Global Service Opportunities

The United Church of Canada seeks to share with partner churches and agencies in other parts of the world in God's mission, embodied in Jesus Christ, for wholeness, love, and justice for all people and creation.

To respond to a request from an overseas partner

The initiative comes from the overseas partner; we don't create the position or need. In dialogue with our partners, we explore how, when, and where United Church personnel can be meaningfully involved with them in doing God's mission in their context.

To provide solidarity and nurture partnership

As members of the Christian community, we attempt to share with people overseas in their life and mission with its struggles and victories, sorrows and joys. This involves empathetic involvement and fellowship. It helps put a human face on partnership, making it more viable and real, especially at the grassroots level.

To provide skills

We attempt to fulfill a direct need by providing particular skills; people sent with the skills requested are present in the overseas context as co-workers.

To learn the gospel

There are many aspects of the gospel that we have not experienced in our Canadian context. We go to learn the gospel through new eyes.

To share our faith perspective

It is not our objective just to bring the "good news," although we attempt to share our understanding of the gospel of Christ with love and sensitivity, for the people and their culture.

To interpret the mission of the global church back in Canada

Using our overseas experiences and learnings, we interpret the mission of the global church to Canadians.

To work for global justice

By making local and global connections we assist Canadians in their understanding of economic and political structures that perpetuate injustice in all its forms. We then facilitate and support appropriate actions that lead to greater global justice.

To be an advocate

We have a responsibility to advocate for the people who have shared their lives with us. We can be a voice for the voiceless in national and international fora, while we work toward the time when all will be heard.

View current requests and invitations from United Church partners.

Overseas Personnel Reflect on “Hybrid Identity” [PDF: 1 p/ 20 KB]

At an October 2009 consultation, United Church overseas personnel share their insights into overlapping cultural identities.