Menu

2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders: Read talk summaries and see photos

Mission leaders participate in the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, greets mission leaders during the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses mission leaders during the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Church leaders participate in the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mission leaders participate in the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addresses mission leaders during the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center sing at the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Marcus B. Nash, General Authority Seventy, speaks at the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders in the Provo Missionary Training Center. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders are speaking during the 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, held June 23-26 from the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.

The new mission leaders include 166 couples who will begin their three-year service July 1 and two couples whose assignment has already started.

See the complete list of new mission leadership assignments for 2022

Addressing the new mission leaders, President Dallin H. Oaks said, “The Lord has called us not because we are like someone we admire, but because we have the gifts the Lord wants us to use. Honor the gifts the Lord has given you. … He has not called you because you will be the same as the president or wife of the president who preceded you.”

President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, promised the leaders, “You are going to have the greatest experience of your lives.”

Following are links to Church News articles published by the seminar — to go to a specific article, simply click on the headline.

Thursday, June 23

President Oaks, President Ballard open 2022 Seminar for New Mission Leaders with focus on sacred work, spiritual gifts

  • “The Lord has called us not because we are like someone we admire, but because we have the gifts the Lord wants us to use. Honor the gifts the Lord has given you.” — President Dallin H. Oaks

Elder Cook shares 3 ways to help establish and build up the Church

  • “Missionaries need to focus on the needs of those they teach and serve. … As they develop Christlike attributes, learn to serve, and teach and follow the Spirit, they will be prepared for the future.” — Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder Neil L. Andersen and Sister Kathy Andersen on how to lead as disciples of Jesus Christ

  • “Even when you realize the challenges of your missionaries will help them become who they are to become, your love for them will help you feel as they feel and have deep compassion for their struggles.” — Elder Neil L. Andersen 

Create a Savior-focused mission culture, President Cordon teaches new mission leaders

  • “A culture centered on our Savior, Jesus Christ, will shape a mission, empower its young leaders and deepen conversion for you, your missionaries and those they teach.” — President Bonnie H. Cordon

Elder Soares teaches mission leaders about the ‘magnificent ordinance of baptism’

  • “As the Book of Mormon uniquely teaches, baptism is primarily the way we witness to God of our repentance and commitment to follow Jesus Christ.” — Elder Ulisses Soares.

Elder Nash shares 3 principles and 5 how-tos of being converted unto the Lord

  • “Your paramount duty is to help each missionary be ‘converted unto the Lord,’ through their missionary experience.” — Elder Marcus B. Nash

Friday, June 24

President Eyring teaches new mission leaders: ‘Converted missionaries convert others’

  • “My message to you mission leaders is to encourage you to make the deep conversion of your missionaries a continuing priority. It will have a multiplying effect that will change your mission and the futures of your missionaries.” — President Henry B. Eyring

Elder Uchtdorf explains why not having all the answers is a blessing

  • “It is in the wrestling that we emerge from darkness into the light — that we receive divine inspiration and revelation. Our growth and increase often come because of the struggle. The journey is part of the goal.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder Stevenson offers 6 guiding principles in using ‘Preach My Gospel’

  • “’Preach My Gospel’ is heavenly. It’s filled with treasures to bless each of you in your ministry and your missionaries as well.” — Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Elder Rasband on helping young mission leaders lead in the Savior’s way

  • “The Savior is our Exemplar for leadership in your missions. And leadership opportunities delegated to young mission leaders is a great privilege and opportunity for them to learn to lead in the Savior’s way.” — Elder Ronald A. Rasband 

Elder Bednar shares 7 lessons on ‘the blessed and happy state’ of obedience

  • “Over the last 50 years, I have learned that the spiritual power and beautify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is evident in the comprehensive connectedness of the doctrine and principles.” — Elder David A. Bednar

Saturday, June 25

Understanding and being committed to the Savior is fundamental for all missionaries, declares President Oaks

  • “Our most important resource is our testimony of the risen Lord and His Atonement. He is central to the Father’s plan of salvation. He is the light and life and the only hope of the world. He is central to the restored gospel.” — President Dallin H. Oaks

Anchor missionary work to scripture teachings, Elder Holland counsels mission leaders

  • “I have pled, and I plead here openly, for you to give your missionaries the gift that keeps on giving. Give them a love for the word of God. Give them a love for the holy scriptures.” —  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland  

Elder Christofferson teaches 3 fundamental roles of the Spirit ‘in the great work of salvation and exaltation’

  • “Trust the Spirit to guide you in every aspect of your work. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Spirit is basic to teaching and preaching: ‘No man can preach the gospel without the Holy Ghost.’” — Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Success awaits mission leaders when they align their hearts with God, promises Sister Wright

  • “He knows your desire to serve Him in whatever part of His vineyard you are called, He knows the concerns that you have for your families. And He knows the miraculous, faith-filled, soul-stretching experiences that are about to unfold.” — Sister Amy A. Wright 

Wise missionaries keep ‘multiple lines in the water’, teaches Elder Gong

  • “Teach your missionaries to pray and ask continuously, ‘How do we find the people who are prepared here and now?’ ‘And how can we partner with members to help make that happen?’” — Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Mission leader success, teaches Elder Renlund, comes when their missionaries become faithful disciples of Christ

  • “The best way to turn a missionary into a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ is for him or her to be focused on the missionary purpose, by being outwardly directed, focused on those he or she teaches.” — Elder Dale G. Renlund 

2022 Sharing the Gospel broadcast: Invitations from Elder Bednar, Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Cook to ‘love, share, invite’

  • “All the Lord requires of those wanting to share the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a willing heart and mind. God will take your willingness and work His miracles.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday, June 26

In special sacrament meeting for mission leaders, President Nelson urges all to spend private time each day with the Lord

  • Understanding temple ordinances will help Latter-day Saints feel more confident that the “Holy Ghost will be your companion, your protector, your guide. With this kind of daily, divine help, each day of your mission can be historic.” — President Russell M. Nelson
Newsletters
Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox
The three things you need to know everyday
Highlights from the last week to keep you informed