ADVANCE

 

Your life will NEVER be the SAME

The kingdom of God is advancing! Join us for a gap year – engage in three months of hands-on, cross-cultural discipleship training in Lancaster City, Pa. Then serve five months in one of EMM’s priority regions. The program runs from September 6, 2026, to May 14, 2027. Your life will never be the same.

  • Ignite your passion for knowing and following Jesus
  • Explore your gifts and calling in a community setting
  • Build meaningful relationships across cultures
  • Serve others alongside seasoned mission workers
  • Practice living your faith and sharing Christ’s love as a team

Outreach Locations

Apply Now!

FAQ

Q: What does the training phase look like?

A: 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. 

Q: What does the training phase look like?

A: 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.
Q: What does the outreach phase look like?
A: 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. 
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost for Advance varies slightly depending on your outreach location. If you will be traveling internationally there is a program fee of $10,500, while the program fee for staying in Lancaster for the outreach phase is $9,000. 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 $1,000 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. 

Q: Can I do Advance part-time?

A: 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.

Still have questions?

Contact us