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SALT LAKE CITY — Senior men will now be able to serve full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following an announcement on Friday.
Previously, single young men between 18 and 25 were able to serve missions, but older men were only able to serve alongside their wives.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made the change "to fully embrace the gifts, talents and experiences of more church members around the world," a statement said.
In order to be eligible for a full-time senior mission, men must be older than 40 and not have dependent children living at home. Like senior sister missionaries, the men will need to meet church requirements for health and financial support, be able to serve 40 or more hours a week and live away from home.
Single senior missionaries will not serve alongside a companion like young adult missionaries do.
The statement said the men will be able to serve various assignments within area and mission offices, family history, or other roles for which their life experiences qualify them — including medical or legal experience.
The church is also expanding opportunities for single senior sisters. Women over 40 will now be able to serve in visitors centers, historic sites, employment centers and in new mission office roles.
Members who are interested in serving senior missions, as a couple or a single man or woman, can visit the church's website to learn more.
