Church Prepares for Historic Missionary Surge Fueled by 18‑Year‑Old Sisters

At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders in Provo, LDS Church President Dallin H. Oaks announced the church will soon field the largest number of full‑time missionaries in history, driven by the first wave of 18‑year‑old sister missionaries and the addition of 55 new missions (bringing the total to 506). With about 87,000 missionaries currently serving, church leadership stressed testifying of Jesus Christ and guiding new missionaries, while Oaks outlined three core features of the restored church—fullness of doctrine, priesthood authority, and testimony of Christ. Sister Kristen Oaks shared six truths missionaries proclaim, urging leaders to witness the gospel and emphasize temple-based teaching.