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Global Mission Fellows pose for a group photo at YOUTH 2023.
Photo: Scott Hughes
Global Mission Fellows is a two-year program for young adults (ages 20-30). Partnering with community organizations, fellows learn while they serve, helping those in need while furthering their own professional development in a cohort of likeminded young adults. Fellows address a variety of issues, including migration/immigration, education, public health, poverty and more. The program has two tracks based on where fellows serve: U.S. and International.
Fellows serving in the International track are assigned to a placement site outside their home country. In this new context, they serve in a variety of roles based on their skills and the needs of the placement site. Fellows must hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent work experience and have conversational English skills.
Since 1951, young adults have served in mission in the United States in the Global Mission Fellows US-2 track. This track is currently not accepting applications as we re-envision young adult mission service in the United States. Global Ministries continues to support US-2s already in service.
Young adults are making an impact in communities around the world. Explore the three core values of the GMF program.
Fellows serve alongside churches, community groups and individuals to address the priorities of people in their community. Fellows join local initiatives to break the chains of injustice and alleviate human suffering (Isaiah 58:6-7).
Fellows invite churches to participate in mission with them through prayer, financial and emotional support and common action. Connecting the church in mission is one way young adults are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
Fellows understand, as John Wesley did, that transformation happens when the inner and outer life are aligned in right relationship with God, oneself and others. They follow the call to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
Have questions about the Global Mission Fellows program? We’ve got answers!
All applicants must be:
Please visit the International Track page to view a timeline.
No. Applicants from other Christian denominations are welcome to apply. However, all fellows must be professing Christians, agree to abide by Methodist values during service and will be commissioned as a missionary of the UMC.
We encourage our fellows to fully engage and connect with their local communities; therefore, our fellows are asked not to work for pay outside of their placement or to take classes for credit.
Our team is highly skilled at matching applicants with placements that match their skills and interests best.
If you are applying for the International track, an unexpired passport is required, and fellows are responsible for all costs related to getting a passport. If you are invited to the program, the process of applying for visas is handled primarily by the fellow with assistance from Global Ministries staff and partners. Fellows are expected to research the specific procedures for their destination country by visiting the websites or contacting the nearest consular office to inquire about the timeline and details. If you have more questions about the passport requirement, contact us.
Simple living is an act of solidarity and humility. As learners and co-laborers, fellows commit to having the same standard of living as that of their local partners. Simple living means that the daily needs of the fellows are covered, but they will have the opportunity to experience systems of injustice in the same way as the community. We consider many different factors in the calculation of the stipends, taking cost of living, safety and transportation options into consideration for each placement. Need more details about the privilege of simple living? Contact us and our staff will reach out to answer your questions.
We are always cultivating new placement sites based on requests from our partners. Some previous positions were youth advocate, children education assistant, outreach coordinator, legal clinic coordinator, refugee work manager, agriculturalist and much more. Follow us on social media to hear about creative ways that fellows are serving right now! Explore how fellows are putting their faith into action.
A fellow’s typical workweek is 35-45 hours. This includes time spent at the placement site, as well as mentorship, community building, continuing education and other activities that support their work.
A primary goal of the program is to be present among the community where the fellow is serving and live within the means of those around them. Because access to travel is a privilege, travel home is not common for fellows and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, fellows are allowed visitors, but they must receive approval in advance.
Yes, we accept married couples. We ask each individual to submit a completed application and to be sure that they indicate their relationship. Each applicant is accepted or denied based on their own merits.
IMPORTANT: Global Ministries will not cover any of the costs for the relocation, travel, and living expenses of the spouse if they are not a fellow. The living stipend is designed to support the financial needs of the fellow alone.
We expect those who enter the program to make the full 24-month commitment. In the case of an unexpected termination, requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Increasingly, fellows are placed in areas where there may be another fellow in the same town or region, but every placement context is unique.
If applying for the International track, fellows will relocate to a different country from their home context. For example, if you are from Brazil, you will not be able to serve in Brazil.
Children or dependents are NOT permitted to accompany fellows during service. Fellows must ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their care and support during the service term.
NOTE: The living stipend is designed to support only the personal living expenses of the fellow and does not provide extra to support other family members. For more information, email missionaryinfo@umcmission.org.
You are responsible for your student loans during service, though depending on the type of loan you have, you may qualify for a loan deferment.
Yes, fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover their personal expenses. Stipends vary, depending on the country where the fellow serves.
During service, fellows are provided with:
Yes, fellows live out the core value to connect the church in mission by fundraising for the program. Training in fundraising and networking skills are provided throughout a fellow’s time of service.
Many alumni find ways to continue working for justice and peace, often in positions at social justice-minded organizations. Some take positions in the private sector or government while some pursue ordination or full-time ministry. Others continue their education or pursue careers of service (social work, education, law, medicine, etc.). In general, fellows gain valuable work and life experience that they can implement wherever the next steps of their journey takes them.
Read Stories
of Impact
Learn more about the work of Global Mission Fellows and other United Methodist missionaries and how you can support them.
Learn how you can become a GMF or host a fellow at a placement site.
Discern if missionary service is right for you and begin the application process for the Global Mission Fellows – International track.
Are you interested in hosting International track Global Mission Fellows? Review placement site requirements and start an application.
Learn more about the GMF program. Share these resources with your church or on social media.
Learn about the different ways United Methodist missionaries answer God’s call to mission.
Long-term missionaries serving in cross-cultural contexts. Sharing God’s love with communities around the world.
Long-term missionaries serving at risk communities in the United States. Includes Church and Community Workers (CCWs) and Racial Ethnic Plan (REP) missionaries.
Give to Advance #13105Z, which supports young adult UMC missionaries around the world.
Photo: Mike DuBose, UM News
