Your life will never be the same
ADVANCE
The Kingdom of God is advancing and he longs for you to join him in what he’s doing in the world. Be equipped with discipleship teaching and hands-on learning, then dive in and serve alongside seasoned mission workers. Your life will never be the same.
- Spend 9 months exploring God’s calling for your life.
- Share Christ’s love in Central Asia, Central Europe, Southeast Asia, West Africa, or Lancaster, Pa.
- Engage in hands-on, cross-cultural discipleship training in Lancaster City, Pa.
- Build lasting relationships with other young adults in a team setting.
- Be mentored by experienced mission leaders with an Anabaptist perspective.
Outreach Locations
Central Asia
Central Europe
Southeast Asia
West Africa
Lancaster, Pa.
Central Asia
Central Asia is home to many least-reached people groups, most of which follow Islam. Long term workers are engaging in community settings in this relational and hospitable environment. Join with them as they live out their testimony as followers of Jesus in this beautiful land.
Central Europe
Come live in a city that is both rich in history and welcoming new people from around the world. Serve alongside long-term workers in the discipleship of new believers from unreached and restricted nations from Western and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is home to kind and friendly people — many of whom have never heard the name of Jesus before. Come and serve alongside long-term workers in the midst of a growing movement that is sharing their faith and serving those in need while learning the language, culture, and customs.
West Africa
Serving in West Africa will stretch you beyond your comfort zone in many ways. Work alongside long-term workers to build relationships and be a witness for Christ in a Muslim-majority country. There are opportunities for working with children and youth, women’s ministry, teaching ESL, leading community development classes or initiatives, and physical work projects.
Lancaster, Pa.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is surrounded by farmland and communities that have been rooted here for centuries. However, it has also been named the “refugee capital of America.” Lancaster is now a place where those who flee persecution find peace and the love of Christ. The ministry center in EMM’s office building is home to English classes, after-school programs, and other opportunities to serve newcomers to this country.
FAQ
What does the training phase look like?
Deepen your relationship with Jesus and develop cross-cultural ministry skills during a 3 month (early September to early December) residential training in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This training will include classroom-style learning, prayer, worship, Bible study, community building, and outreach with other young adults who are passionate for Jesus. Practical experience working with EMM’s Neighbors Community Center will provide Advance participants with hands-on learning opportunities in cross-cultural ministry and service.
What does the outreach phrase look like?
Serve with your Advance team under the leadership of long-term EMM workers or partners in one of our priority regions around the world from early December through mid-May. Outreach opportunities may involve things like relationship building and evangelism, teaching English, children’s ministry, community development, working with refugees and immigrants, and one-on-one or small group discipleship.
Do I get to choose where I go?
During the application process, each participant will indicate their preferences for the top two outreach locations they are most interested in. Teams will be formed and outreach locations will be assigned with consideration given to each participant’s interests, giftings, and personalities; how that fits with others on the team; and the needs expressed by the outreach coordinators. Team assignments will be made in the month leading up to the start of Advance.
How much does it cost?
The cost for Advance varies slightly depending on your outreach location. If you will be traveling internationally there is a program fee of $9,500, while the program fee for staying in Lancaster for the outreach phase is $7,950. The fee includes all training and administrative costs, food and lodging for both the training and outreach phases, ground transportation costs, flights to and from outreach locations, and any visa costs. A $750 discount will be given to those who apply by March 31. Scholarships are also available for those who require financial assistance to participate in the program.
Can I do Advance Global part-time?
No. Advance is a full-time commitment. It’s a perfect fit for those who are planning a “gap year” or for those who feel called to long-term missions and want to take a first step in exploring that calling.