Personnel positions in long-term service meet core programmatic needs in the ELCA's global mission program. The positions are carefully developed in consultation with the ELCA's companion churches, and the personnel provide an important resource within the mission strategy of the companion church.
Usually at least one other language must be spoken. Language training is provided, as necessary. As these positions require the intimate knowledge of a country, people and culture that can only be acquired over time, a commitment of four or more years is normally necessary. Application is open to lay or clergy, except as the specific job description details. Positions are open to single individuals and couples, with or without dependent children.
The number of long-term positions is limited; they are supported and budgeted by the resources of the ELCA through the Mission Support system.
The ELCA Global Mission two-year program responds to the requests for personnel received by our companion churches and institutions. These positions meet programmatic needs in education, health and administration, among other professions.
Each position is designed for one individual, although in some instances a couple can be accommodated. There is no provision for dependent children. Participants are compensated at a stipend level but transportation, housing and health insurance are provided. Given the modest provisions – sort of like church Peace Corps – personnel are often recent college graduates or early retirees.
cities and towns.
Volunteers teach English language, literature or other subjects in an academic program to students in 8th to 13th grades, following the approved school curriculum. Some schools focus on utilizing the ELCA teachers in conversation classes. The students have a working knowledge of English. Most graduates go on to universities within their home countries or abroad.
Teaching 16-22 hours a week in classes of 12-18 students, teachers need to be creative, flexible and prepared to assume heavy demands of time and energy. This is an exciting time to be teaching in Central Europe. Teachers can help students develop language and other skills that will enable them to move ahead in their chosen careers and to serve their church or society. Volunteers are required to have a Bachelors degree. A degree in Education is desired but not essential.
Preference will be given to applications received by March 1
Location
A volunteer is first accepted to teach in the Central Europe program and is later assigned to one of the schools. Preferences will be considered, but placement is based on many factors.
Dates
Initial travel is in mid-August for a week-long orientation program, held in Bratislava, Slovakia. The school year finishes at the end of June in the following year.
Terms
Teacher's stipend and shared housing are provided by the school (based on teaching wages in Slovakia)
Medical insurance provided by ELCA
Volunteers raise support for international travel and additional expenses
Student loans may be able to be deferred (check with your lender)
Bachelors degree needed
Can be degree in multitude of areasDoes not need to have ESL certification
Facebook | Instagram
Want to learn more? Email Naomi Sveholm for more information.
Volunteers serve in classrooms as teaching assistants in schools operated by the Church of Christ in Thailand. While volunteers are highly involved in the class instruction, the partnership with a Thai teacher is meant to help bridge cultural gaps – even as volunteers may not have an education background – and assist the Thai teachers in their own English improvement. Other duties might include English camps, Christian education, etc. As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand is now faced with open national borders and reduced trade restrictions with its neighboring countries, creating an ever-increasing demand for English as English is the only common language of the nations in the association. Additionally, the survival of the Christian schools amid this change makes English instruction essential. Volunteers will have the opportunity to be a part of this new reality for Thailand and its future capacity for diplomatic and economic relevance within ASEAN.
This is a two-year commitment. Housing, health insurance and a monthly stipend (equivalent to a beginning teacher’s salary in Thailand) are provided. Volunteers engage in a Thailand-based orientation upon arrival. A bachelor’s degree (in any field) is required. No teaching experience is required.
The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC) operates schools and other programs that provide English language instruction as part of the church’s ministry. Invited by the JELC to engage in ministry together, the ELCA recruits and sends English speakers to teach English and to support congregational ministries.
The JELC brings a commitment to educational excellence and specialized ministries that reach out to the community. J-3 teachers have the unique opportunity to be a part of this and to witness, through their work and service, to the love of God.
J-3 teachers serve for 33 months. Stipend, housing, international transportation and extensive language training are provided. Full medical and dental coverage as well as partial student loan reimbursement assistance are also provided.
Are you a health care professional seeking to share your gifts internationally? The Lutheran Global Health Volunteers program matches short-term, skilled and self-supported health care volunteers with opportunities in health ministry programs operated by ELCA companion churches and agencies. People with various skill sets are needed to meet these diverse requests including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dentists, hospital administrators, facilities engineers, health educators, medical record librarians, information technology specialists and others.
The program works in two ways:
An ELCA companion church or agency requests a volunteer with specific skills from across the spectrum of health and medical expertise. ELCA staff responds by searching for an appropriate candidate.
A volunteer reaches out to the ELCA to express interest in this program, citing relevant health care or medical skills, availability and interest. ELCA staff work to match the volunteer with an existing opportunity.
General guidelines for Lutheran Global Health Volunteers
Service periods typically range from one to three months, depending upon the particular assignment.
Housing is normally provided by the local church or agency at no cost or at a low cost.
Volunteers receive basic overseas medical insurance (if requested), visa and work permits required for the period of service.
Volunteers are responsible for transportation, local living costs, and passport and inoculation fees. While not employees, Lutheran Global Health Volunteers are considered global personnel of the ELCA and are expected to reflect the values of this church and respect the faith and standards of our partners. A clear background check is required; volunteers are subject to the personnel policies of the ELCA.
ELCA staff will work with the volunteers to find a good fit for their skills and available time. Please keep in mind that finding a match does take time.
Initial sites include rural areas of Liberia, India and Tanzania
View brochure here
Take a look at some of the opportunities offered by other ELCA-related organizations and outside oportunities here.
The Horizon International Internship program provides ELCA Master of Divinity students with an opportunity to have their ministry shaped by the witness of the world. It is an intensive and transformational opportunity, which aims to enrich the talents and skills of future rostered leaders for the ministry and mission of the ELCA. The Horizon International Internship program is an exciting collaborative venture of the ELCA service and Justice home area, in cooperation with the synods and seminaries of the ELCA. Seminary internships remain the primary responsibility of seminaries.
For more information on the Horizon International Internship program, please review an outline of the candidate process here. The application form and supporting documents are provided in the widget on the top called "Application Process". Email horizon@elca.org with any questions.
