Global Service Opportunities

Basis of Appointment

The United Church of Canada seeks to appoint overseas personnel in response to requests from overseas partner churches and agencies. It is the policy of the UCC to give consideration to each partner-approved request.

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Candidates for Appointment

The United Church of Canada appoints men and women, either single or married, with or without dependent children, based on the qualifications and acceptability of the applicant to fulfill the requirements of the position identified by the partner church or agency.

When the applicant is married the husband and wife are each appointed as overseas personnel and each are subject to the same personal qualifications and selection procedures even though only one spouse may be initially assigned to a position with an overseas partner.

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Qualifications

Qualifications are of two kinds, professional and personal.

Professional

Normally, qualifications shall be as required for exercise of profession in Canada, or as specified by requesting agency. The expectation is that the applicant will have both training and experience in her/his particular vocation.

Personal

• A sound Christian faith, a deep personal commitment to Christ. The expectation is that the candidate will be an active member of a Canadian church, seeking to live out the gospel as a member of his/her community of faith as well as in the community at large.
• Character and personality such as to commend the Christian faith to others.
• The ability to cooperate and work closely with others on a team; willingness to live under the authority of others, and to subordinate personal points of view in the interests of group harmony.
• Intellectual discipline and alertness.
• Good physical condition, mental and emotional stability and maturity; one who has good self-esteem; a person who is in touch with her/his own needs, strengths and limitations.
• Indication of adaptability and flexibility in dealing with change and ambiguities with a demonstrated capacity to cope with the unusual.
• Willingness and ability to live a simple life-style.
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and awareness of global issues and events.
• A commitment to global justice.
• A commitment to learning another language and culture, including an openness to learning what the gospel means in that cultural context.
• Acceptance of the United Church of Canada's understanding of mission and partnership.
• Willingness to work under the direction of the partner.

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Some Limitations

• Applications are not encouraged from persons for at least one year after a major life change (e.g. marriage, separation, divorce, widowed, etc.)
• Normally, applications are not encouraged from families with children who are teenagers. Exceptions can be made, but only after very careful consideration of the advisability of doing so.
• Applications are not encouraged until five years has elapsed following alcohol or drug rehabilitation.
• Applicants who are not members of The United Church of Canada, or who have received their theological training in an institution not affiliated with, or accredited by The United Church, may be required to state their position regarding the Statement of Faith and policy of The United Church of Canada.

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Non-discrimination in Appointments

Candidates for overseas service with The United Church of Canada are chosen on the basis of ability, qualifications and suitability for an open position. Because some overseas partner organizations may impose conditions or limitations, it might not be possible to accept certain otherwise qualified candidates for certain positions. If the UCC considers such conditions or limitations to be reasonable in the circumstances, it may choose the best qualified candidate who satisfies the conditions or limitations which have been imposed by the partner.

From Section 7, "Overseas Personnel Policy Handbook"