Becoming a Long-Term GSM Missionary
After GSM receives an inquiry about long-term missionary service (lasting longer than 2 years), the following discernment process is typically followed for the applicant and GSM to come to an agreement about serving together.
What you'll find on this page:
- The 14-step Discernment Process
- Application Deadlines
- 2026 & 2027 Timeline of FIT Week dates
- How to take the First Step — please read to the bottom to get started
The Discernment Process
- First Step Call
- Signed Acknowledgment and Agreement to Simple Answers and Statement of Faith
- Review of Core Values, APACCS, and Interview Videos
- Initial Application
- GSM Staff Reviews Application
- Second Step Call (with spouse/family)
- Video call(s) to affirm, follow up, discuss, and see what the Lord is saying
- Discussion with your Sending Church Shepherds
- Invitation to Final Interviews and Training (FIT) Week
- Pre-FIT Training
- FIT Week, typically at our HQ in Sherman, Texas
- Financial arrangements, budgets, and planning meetings
- Agreement, hiring, and committing to the Lord together
- APACCS Development and Service
If you are currently serving with another organization, GSM may ask permission to contact that organization during the application process.
FIT Weeks are hosted the third week (after the 15th) of February, June, and October each year.
Application Deadlines
All dates are measured from the first day of FIT Week.
- 80 days before: First Step call must be completed
- 75 days before: Invitation to apply must be received
- 60 days before: All application pieces complete with sending church approval
- 30 days before: All Pre-FIT training and documents must be complete
2026 & 2027 Timeline
Plan your application timeline by upcoming FIT Week dates:
| Last Day for First Step Call | Invitation to Apply | Application Complete and Church Approval | Complete Pre-FIT Training and Documents | FIT Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2026 | August 4, 2026 | August 19, 2026 | September 19, 2026 | October 19-23, 2026 |
| November 26, 2026 | December 1, 2026 | December 15, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | February 15-19, 2027 |
| April 1, 2027 | April 6, 2027 | April 21, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | June 21-25, 2027 |
| July 29, 2027 | August 3, 2027 | August 18, 2027 | September 18, 2027 | October 18-22, 2027 |
Ready to Take the First Step?
If the Lord is calling you to long-term missionary service and you want to explore serving with GSM, we'd love to hear from you. The First Step Call is just a conversation — no commitment required.