Departing Missionaries Speaking in Sacrament

Over the last thirty years since I went on a mission. The practice of missionaries speaking during sacrament has been changed from one in which they had elaborate programs filled with family members, friends, and special musical numbers to one in which they are lucky if they are on the program for even ten or fifteen minutes.

When I was called on a mission back in 1975 I had nearly thirty minutes to speak. I had a local singing group called Rainbow's End from the North Las Vegas come and sing "He Who Has Clean Hands and a Pure Heart." Another departing missionary Charlie McKnight was on the program with me. At that time we had six elders going out with us: Brad Bergquist, Alan Harper, Ron January, and Doug Atkins. Missionaries then would have elaborate open houses where food was served and the mission got hundreds of dollars. Many time there were formal announcements and Articles of Faith cards were passed out with the missionaries name and mission address.

In 1987 the official policy was changed which maintained the sacrament program but began to discourage open houses:

Missionary Farewells

We deeply appreciate the faithfulness of those who respond to the call to serve missions. It is appropriate to honor newly called full-time missionaries by asking them to speak in sacrament meetings before their departure. The bishopric is to plan and conduct such meetings and invite those who speak. Family members of the missionary may be invited to offer prayers, present musical numbers, or speak. Talks and music should be worshipful, faith promoting, and gospel oriented.

We are concerned that some inappropriate practices have arisen that detract from the sacred nature of the mission call or that create unnecessary expense. We urge members and local leaders to discontinue such practices as holding open houses for missionaries (except for family gatherings), sending out formal printed announcements or invitations, printing special programs for the sacrament meeting, or forming reception lines at the meetinghouse following the meeting.

We appreciate the devotion of missionaries and their families and their willingness to sacrifice much in serving the Lord." (“Policies and Announcements,” Ensign, Apr. 1987, 76).

The policies began to change:

In 1994 the Church clarified the policy again:

The following instructions have been sent to general and local priesthood leaders and stake and ward Primary presidents in English-speaking areas:

Missionaries Speaking in Sacrament Meeting before Their Missions

Leaders and members are reminded of the following statement from the General Handbook of Instructions, page 7-2:

“Bishoprics may honor newly called full-time missionaries by asking them to speak in a sacrament meeting before their departure. The bishopric plans and conducts such meetings and invites those who will participate. Family members of the missionary may offer prayers, present special music, or speak. Talks and music should be worshipful, faith promoting, and gospel oriented. The regular time of the sacrament meeting should not be extended.

“Members and local leaders should avoid practices that may detract from the sacred nature of a mission call or create unnecessary expense, such as holding open houses for missionaries (except for family gatherings), sending [or publishing] formal printed announcements or invitations, printing special programs, or forming reception lines at the meetinghouse after the sacrament meeting.”

Leaders should review these instructions with members in priesthood, Relief Society, and sacrament meetings. Bishops should specifically discuss them with newly called missionaries and their families well before the missionary’s departure date. (“Policies and Announcements,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 112).

Today there seems to be an inconsistency in missionaries speaking usually the missionary speaks on departing and may or may not speak as they return home. Some wards still have the parents speak while others resist the impulse. When both my daughters went we were not invited to speak whereas we witnessed a couple of other missionaries with family members speaking. It all depends on your relationship with the bishop.