Welcome to the Extended Term (ExT) section of our website!  We'd like to enter into an honest conversation with you about career missionary service.  Exploring such a significant life change requires a wealth of information.  That's what you will find here.

If you're a student or the pastor of a prospective missionary, be sure to use our helpful resource links on the top right corner of this page.  We encourage you to read through the rest of the ExT section of this site as well.

Need to learn more about the Free Methodist Church?  Check out www.fmcna.org

What's the Difference Between VISA and ExT Service?

VISA Ministries is the official short-term missionary sending branch of FMWM.  VISA stands for Volunteers In Service Abroad.

A big difference between VISA and ExT is the amount of time the missionary devotes toward overseas service.  We normally ask ExT candidates to commit to a minimum of two terms, which equals about 10 years.  VISA generally is good for those who are looking to devote two years or less to mission - VISA's longest term of service is two years, though a VISA term can be renewed multiple times.

It is also important to note that the support package of ExT missionaries is tailored toward their long-term needs as career missionaries (benefits, pension, etc.).  Both VISA and ExT missionaries raise their own support based on an individualized budget that must be approved by FMWM leadership.

Often a would-be ExT missionary who needs to further test the waters and/or gain more cross-cultural experience will start out with VISA service then transition into ExT within a year or two.  Our missionary internship program is designed to mentor young missionaries in this way.  So, if such an arrangement may fit your situation, it's a good thing to keep in mind.

Need more input or have a specific question about this?  Send an e-mail to ExploreMissions@gmail.com to dialog.

Here's an invitation to a journey of discovery.  Click here to take the first step.

"We can condemn the world and hope God gets us out of here before it burns, or we can take the more dangerous route and stick it out here and learn to love sinners - seeing them in our own forgiveability and loving them unconditionally, the way we are loved by God through Christ."

-John Fischer