Missionary Training Center

Missionary Training Centers are a series of centers devoted to training missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Would-be missionaries are trained in expected conduct, proselytizing methods, and when required, foriegn language training. The largest such center is in Provo, Utah, adjacent to Brigham Young University. Other, MTCs are located in nations around the world, including Brazil, Japan, and Great Britain.

Missionaries' time at the MTC (as it is universally known) starts when they arrive, usually on a Wednesday. Missionaries (mostly young men, paradoxically called "elders," young women are known as "sisters") are assigned companions and are organized into districts and branches. The new elders and sisters spend most of their time in class. All missionaries are given at least three weeks of training in proselytizing methods. This includes lessons on proper manners, on non-confrontationalism, and on church doctrine and teaching. Missionaries are encouraged to actively study the gospel so that they can be inspired to know how best to help others understand it.

Missionaries who already speak the language of their assigned area are sent to their mission after just three weeks. Other missionaries may spend as much as an additional nine weeks in language training. "SYL" for "Speak Your Language" becomes their motto, as the training programs at the MTC include full immersion in the language; missionaries try their best to communicate only in the tongue they are trying to learn so that they can effectively proclaim the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.