Mormon Stories Podcast I Declined My Mormon Mission Call - Benson Lawson | Ep. 2062
Sep 15, 2025
Benson Lawson, a courageous young man who declined his Mormon mission call, shares his compelling journey of self-discovery. He discusses the immense societal pressure and stigma surrounding this choice in the LDS community. Benson reflects on the impact of his upbringing, the struggles with mental health, and how he found solace in poetry. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal happiness over rigid expectations, and explores the journey of reclaiming his identity beyond traditional religious roles.
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Applied, Accepted — Then Declined
- Benson Lawson applied twice and ultimately accepted a mission call in March 2024 but later declined to serve.
- He came to the podcast to show others that choosing not to serve a mission can be a valid path.
Structure Built Identity
- Benson thrived on rules and routine; that structure shaped his identity and academic success.
- When college loosened those rules the framework that defined him fractured and opened space for doubt.
Divorce Sparked First Big Doubts
- His parents' divorce and his father's inactivity triggered deep questions about church teachings on eternal families.
- Benson prayed for his dad and began privately researching divorce and sealing doctrines to resolve fears about the afterlife.
