Missionary Training School FAQs

The cost of books and tuition is $600/month. All students are in charge of their own food, transportation, and personal expenses.

• Student Tuition without housing: $3,000 or $600/month
• Student Tuition including housing (singles only): $4,500 or $900/month
• Degree Fee: $850 or $170/month

For Singles: Housing for single students is included in the cost of their tuition, and they will be living in half of a duplex with other single students of the same gender. This duplex is located near several multi-ethnic complexes, and students will be able to experience the joys and challenges of incarnational ministry as they live in close proximity with the Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus that have come to Clarkston as refugees. Depending on the size of the class, single students may have up to five other individuals living in their portion of the duplex with them. Living in close quarters with others will enhance the experience of the training, as individuals practice the realities of field team dynamics. This duplex is fully furnished with all the basics, and the only things single students are responsible to bring for the apartment are bedding (twin), towels, and any specialty appliances they may desire to have in the kitchen.

For Couples and Families with Children: Housing for married couples and families with children is NOT included in the cost of their tuition, so they will be responsible to find their own housing for the duration of their time in Clarkston. Our staff are more than happy to help answer initial questions, make recommendations and connections (when applicable), and serve in any way we can in the process of finding housing. We have heard from couples and families on the field that securing housing is one of the most challenging aspects to work out upon their arrival to the field; therefore, this is another opportunity for students to practically prepare before they launch out.

Every semester is different and has a unique blend of singles, married couples, and families with children, but in the past we have students ranging from ages 18-70! Based on results from a survey that was conducted among MTS graduates in 2020, the average age of MTS graduates was 31.7.

Clarkston is a small 3-square mile town on the northeast side of Atlanta that has been a designated refugee resettlement area since the mid-1990’s. As you can imagine, the refugees who now call Clarkston “home” have more often than not fled from incredibly dangerous and traumatic circumstances in their home country, and that trauma can produce a range of responses. While most individuals who have been resettled in Clarkston are very peaceful people who are eager to engage with their host culture, the reality that unresolved trauma acts out what it has experienced is still a very real factor in this community. From the time when GFM staff first moved into Clarkston we have seen it go from a very violent area with a lot of crime to a much safer community now, but there are still difficulties and risks involved in living and ministering here as there would be in any context with a high concentration of trauma victims. Our staff and students don’t live in constant fear, but we do encourage individuals to minister together in groups, to avoid being out unnecessarily after dark, and to be aware of their surroundings and typical safety precautions.

The short answer is “no.” Missionary Training School is a full-time program, and each week students spend 20 hours in the classroom, 12-15 hours engaging in cross-cultural ministry, at least 2 hours with their coach, and have other responsibilities (such as a book to read and some written homework responses) and opportunities (times to hangout and build community within the context of their student body). In addition to this, we strongly encourage our students to take one day each week as their sabbath where they do not participate in ministry or work of any kind, and to practice (as much as they are able!) saying “no” and living with margin and rhythms of rest in their lives here before they go to the field.

We offer flexible MTS options for families with children which may be discussed with one of our Missions Advisors or our Student Life Coordinator. We can coach through different housing, schooling, childcare, and other options that affect families.

Occasionally, students will pay out-of-pocket or savings for their tuition and living expenses during MTS. However, we recommend students to raise financial support by inviting others to partner with them in the advancement of the gospel among people who have never had the chance to hear it. This is both beneficial for a students’ time in MTS and also lays a solid foundation for them if/when they launch overseas. Our Partner Development Coach is available for initial consultation and coaching with accepted MTS students to help them start support raising.

At this time, scholarship opportunities are limited to applicants from the Global South and/or who have spent a significant amount of time on the mission field or are coming from one of our missions agency partners.

Yes, assuming those individuals are able to take care of all of their own expenses, get all of the necessary paperwork completed, and acquire a visa to come to the United States for the duration of the program. We cannot offer any assistance with immigration or embassy issues, although we will gladly write a letter of invitation for individuals who need such for their visa application.

We do have an Online Missionary Training School for people from non-Western countries where they can get trained at a highly discounted price.

Most MTS graduates leave for the field six months to two years after completing the program (often going with one of our partner agencies). Other graduates return to school for further education, live and work missionally in the marketplace, serve in the context of their local church, or join GFM staff.

Please do! We highly recommend that individuals who are considering MTS come and see things in person. This provides an amazing opportunity for potential students to meet GFM staff, connect with current students and hear their stories, experience the unique and beautiful diversity of Clarkston, and get a feel for the layout of the program. You can work with your GFM Missions Advisor to find a good time to visit (generally weekdays are best so that you can get the full MTS experience), and we’ll have a guest room ready for you!

Absolutely! We love having friends and families come and visit students each semester, and welcome them to the classroom and the community! There is a huge value in students having their supporting network experience Clarkston and MTS for themselves, and serves as a way to both encourage the student and excite the visitor with the vision of what God is doing among the nations. Be sure to check with our staff and see if there are guest rooms available for your friends and family when they come!