Key Highlights
- The Church of Jesus Christ will add 55 new missions in 2026.
- The number of missionaries has grown to over 84,000 serving more than 150 countries and teaching in over 60 languages.
- President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the importance of missionary work in spreading the gospel globally.
- New missions will be established across Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Europe.
The Expansion of Missionary Work
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expanding its global presence through a significant addition of 55 new missions. According to the Church’s plans, these new missions will come into effect on July 1, 2026. This expansion underscores the growing commitment and dedication of young members within the faith who choose to serve as full-time missionaries.
Global Missionary Force
The number of missionaries serving The Church of Jesus Christ has seen a substantial increase over recent years. In late 2022, there were just over 65,000 active missionaries, which rose to nearly 72,000 by the end of 2023 and is currently at more than 84,000. These missionaries are deployed across more than 150 countries, sharing the message of the restored gospel in over 60 languages.
President Dallin H. Oaks highlighted the significance of this expansion: “It is inspiring to see the number of young Church members who continue to answer the call to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.”
New Mission Locations
The 55 new missions will be established in diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Europe. Each mission is strategically placed to better serve growing congregations and accommodate an increasing number of missionaries.
For example, the new missions in West Africa include Côte d’Ivoire Abidjan South and Daloa, Ghana Accra South, and Sunyani. In Asia, new missions will be established in Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Brazil Guarulhos, São Bernardo, and Sorocaba, Canada Halifax, Toronto, France Paris South, Greece Athens, Spain Madrid, Cape Verde Mindelo, México Tula, Australia Brisbane South, Papua New Guinea Daru and Madang, Samoa Apia, Philippines Lingayen, Lipa, Ormoc, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Perú Lima and Tacna, Paraguay Asunción, Uruguay Salto, United States Central (Missouri Kansas City, Wyoming Cheyenne), Northeast (Indiana Fort Wayne, Virginia Norfolk), Southeast (Mississippi Jackson), Southwest (Arizona Phoenix East, Oklahoma Tulsa), South (Texas Dallas North, Houston North, San Antonio South) and West (California Oceanside, Ontario, Victorville).
Idaho Coeur d’Alene will also see the creation of a new mission.
These missions are grouped into specific administrative areas within the Church to ensure effective management and support for missionaries. The establishment of these new missions is part of a broader strategy to enhance missionary work and reach more individuals with the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Expert Perspectives
According to Elder Quentin L. Cook, who chairs the Church’s Missionary Executive Council, “It’s a blessing to see how each missionary contributes to the lives of those they teach and serve as they share the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.” He emphasized that these additional missions will help mission leaders balance the number of missionaries in each mission, allowing for better support and mentorship.
By expanding its global reach through new missions, The Church of Jesus Christ aims to further its mission of spreading the gospel and bringing hope and spiritual guidance to communities around the world. This expansion reflects a commitment not only to existing members but also to those seeking religious or moral guidance in their lives.
Future Implications
The addition of 55 new missions signifies The Church of Jesus Christ’s ongoing commitment to global missionary work and outreach. As these new missions are established, they will likely bring about changes in how the Church operates on a local level, as well as potentially impacting the dynamics of existing missions.
As the Church continues to grow and expand its reach, it faces challenges such as adapting to diverse cultural contexts and ensuring effective communication across multiple languages. However, with over 84,000 dedicated missionaries currently serving worldwide, The Church is well-equipped to meet these challenges.
The expansion of missions in 2026 represents a significant milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ, reflecting the growing influence and global presence of this faith community. As new members join and existing congregations flourish, the importance of missionary work remains central to the Church’s mission.
