Games : Destiny: I can't see the next story mission

This is going to be supernooby. I'm very new to Destiny. I rented it, I don't really like it, and I want to beat it and move on. I'm trying to play the story missions, but after completing one, I don't see another new mission. I see level requirements being mentioned when I try to read up about this, but do you seriously have to run around trying to level up just to play the story missions? I appreciate any info.