidates must be physically and emotionally capable of serving a mission.
Any photo will suffice. The accompanying photo must be current and show the candidate dressed and groomed according to missionary standards.
Previous arrests disqualify candidates automatically. While previous arrests must be disclosed, they do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Each case is reviewed individually.
Only bishops can submit the form. While bishops play a crucial role, other priesthood leaders can also participate in the recommendation process.
Confidential comments can be included on the main form. Confidential comments should be provided in a separate letter to ensure privacy and clarity.
Signing the form is a mere formality. Signing the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form indicates that the leader believes the candidate is worthy to serve, based on a thorough review and interview process.

Key takeaways

1. Review Requirements Thoroughly: Before filling out the Missionary Recommendation Checklist, familiarize yourself with the Church Handbook of Instructions and relevant First Presidency letters. This ensures you understand qualifications and requirements.

2. Timing Matters: Submit the recommendation packet for young missionaries no more than 90 days before their availability date. For couples, packets can be submitted up to five months in advance.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Interviews: Interview the candidate to assess their worthiness and qualifications. Discuss their understanding of the gospel and their readiness to serve.

4. Address Medical Concerns: Pay special attention to any emotional, behavioral, or medical issues. Ensure that any necessary tests or treatments are completed before submitting the forms.

5. Financial Obligations: Confirm that the ward or branch missionary fund can cover the candidate's financial needs. If additional support is needed, complete the Request for Supplemental Financial Assistance form.

6. Gather Required Documentation: Ensure all necessary information is provided, including citizenship and medical information. A current photograph of the candidate is also required.

7. Finalize and Submit: After reviewing all forms for accuracy, sign the Priesthood Leaders' Comments and Suggestions form. This signature confirms your belief in the candidate's worthiness to serve.