SALT LAKE CITY — In a quiet policy shift that insiders say has been available “to the elect” for years, LDS Church officials have begun openly offering elite high school athletes the rare and sacred 1-year “McMission” — a streamlined, fast-food version of a traditional 2-year mission, available only to those with 4-star speed and NFL potential.
The announcement comes on the heels of top BYU football recruit Ryder Lyons’ decision to “serve the Lord in a more performance-enhancing way,” by embarking on a McMission in the fall — a calling that coincidentally ends just in time for spring practice.
“You still get all the blessings,” explained Elder Thad Wilkinson of the Church’s Athletics Coordination and Celestial Sports Strategy Committee. “It’s just in a more compact, quick-fried format. You preach the gospel, learn a little humility, maybe baptize a kid or two in Fiji, and boom — you’re back on the depth chart.”
Ryder’s brother, Walker Lyons, previously completed the McMission in record time, departing in February 2023 and returning in June 2024 just in time to play 11 games for USC — or as more orthodox members call it, “The University of Secular Conversion.”
Church leaders were quick to clarify that the McMission is not available to the general missionary population.
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“No, no — this is not for your average 18-year-old who plays amazing piano or runs the fastest cross country,” said Wilkinson. “Those kids can enjoy the full, traditional 24-month program of lingering hunger, door slams, and seasonal depression. The McMission is an invitation-only covenant reserved for those with ESPN highlight reels and a verified NIL valuation.”
The McMission is described as “a sacred blend of gospel zeal and NCAA eligibility,” and includes:
- A 6-month assignment in a highly Instagrammable location
- Companions who also run a 4.3 40-yard dash
- A mission with plenty of stairs to climb.
- Strength training service projects which include helping with moves and painting entire houses.
When asked if the McMission violates the Church’s longstanding policy of equality among all missionaries, Wilkinson responded, “Well, the Lord loveth all his children, but He loveth those who can convert on 3rd and long a little more.”
