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Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gathered at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Utah for the 2025 Seminar for New Mission Leaders. The event, held from June 19 to June 22, provided four days of instruction for newly appointed mission leaders who will begin their service in July.
President Jeffrey R. Holland addressed the new mission leaders, describing their upcoming roles as "one of the most thrilling adventures of their lives." He acknowledged that while challenges may arise, "the blessings are disproportionately magnificent."
The seminar featured speeches from various church leaders. Elder Quentin L. Cook spoke on "Missionary Purpose and Lessons Learned," while Elder Dale G. Renlund discussed "Missionary Purpose and Putting on the Armor of God." Other speakers included Sister Amy A. Wright, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, President Henry B. Eyring, and several others.
President Holland emphasized that successful missionaries align their purpose with God's purpose, which involves inviting others to come unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.
He highlighted the importance of commitment to Jesus Christ's teachings and encouraged missionaries to find strength in scripture study. He called the Book of Mormon "the most important book" he has ever read.
Addressing the challenges faced by missionaries, President Holland stated that missionary success is not easy because salvation was never easy. He noted that although each missionary might experience personal trials akin to a "Gethsemane," these experiences are incomparable to those of Christ.
In conclusion, President Holland promised new mission leaders that their faithful response would lead to divine support: “That because of your faithful response to this mission call, He will bind up your broken hearts, and dry your tears and set you and your families free.”
The seminar also included breakout sessions and classroom activities where new mission leaders practiced teaching with missionaries in training at the MTC. Of the 167 new mission leader couples called earlier this year, 42 will serve in missions across 29 U.S. states while 125 will serve in missions headquartered in 48 other countries.
