Short-termers
From four months to two years, live and learn as you follow Jesus to the edges
Do you have skills and experience to share with our partner churches and organisations? Or are you keen to gain experience for longer mission service? Put your call into action on a short term mission placement with Church Mission Society.
We are looking for people who are committed to mission, have developed skills, experience and gifts and are open to spending from four months to two years living and working alongside Christians in other cultures. Expect to be challenged, to build meaningful relationships and to grow personally and spiritually.
Short term opportunities
Urban ministry in northern Argentina
Are you curious about the church elsewhere in the world? The local Anglican church in the north of Argentina looks very different to the UK! You will take part in a variety of different ministries with local churches, stay with a local family and be fully immersed in Argentinian culture. You will also get the chance to visit indigenous communities in the Chaco region and see some of the incredible indigenous mission movement growing there. Any knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage – you will need to be willing to learn some to communicate effectively!
Digital engagement coordinator, Latin America
Are you excited by the possibilities that digital communication offers to amplify the voices of the marginalised? We are looking for an individual skilled in digital marketing to work with our partners in indigenous mission in Latin America.
You will need to be a team player with proven digital skills and a mature and living relationship with Jesus. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable or a commitment to intensive language learning.
Working with people with learning disabilities in Ecuador
Do you enjoy seeing people fulfil their potential? Do you have a skill or hobby that you would enjoy sharing with others?
We have a short term opportunity in Ecuador, working alongside young people and adults with learning disabilities. You would be supporting the team in a day centre teaching life skills, as well as leading activities such as art, crafts, games or carpentry.
You would also be working alongside our long-term mission partner in Santo Domingo, who is experienced in this field and is passionate to see people in Ecuador and Latin America recognise the enrichment that life alongside people with disabilities brings.
There would also be the opportunity to live and work for 1-2 months within the indigenous Tsáchila communities, staying with an Ecuadorian missionary couple.
Any knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage – you will need to be willing to learn some Spanish to be able to communicate effectively during the placement. Experience of working with people with learning disabilities would be beneficial but not essential.
Digital storytelling in Central and East Africa or North Africa
Are you a talented video-editor with a passion to tell stories that matter? Are you able to listen, engage and learn from others? Are you sensitive to cultural backgrounds and beliefs that are very different to your own? Can you empower others to learn this valuable skill?
Our partners are looking for talented individuals who can train and equip their local teams in digital storytelling.
Community development trainee, South Asia
Are you passionate about justice and tackling poverty?
Our partner organisation offers a training programme for 18-30 year olds interested in community development to experience work on the ground in South Asia.
Through this four to five month placement, you can explore how community development and mission come together. You will be engaged in all areas of the organisation’s work, gaining valuable insight and experience for anyone looking to work in international development or integral mission.
This programme requires applicants to have a mature and living relationship with Jesus, with a humble learning attitude towards mission. Please note that you must have completed A-Levels (or equivalent).
Christian international school in South Asia
Do you enjoy working with young people? Here is an exciting opportunity to volunteer at a vibrant international school in South Asia. Get involved in the classroom as well as helping to organise weekend activities for the boarding students. Perfect for those considering a teaching career or simply wanting a taste of mission in Asia!
Caring for children at risk in Argentina
Come and join a busy team caring for vulnerable children in Argentina. This residential children’s centre cares for over 100 children and is just outside the city of Buenos Aires. You will spend time working with the children, helping with homework, Bible studies and other tasks as needed. You will need to be ready to learn Spanish to really make the most of this experience
Community development in Kenya
Is God calling you to children’s work in Africa? We have a short-term opportunity to support our partner organisation in Kenya, working with vulnerable children. The project seeks to show the love of Jesus in practical ways through their school, vocational training and children’s home.
Working with girls at risk in Brazil
Are you easy-going, flexible and good at working in a team? Are you fluent in, or do you have some knowledge of Portuguese? Then this opportunity might be what God is calling you to next… Our partner project works with children and teenagers in the North East of Brazil who are survivors of abuse, trafficking or exploitation.
Who is CMS looking for?
People involved in a local church who are passionate about evangelistic mission. You will be flexible, adaptable and sensitive in your interaction with people of other backgrounds, cultures and faiths. You may have a few years of experience in your profession. Maybe you have just finished education or are looking for a career break. Perhaps you are coming up to retirement. Whatever your situation, CMS is keen to explore what God has ahead for you.
How do I apply?
The process of selection begins with us receiving a completed enquiry form from you. We then take you through one or two interviews looking at how you got to this point, your calling and the type of work you want to do. We take up three references, complete a DBS check and a health check, and then invite you to a two-week training course where you will meet all sorts of other people who are either heading off overseas like you or just returning. We ask for a contribution of £500 towards the cost of the training, health and DBS checks, and debriefing on return.
How much does it cost?
Average costs for a short term mission placement for one person are £5,000 to 8,000 a year, but vary depending on location.
What next?
Fill in a quick form to let us know what you’re interested in…
Commitment to best practice
CMS adheres to the Global Connections Short Term Mission Commitment to Best Practice. Find out more
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