Global Service Opportunities

1. After an initial inquiry to the Conference or the national Global Mission Personnel Office, the inquirer will be asked to meet informally with the Conference Facilitator or the national Global Mission Personnel Secretary for an initial interview.
2. Interview with the Conference Global Mission Personnel Facilitator: The interview provides an opportunity for inquirers to share information about education, experience and motivation on an "Initial Information Form". The Facilitator will share information about current requests for personnel from United Church partners and the process of application and appointment with The United Church of Canada.
3. Where there is the possibility of a suitable overseas position, normally the inquirer will participate in a 2-3 day Mission Discernment Event, as arranged by the Global Mission Personnel Secretary. It is an opportunity to meet other inquirers and to explore goals, gifts and limitations as they are related to being a person in mission overseas. Together, participants try to discern how God is active in the world, what the mission challenges are in today's world, and what the role of the church and ourselves, as individuals, might be in an overseas context.
4. The applicant will complete the Application Form which includes a statement of Christian faith and motivation for service overseas, and provide five references.
5. The applicant will participate in a psychological assessment and discernment process conducted by the GMP portfolio's psychological consultant. A summary, confidential report is prepared for the Global Mission Personnel Secretary. Information is shared as background for the interview committee on a need-to-know basis only.
6. The applicant will be interviewed by the Sending Sub-committee of the national Global Mission Personnel Committee, or interview committee mandated by this Sub-committee. Appointment is made by the Division or its Executive, on the recommendation of the Sending Sub-committee of the Global Mission Personnel Committee.
7. All appointments are subject to the following conditions:
   • a positive recommendation for overseas service from the GMP portfolio's medical consultant based on a thorough medical examination;
   • a satisfactory outcome from a Police Records Check through the Canadian Policy Information Centre via the RCMP;
   • partner approval.
8. The candidate will attend the orientation course in July, January, or a designated equivalent.

The screening process usually at least 5-6 months. In some countries it can take an additional number of months to obtain a work permit. It is wise to allow yourself the better part of a year in making an application.