SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached a new historical milestone as it now has more full-time missionaries serving worldwide than at any other time in its history. Approximately 88,500 full-time missionaries are currently serving, surpassing the previous record of just over 88,000 set in 2014.
The increase in missionary numbers is attributed to the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries beginning their service. This missionary force includes young teaching and service missionaries as well as senior missionaries.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Missionary Executive Council, marked the milestone in a social media post on July 14. He stated that the all-time high reflects the faith and devotion of a rising generation of disciples of Jesus Christ and noted that the record number of missionaries makes it a marvelous time to be engaged in the Lord's work.
The milestone follows the opening of 55 new missions worldwide, which brought the total number of missions to 505. During the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders in June, Church Prophet and President Dallin H. Oaks noted the continued growth in missionary service, stating that missionary work was soaring to new heights.
Elder Rasband expressed confidence that as missionaries give their strength to their service, the Lord will magnify their efforts and bless them with strength and joy during the hastening of the Lord's work.
