Question:
Do Mormon missionaries take off their shoes when visiting people in their homes and should I call them elder?
Macks
2009-11-04 19:26:37 UTC
I agreed to have two Mormon missionaries visit my home this Friday, after they called me up and convinced me to let them come by and share their faith, "just for 20 minutes." I reluctantly agreed, so I was wondering what to expect when these two 19 year old guys come over to "talk about their faith." Do Mormons normally take off their shoes when they visit private homes? I prefer that they do when they visit my place, but I wouldn't want to have to remind or ask them. Should I actually refer to them as "elder," even though I am 10 years older than they are? Should I offer them something to eat, since they are coming around dinner time?
Ten answers:
venus_smrf
2009-11-04 23:41:06 UTC
It's common courtesy to remove your shoes when you enter someone's home (I always did when I was a missionary, anyway), but of course people don't always remember. If you'd like them to do so, simply ask them when they come to the door. They won't mind...but in all honesty, these are teenage boys. Unless they had very good mothers, they probably won't remember to do so. You'd better ask.



"Elder" is their title--it's an office in the priesthood and leadership of our church. I know the contrast between what people think it should mean and their actual ages tends to throw people off, but yes, that's what you should call them (it also means you don't have to remember their names).



If you want to feed them, go ahead. Again, they're teenage boys--they won't refuse food and will probably love you for it. They have to cook their own meals now, and I think it'd be safe to bet that they're living on instant noodles at the moment. Still, if you don't want to do so, then just offer them a glass of water. You don't need to do more than that to meet the demands of courtesy (though I'm impressed that you care enough to ask. Most don't).



And don't worry about the discussion. They just want to tell you a little more about what sets our faith apart from other Christian denominations, what we have to offer that others don't. Hear them out, ask questions, and if you're interested in more, tell them so. If you're not...well, you've learned a little more about those around you, and how can that be a bad thing? I sometimes wish people of other faiths would send people around like this, just so I can learn. I think it makes us all more compassionate and open.
johannah
2016-11-06 09:00:20 UTC
Lds Missionary Shoes
anonymous
2016-04-02 06:09:52 UTC
Calling them elder is just a title, like Mr. It's an "office" of the Priesthood in our church, so it is appropriate... but if you are uncomfortable calling them that, then just say their name. No biggie. Also, they won't be offended or anything if you ask them to take their shoes off. Really. Just ask them to. You won't have to offer them dinner because their meals are already usually planned out - most of the time members of the church volunteer to feed them or they schedule a dinner with someone, so I wouldn't worry about that. Just listen and have a good time.
C. Atkinson (aka gusgus)
2009-11-06 10:25:17 UTC
Elder is a title which in this case recognizes their calling to be special teacher and personal representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.



Just ask them to take their shoes off...they won't be offended...be warned though that they do walk a lot all day long and their feet might not smell so great. Maybe you should just ask them to clean their shoes off really well on the doormat.
Senator John McClain
2009-11-05 08:26:29 UTC
When I served my mission, I did not usually take my shoes off. But if someone asked me to, I was happy to comply. They may get the hint if you have yours off and there are a few pairs near the door.

"Elder" is a title they get as a missionary. It's basically the English equivalent of "Presbytery."

You do not need to offer them food, unless you feel comfortable doing so. I was always happy when people offered me water though.



Hope you enjoy their visit.
Someone
2009-11-05 07:01:35 UTC
Some Mormons take their shoes off, some dont. If the family all has their shoes off and the house is really clean I usually take off my shoes.

Maybe when you invite them in you can be like "come on in and take off your shoes, make yourselves at home" or something like that.



In our church "elder" isnt an age it's a title they're given when they get the Melchizedek priesthood. If you're uncomfortable with that you could probably call them "brother" instead of elder.



You probably don't need to offer them anything, members of the church often invite them to their homes to eat. You could still invite them to eat if you wanted to though.
Jacob
2009-11-04 22:18:59 UTC
If you have shoes lined up near your door they will probably get the hint.

I'm sure they would love to have dinner with you. Elder is a title- like bishop or priest- so yes you should call them Elder ________.
Brother G
2009-11-04 21:28:31 UTC
Normally they don't take off their shoes, you can ask them for dinner or even better go visit the church on sunday.

Yes you should call them Elder such and such....



Why did you put this question in the men's health section?
colebolegooglygooglyhammerhead
2009-11-05 05:36:50 UTC
You can ask them to take off their shoes--that's not impolite. We do at my house. I lived in Asia for a very long time and my husband is polynesian so that's the rules out our house.
Sudden Carnage
2009-11-08 17:59:14 UTC
We live in a Mormon-free Zone. Sorry I can't be more helpful.


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