Q&A for How to Join the Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)

Talk to the bishop. The hardest part is setting the appointment and taking the first step into his office. But bishops are there to love and support you.

That is true. Before their mission, Mormons go to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) for either a couple weeks (if they will be speaking their native language) or about a month and a half (if they are learning a new language). The main/original MTC is in Provo, UT, but there are other MTC's throughout the world.

Not really. You can ask not to be sent to a certain area cause of health issues, but God will ask you to go wherever he feels like you can help the most.

We believe in three separate beings, God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, that Jesus and the Heavenly Father have physical bodies, and that one day every single spirit will have a chance to have a body. There is also no belief in the traditional Christian "hell." If you love God, heaven will be great. If you don't, you will create a space of hell for yourself. We also believe in three degrees of glory, like, Heaven one, Heaven two, where Jesus can visit you, and Heaven three, where God and Jesus live. Heaven three is called the Celestial Kingdom. We believe in faith and works. You need to believe AND serve. Look up the articles of faith for more information.

Yes! There are members all over the world that practice discipleship even though they may not have access to a church building. You may want to look for other members in your area who may meet in a member's home.

It isn't! You have to have discussions with the missionaries and be baptized, and you're a member! You do have to commit to the rules, which can be difficult for some people.

In John 3:5, Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

It depends. Mormons are asked to get a divorce through the church. They go through the highest church branch and they review the divorce. If there are certain key elements (i.e ANY abuse or extreme issues with the spouse), then oftentimes they approve the divorce. With cases of cheating they look further to see how long it's been going on. You don't lose your recommend simply for the divorce, but you do if you cheat, drink, or abuse your spouse.

Most do. This is known as tithing, and the money goes to helping missionaries, education, and many other things. For more information on it, you can visit lds.org.

They can serve a couples mission when they are older (retired age); otherwise, the missionary age is from 18 to mid/late 20s.

Of course not. The LDS community is a very accepting one, and I promise you that you will not be ridiculed just because you are not married. Not all adult Mormons are married. Just wait until the right one comes along.

Jesus is the actual son of God but on a higher level than us because He is also one with God. When Jesus was on earth, he was fully man and fully God.

Yes! The LDS Church welcomes families to join the church and has many resources for you and your child to meet people and become closer to God.

Mormoms do not support sex before marriage, even if you are engaged.

"Elder is an office of the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is also used as a title for male missionaries or General Authorities of the Church. Elders have authority to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and to bestow priesthood blessings."

The best way to do it is with love! No person wants to be forced into something. So little missionary moments could be the key! Just be a good example and you will be able to shine your light!

Joseph used special rocks from his childhood, approved by God for assistance in translating the book of Mormon. The book of Abraham was translated from Egyptian papyri that Joseph purchased from a traveling salesman, and yes, it has been confirmed by Egyptologists that it was not translated correctly at all. Many members that know this have a struggle with their faith, but eventually get past it.

Yes, you do have to have a baptism to become an official member.

While they can (due to the law of agency, where you can choose for yourself), it is against the Word of Wisdom, which says no alcoholic beverages. So if you're Mormon, or trying to become one, don't drink.

No, of course not! Desperation is sometimes the push that we need to start moving in the right direction. You can take steps toward Mormonism and make a decision when you've found out more.

I do not believe it is very accepting of transgender people, but with gay people it's kind of iffy. We believe that being gay is not a sin, but acting upon it is. This basically means you could feel attraction towards the same sex and be fine, but you would have to live a celibate life or be in a relationship with the opposite gender regardless of your feelings.

That is up to you to decide. Everyone has to choose what they want to believe.

Yes. You would be considered an inactive member, but a member nonetheless. You only stop being a Mormon if you ask to have your name removed from the records of the church, or if you are excommunicated (which is fairly rare).

You do not have to be a member of the Mormon church to be her friend. If you want to date her, you should keep in mind that Mormons marry within a temple, which only members can go into. If you want to get to know her better, take an interest in her beliefs and ask her questions about her church.

Yes, anyone is welcome to join the Mormon church.

Of course not, Mormons can date non-Mormons, but it is recommended that you try to marry someone of the same faith. Try to introduce her to the religion, give her a book of Mormon, but there is no need to dump her.

That's a complicated question. On the one hand it's essential to obey all the commandments of God, including abstaining from alcohol, to be a full member of the church. You would be asked to commit to living this commandment before being baptized. However, after baptism people sometimes slip up, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have become a member. They may need more time and support. If you are interested in becoming a member but are worried about alcohol, don't fret! Keep going to church. Pray and ask for help and guidance.

No, you do not have to be a member to attend church meetings.

You can be affiliated with the church, but you cannot have a temple marriage.

While there are not necessarily rules, it may be helpful to get in contact with Mormon missionaries to learn more about the religion.