LDS Church Reaches Record Missionary Numbers in 2026
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Dallin H. Oaks announced on June 20, 2026, that the church now has more full-time missionaries serving worldwide than at any point in its history. The announcement came as the church also opened two new temples for public tours in San Diego and Cleveland.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending out more full-time missionaries than ever before in its nearly 200-year history, church President Dallin H. Oaks announced on June 20, 2026.
Oaks made the announcement during a church leadership address, calling the milestone a sign of the organization's continued growth. He did not give a specific number of missionaries currently serving, but church records show the total has climbed steadily over the past two years.
The announcement came during a busy stretch for the church. The San Diego California Temple opened for public tours on June 18, drawing thousands of visitors before its formal dedication. The Cleveland Ohio Temple also began its open house period in mid-June.
The church also announced a groundbreaking date for a new temple in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and released site details for a planned temple in Victoria, British Columbia.
Missionary assignments are made by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who work with staff in Salt Lake City to place thousands of prospective missionaries in locations around the world. Elder Ronald A. Rasband recently described the process in a public address, saying each assignment is made with prayer and careful consideration.
The church completed a major humanitarian milestone in June as well, finishing food donations to all 50 U.S. states as part of its contribution to the America250 celebration marking the country's 250th anniversary.
