The Application Process for
Individual Volunteer Service
Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist
Volunteers In Mission, in partnership with local and
international churches, institutions and ecumenical
organizations, has identified opportunities in the USA
and abroad
for individual volunteers, either single or as married
couples. Terms will vary according to the amount of
time the individual volunteer has available and the
needs of the host community. The usual length of
service is two months to two years. In many countries,
fluency in the language is required.
Characteristics of Successful
Volunteers
Because individual volunteers will be viewed as
missionaries by the host community, they may be asked
to pray aloud, speak in public on short notice, and/or
lead Bible studies. Individual volunteers should
possess the following characteristics:
A growing Christian faith and understanding of
mission;
Involvement in a local church;
Maturity and a sense of personal security and
wholeness;
Ability to live with uncertainty, ambiguity,
and loneliness;
Flexibility and willingness to meet the
demands of the assignment, including working
under the supervision of the local authorities;
Willingness to observe standards of behavior
acceptable to the host church, usually including
no alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs;
Skills in interpersonal relationships,
including intercultural and interracial
experience;
Educational preparation and/or skills
appropriate to the position;
Physical and emotional health;
A sense of humor.
The Placement Process
Although the UMVIM, SEJ Office cannot promise
a prospective volunteer a specific placement, we will
work toward an appropriate match. Once the office
receives a completed application, references, and
application fee ($50 international, $25 USA),
consultations take place, usually by phone. Then the
application is sent to the applicant's first choice.
If that placement does not materialize, the
application may be sent to other choices. In any
event, the volunteer and the office must agree on the
location to be considered. This process may take
several months.
The individual volunteer is expected to cover
the cost of transportation and personal expenses in
the place of assignment. Ideally, the place of
service will provide room and meals. However, that is
not always possible because volunteers often go where
the need is greatest and the local leadership is
unable to provide room and meals.
Six orientation sessions for individual volunteers
are held each year in varied locations. All individual
volunteers are expected to attend one of these
sessions.
After studying the above, if you feel called by God
to serve as an individual volunteer and if you reside
in the southeastern United States, contact UMVIM,
SEJ for an application. If you reside outside the nine southeastern United States, contact
.Lorna Jost Indvols@gbgm-umc.org. Be sure to include a surface mail address and phone number.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Individual Christian volunteer opportunities exist both in the United States and in many other
countries around the world. To download a copy
in Adobe Acrobat of our Application, Reference Form, Information Sheet for Prospective Individual Volunteers, and FAQ's, click here!
