The missionary emphasis of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most recognized characteristics of this worldwide faith. The work follows the pattern given by Jesus Christ and explained in the bible of sending out missionaries two by two. Today more than 60,000 Latter-day Saints serve missions in over 160 countries and territories.

Nearly 400 missionaries serve in New Zealand - including many from countries throughout the world. Missionary work in New Zealand is divided into two missions, with Mission headquarters in Auckland and Wellington.

Most of the Church's missionaries are young men and women between the ages of 19 and 23, although substantial numbers of older couples also serve missions.

All missionaries serve without pay, most relying on their own savings or family support during the mission period of 18 months to two years. Prospective missionaries may be asked to serve anywhere in the world, and are frequently required to learn another language. Other than perhaps three weeks to two months in a missionary training center, missionaries receive little formal training prior to their ministry. Their knowledge has come, in most cases, from training in the home, from attendance at worship services and gospel study classes, and from personal conviction developed over a period of years. Generally missionaries called to serve in the South Pacific area attend a missionary training centre in Hamilton.

In the mission field, they teach from the Bible and from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which has been translated into nearly 100 languages. The Book of Mormon is regarded as a companion volume of scripture to the Bible. From the Book of Mormon is derived the common but improper nickname "Mormon", applied to the Church and its members.

As well as teaching Church doctrine some missionaries also help provide community service such as teaching English as a second language, assisting in welfare and health centres and cleaning up the environment. Senior couples may also be asked to serve welfare or health missions in some areas of the world.