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How can I Join the Mormon Church?
By AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster - 6/7/2009To join the “Mormon Church,” follow these five easy steps:
- Learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Research reputable Mormon sites like AllAboutMormons.com and Mormon.org. Be aware of anti-Mormon sites, some of which are quite professional looking. Obviously, the best way to learn about Mormonism is always from Mormons themselves.
All potential converts need to meet several times with Mormon missionaries. Most people choose to meet with the missionaries in their homes, but you can choose to meet them elsewhere if you like. Missionaries, though not trained theologians, can help converts learn all they need to know to be productive, happy members of the Church. You can request a visit from Mormon missionaries online.
A Mormon missionary visiting Brazilian Mormon friends in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. - Visit the Church.
- It's important that your decision to join the church be an informed one. Before joining the church, spend some time worshiping with us in our Sunday meetings. You can locate the Mormon chapel nearest your home online, or you can simply ask the missionaries. Try to get to know the members of the church in your area. Try to get to know the bishop or branch president of the congregation.
- If possible, join us for one of our congregation's social gatherings during the week. Ask the missionaries about mutual, seminary, institute, enrichment meeting, Elder's quorum sporting events, and ward dinners and picnics.
- The baptism interview.
- Prior to baptism, there's an interview with a missionary not directly involved in teaching you. In some cases, an interview with the mission president may also be necessary.
- Don't stress these interviews too much. They simply serve to make sure you're ready for baptism.
- Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Baptism by immersion is usually a community affair. Members of the congregation meet together to pray, sing hymns, and offer words of support and acceptance to the person being baptized. Feel free to invite family members and friends, even if they are not members of the church. Let them know about this important commitment you're making so they can support you as well.
The Sunday following your baptism, the bishop or branch president will invite you to come to the front of the congregation to receive the ordinance of confirmation. Several brethren from the congregation will place their hands on your head and confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Congratulations! You've made it!
A Mormon missionary hugging a Mormon bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. - After you become a member of the Church, try to invest some time in better understanding your new spiritual home, theologically, culturally, and socially. Don't be afraid to ask for help; for some, joining the church brings significant lifestyle changes. Because Mormons have a distinct cultural and ethnic identity, some new converts experience some transient “culture shock.” Talk to other members of the congregation about the challenges you face. They'll be happy to help you make this wonderful transition in your life. Good luck!
10 Comments » Leave a comment
- Anonymous
8-29-2009, 03:48:54 PM
Hello, I contacted you awhile ago requestiing information about your religion I forgot to mention that I was leaving for Turkey for a vaction for a couple of weeks. But I am back now and would still like to get information on your religion if you are still interested. Thanks for any and all your help. - AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster
8-29-2009, 03:53:01 PM
Hi Anonymous. Sorry for my delayed response to your email. I'm very happy that you continue to be interested in the LDS ("Mormon") Church. I don't know what I'd be without the teachings of Jesus Christ. I feel closer to Him because of His spirit and the things I've learned about Him as I've studied His gospel. Here's some links that might help you learn more about the Mormons:- One great way to learn more about the Church is visiting with our missionaries. You can request a visit online.
- Alternatively, you're certainly also welcome to worship with us any Sunday. You can get the address and meeting time of the chapel nearest your home online as well.
- The Church's main website for those interested in learning more is mormon.org
- I'd also be happy to answer any of your questions through my site. Feel free to post your questions.
- You might also be interested in watching some instructive videos about the LDS Church.
- Finally, you can learn a lot about a people my listening to their music. I've posted some Mormon music on my site as well.
- Anonymous
11-1-2009, 10:29:43 PM
Dear reader, I need you view on my story. I am in love with this girl for 5 years now, I wish to get married to her and shes a Morman and I'm a Christian, I would like to join ur church in regard to this as I learned from her that I have to be a Morman or she won't marry me, I'm willing to be one but I need the guidance from somewhere, so here is where I think I can get sum help from you. I'm serious about it and its what I decided and want to do.. Pls assist me.. Thanks. - Webmaster
11-1-2009, 11:27:00 PM
Hi anonymous with the Mormon girlfriend. Let me start by congratulating you on your plans to get married! Marriage is a wonderful thing. I hope it brings you much happiness. I'm very happy to hear that you are interested in joining the "Mormon church," correctly called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being Mormon has brought me many spiritual blessings by helping me grow closer to Jesus Christ.
Because Mormonism is a Christian religion, you will find that you are already familiar with most of our teachings. However, there are some differences between Mormon Christianity and other forms of Christianity. For this reason, I suggest that you meet with Mormon missionaries. These missionaries can teach you the basics of our faith and prepare you for membership. You can request a missionary visit online, though it may be easier just to speak with your girlfriend. I'm sure she could contact the missionaries for you much faster.
