How to Get Rid of Mormon Missionaries (and Other LDS Missionary Information)

Posted by Jenny Evans Sep 25, 2009

I've read some ridiculously long articles and blog posts lately on how to get rid of a Mormon missionary at your door, when really all it takes is a polite "Thank you, but I'm not interested."

People complain that Latter-day Saint missionaries can't take a hint, when really it's just that people are saying "yes" when they actually mean "no." Examples?

• "Now's really not a good time, so stop by another time."
• "Sure, come by and see if I'm home later."
• "Come back at 4:30 on Tuesday." (Intending to cancel the appointment or be out of the house then.)

Missionaries usually take people at their word, so say what you mean. Though you may think saying "yes" when you really mean "no" is being polite, you're really just wasting the missionaries' time - not to mention your own.

LDS missionaries are serving a full-time mission for two years at their own expense because they love the Lord and want to share His gospel as they see it - they're not out to bother anyone who really doesn't want to hear it. To learn more about what missionaries do and why, see LDS Full-Time Missionary Service.

Retired Mormon couples are also eligible to serve senior missions together in various capacities.