Global Mission: Ways We Serve

Global Mission Service Opportunities

ELCA Global Mission personnel serve in more than 40 countries, with role responsibilities ranging from months to several years. Opportunities include serving as pastors, teachers, health workers, administrators and development specialists, all invited by companion churches.

Theology of Accompaniment

Our mission is guided by accompaniment, walking with Lutheran, ecumenical and interfaith siblings worldwide. We believe God calls us into the world together, valuing relationships that transform, reconcile and build each other’s capacity for mission.

Discernment and Call

As you explore global service, reflect on your gifts and seek God’s guidance. This is more than filling roles, it’s about mutual accountability, stewarding God’s gifts for today and tomorrow and joining partners to strengthen communities in Christ.

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Positions of Service

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Long-term roles meet core needs in ELCA Global Mission, set with companion churches. Most require a second language (training provided) and a 4+ year commitment, with a home assignment of two months. Continuing service possible after four years and completion of a full ministry review.

Long Term

Four-Year Commitment (Or More!)

bearded man in red shirt holding a water bottle stands next to a man in a green jacket and a woman wearing a blue and white striped shirt between rows of tall plants in Cambodia.

The Global Mission 2-year (GM2) program places personnel at the request of companion churches to meet needs in education, health, administration and more. Stipend, travel, housing and health insurance provided. One-year renewal is possible for up to two additional years.

Two-Year Programs

Church Peace Corps

A woman wearing a black dress with a gray sweater and a large cross around her neck holds the end of a a weaving to stretch it out as another woman holds the bottom and two men and a child look on.

Central Europe Teachers (CET). ELCA partners with Lutheran schools in Central Europe to place native English speakers for one-year, renewable terms, supporting student language growth and two-way cultural exchange in a global business, tourism, and media context.

CET

English Teaching Mission

a row of people, faces not shown on camera, stand leaning against a wooden railing with hymn books open and hands folded in prayer.

The Horizon International Internship program provides ELCA seminary students with an intensive and transformational opportunity to have their ministry shaped by the witness of the world. The program aims to enrich the talents and skills of future rostered leaders for the ministry. Terms are six months to one year and is open to M.Div. and diaconal students.

Internship

Email for Application

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Our Global Mission Associate (GMA) and Global Mission Volunteer programs vary from three months to two-year programs, with possible renewal. These volunteer programs match self-supported volunteers to education, health and ministry needs as ELCA personnel.

Match Global Needs

Associates and Volunteers

A Year of Service with Global Companions

ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission

The Young Adults in Global Mission program invites adults ages 21–35 into one year of international service. As they walk alongside global companions, volunteers are shaped by the witness of neighbors and share in the ministries of partner churches and organizations.

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Quick Links

Companion Synod Relationships

ELCA companion synods connect Lutheran churches worldwide with ELCA synods and congregations for mutual ministry.

How We Serve

International Leaders Program (ILP)

The ILP accompanies the ELCA’s global companion churches to equip leaders for mission and ministry in a global context.

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Support Missionaries

Every missionary needs your support and gifts to succeed in their work. Make their life-changing ministry happen.

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Where We Serve