In a historic move signaling one of the largest expansions in recent years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the creation of 55 new missions, set to begin operations on July 1, 2026. The announcement marks a defining moment early in the leadership of President Dallin H. Oaks, who succeeded the late President Russell M. Nelson less than a month ago.
While Nelson became known as the “temple-building prophet,” Oaks may be remembered as the president who significantly broadened the Church’s global missionary footprint.
A Global Expansion Driven by Growth
The new missions span across every inhabited continent — 16 in Africa, 14 in the United States, and six in Asia (including five in the Philippines), among others. Church officials say the expansion reflects the increasing number of missionaries and congregations worldwide.
More than 84,000 full-time missionaries are currently serving, a sharp rise from 65,000 in 2022, according to the Church’s latest figures. Missionaries now operate in over 150 countries and teach in more than 60 languages.
“It is inspiring to see the number of young Church members who continue to answer the call to share the gospel of Jesus Christ,” President Oaks said in a statement. “These missionaries bless the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year who are choosing to be baptized into the Lord’s church.”
Growth Patterns: Africa and the U.S. Lead the Way
The Church’s fastest growth continues to come from Africa, where vibrant congregations are emerging in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Sixteen of the new missions will be based on the continent, highlighting its rapid expansion and increasing leadership strength.
Meanwhile, the United States will add 14 new missions, including in Missouri, Arizona, Texas, and California, to support rising membership and more localized missionary outreach.
Independent researcher Matt Martinich, who tracks global LDS membership trends, called the announcement “extremely exciting” and “unprecedented in recent history.”
“Many of these new missions will serve areas with small existing membership but large target populations,” he said. “This expansion has tremendous potential to accelerate growth in both new and developing regions.”
A Record Surge in Converts
The Church reported 308,682 new converts in 2024, its largest increase in nearly three decades. That surge, along with a steady rise in missionary applicants, likely influenced the timing of this global expansion.
The Church added 36 new missions last year, but the 2026 rollout marks a significant leap in scope — a clear indicator of growing optimism in global missionary efforts.
Where the New Missions Will Be Located
Here’s a breakdown of the 55 new missions announced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
United States: Missouri Kansas City, Wyoming Cheyenne, Indiana Fort Wayne, Virginia Norfolk, Mississippi Jackson, Arizona Phoenix East, Oklahoma Tulsa, Texas Dallas North, Texas Houston North, Texas San Antonio South, California Oceanside, California Ontario, California Victorville, Idaho Coeur d’Alene.
Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa North, DR Congo Mwene-Ditu, Kenya Kisumu, Uganda Kampala East, Angola Luanda North, Malawi Lilongwe, Mozambique Nampula, South Africa East London, Zimbabwe Harare West, Ivory Coast Abidjan South, Ivory Coast Daloa, Ghana Accra South, Ghana Sunyani, Liberia Monrovia West, Senegal Dakar, Togo Lomé.
Asia: Mongolia Ulaanbaatar West, Philippines Lingayen, Philippines Lipa, Philippines Ormoc, Philippines Ozamiz, Philippines Puerto Princesa.
Canada: Canada Halifax, Canada Toronto East.
Europe: France Paris South, Greece Athens, Spain Madrid East, Cape Verde Mindelo.
Mexico: Mexico Tula.
Pacific: Australia Brisbane South, Papua New Guinea Daru, Papua New Guinea Madang, Samoa Apia East, Solomon Islands Honiara.
South America: Brazil Guarulhos, Brazil São Bernardo, Brazil Sorocaba, Peru Lima Northwest, Peru Tacna, Paraguay Asunción South, Uruguay Salto.
A New Era for Missionary Work
With over 17.5 million members, the Church’s continued investment in missionary expansion suggests a long-term strategy to strengthen local leadership, improve language training, and build congregations in emerging regions.
Analysts view this as a pivotal move that could reshape the Church’s presence in areas where growth potential remains untapped — particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
President Oaks summed up the initiative’s spirit simply: “We are preparing to bring the message of Christ to more corners of the world than ever before.”