I should say, though, that I think it would be a mistake to join the church just to marry your girlfriend. It is best to join the church through true conversion, which means joining the church because you want to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Of course, you're just beginning now. As you listen to the missionaries and visit the church for the first time, keep an open mind and an open heart. Pay attention to feelings of peace that God will send to your heart as you hear true principles. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an e-mail. I really enjoy discussing my faith in Jesus Christ. Best of luck to you. - Josh Jelley
2-7-2010, 09:15:39 PM
Hi, I am José Jelley and my friend has introduced me to the Mormon Church. I am very interested in your religion. I am wandering about if you guys can send me some information via mail. It would be much appriciated.Thank you and have a nice day - El Santo Gringo
2-15-2010, 10:01:33 PM
Hi Josh/José. I'm very happy to hear that you're interested in my church! The influence of Christ's restored gospel in my own life has been tremendous. I'm far from a perfect person, but the guidance I've received through the church has undoubtedly shaped my life for the better.
Are you already receiving visits from the Mormon missionaries? If not, I encourage you to schedule a visit with them online. These missionaries are usually young men or women, between 19 and 23 years old, who visit people in their homes to share the Gospel message with them. I'm sure the missionaries would be thrilled to speak with you.
Since you requested more information about the church by mail, I'm going to give you a one-year subscription to the Ensign magazine. The Ensign contains many articles written by members of the church. When we listen to other peoples' stories of faith, our own faith is strengthened. I hope you enjoy the magazine!
Please don't hesitate to send any questions you might have my way. I'd be happy to help. - Anery
3-21-2010, 06:28:10 PM
Hi friends. I would like to know more about you and your religion. I am from La Paz, Bolivia, and I'd like to know the address of your church here in my city so I can visit. Thanks a lot.
El Santo Gringo: Hi Anery. I'm very happy that you're interested in my church! I receive e-mails from all over the world, and the one thing that almost all people seem to have in common, regardless of their nationality or culture, is a desire to connect with God. Everyone wants to feel closer to their divine Father, and everyone wants to feel spiritual peace in their lives. I found this peace through Christ's restored church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon Church"), and it brings me a lot of joy to share that gospel message of peace with others. I hope it helps you too!
Fortunately, it's now possible to learn the address and meeting schedule of any Mormon chapel in the world on the Internet. Please let me know if you have any trouble using the chapel-locator website. I'd be happy to offer additional help if needed.
Another great way to learn more about the church is to meet with Mormon missionaries. There are over 50,000 volunteer Mormon missionaries in the world who visit people in their homes to teach them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can also request a missionary visit online, if you're interested. Thanks again for your question! Let me know if you have any more questions, or if there's anything more I can do to help you. God bless you. - Ariel
4-24-2010, 02:27:29 PM
My name is Ariel and I will be baptized this Saturday. What do you think about that!?!
El Santo Gringo: Hi Ariel. Congratulations on your baptism! I hope it went well. I know you're just starting your new life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I want to let you know what a wonderful blessing the gospel of Jesus Christ has been in my own life. The gospel is a lot like an investment. The more effort you put into it, the more you get out of it. Dedicate yourself to God, and you'll see that the spiritual blessings He'll pour down on you will be more than you ever imagined. God bless you. - Packo
5-3-2010, 12:39:10 AM
I'm currently visiting with some missionaries who are helping me to get to know your church. Speaking with them I feel such an immense peace of spirit. I feel like I have Jesus Christ in my life again. How wonderful that the missionaries help people recover their faith in this way. I used to feel so lost. Thanks so much!
El Santo Gringo: How wonderful that you're meeting with the missionaries, Packo! This gospel is transforming my life for the better, and I know it can help you too! A lot of people who are learning more about the Church have questions. Please don't hesitate to send me any questions you might have. I'd be happy to help. Good luck! - Anonymous
8-26-2010, 08:06:47 AM
I was baptized LDS 20 years ago and through various things in my life stopped going to church all together. I was married outside of the church and we later divorced b/c he cheated on me. I am remarried now and my husband wants to go to the LDS church with me. Am I still a mormon? Can I be rebaptized or am I excommunicated for life? I just hoped you had an idea right off as to what I needed to do before I talked to someone in real life first.
El Santo Gringo: Hi friend. I'm sorry to hear about your first husband's infidelity. I can think of few situations that would be so difficult. I'm happy you've now found a man who respects you properly.
I think it's excellent that you and your husband want to start coming to church. The Church has done a lot to strengthen my own marriage. My wife and I share common goals based in our mutual love of Jesus Christ, and that's helped us grow closer to each other.
Temple marriage is a good example of a common religious goal you and your husband could share. As you work towards that goal, I suspect your marriage will be strengthened too. It could be a great blessing in your life.
Members of the Church are not typically excommunicated just for becoming less active. Chances are you just need to start attending Church again, and you can quickly return to full fellowship. I encourage you to talk with your bishop who can help you make this important transition in your life.
If you have been excommunicated for whatever reason, you can definitely still come back to the Church. Again, your bishop can help you with the process. After the right preparation, you can be rebaptized and can start a new life as a disciple of Christ.
Aside from the bishop, the missionaries can also help you come back to the Church. You can request a missionary visit online or through your bishop.
I'm excited for you, sister! The changes you're thinking about making can really transform your life and marriage for the better. It's a great blessing to be an active member of the Church. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'd be happy to help. God bless you.