zone = Each mission is separated into zones. They are comparable to stakes (and districts). It depends on the mission, but there are usually about 2 - 4 districts in each zone.
zone leader = Two elders are called to be the leaders of each zone. They lead each zone conference (generally once a month or once a transfer) and are responsible for the missionaries in their zone. It's their job to make sure everyone is safe and working hard.
district = Each zone is separated into districts. These are comparable to wards (and branches). It depends on the mission, but there are usually about 6 - 12 missionaries in a district.
district leader = One elder is called to be the leader of each district. He leads each district meeting (generally once a week) and is responsible for the missionaries in his district. It's his job to make sure everyone is safe and working hard on a more local and personalized level.
assistants to the president (assistants or AP) = Two elders who are, well, assistants to the mission president. They are at the top of the line as far as missionary leadership goes. Their responsibilities vary depending on the mission. Some may travel around the mission, some may not so much. Basically they are there to help train missionaries.
investigator = An individual who the missionaries have taught at least one lesson to and has set another appointment for the next lesson.
potential investigator = An individual who the missionaries found while out working and who is interested in the gospel, but has not received a complete lesson yet. There is a spot in the area book where previous missionaries have written down potential investigators. One good type of finding work is to go through that list and find out if they are still interested in hearing the lessons.
former investigator = An individual who has heard at least one lesson but then for some reason or another stopped visiting with the missionaries. Another good type of finding work is to go through the list of former investigators in the area book to see if they are interested again in hearing the lessons.
area = The place where (usually) two missionaries are assigned to work. Areas can vary from a few blocks to a few hundred miles, depending on the mission. Missionaries are not allowed to leave their area without permission from their leaders.
area book = Each area will have a big binder called the area book with all the information about investigators, members, the area in general, etc. This helps the missionaries stay organized and keep track of any important information. It also helps new missionaries who have just come into the area learn about their area and the people they are going to teach.
referral = A name that is received from a member or investigator of someone who is interested in learning the gospel. This is the number one best way to find people to teach.
contacting = A type of missionary work that includes going out and talking to everyone you see on the street, on the bus, on the train, etc. and inviting them to hear the gospel.
tracting = A type of missionary work that includes knocking on doors in order to find people who may be interesting in the gospel. This is probably the most well-known type, but also probably the least effective.
transfer = One transfer is typically 6 weeks long. This does depend on the mission, however. Our transfers were usually 9 weeks long. The word "transfer" is also used when a missionary is "transferred" or moved to another area.
That's enough for now. Please comment if there's a word you'd like me to define in a future post!
No comments:
Post a Comment