Pilgrims in Mission

Pilgrims in Mission are enthusiastic groups or individuals who embark on a short-term experience with a Mission & Service global partner. Pilgrims engage with partners in the context of building and sustaining right relationships and build their intercultural competencies.

What does it mean to be a Pilgrim?

Are you

• actively engaged with the United Church?
• prepared for a “see, taste, touch” immersive experience?
• excited about the opportunity to share with your home community of faith upon return?

Explore the resources below and connect with People in Partnership staff at  pip@united-church.ca .

Recommended Reading

• Sojourning: A Leader's Guide for Short Term Mission Travel
  A 94-page guide that helps you in the process of discernment, planning, travel, and continued involvement with your global hosts. Available as a downloadable PDF from United Church Bookstore.
• The Problem with Little White Girls (and Boys): Why I Stopped Being a Voluntourist
  A provocative and well-circulated blog by Pippa Biddle on travelling to help others.
• Why “Voluntourism” Matters
  A response to Pippa Biddle’s blog by John Julian of the Canadian Co-operative Association (Huffington Post).
• The Code of Best Practice in Short-Term Mission
  Guidelines from the Global Mission Roundtable of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
• Short Term Mission (Forum for Intercultural Leadership and Learning | Canadian Council of Churches)
  Diverse resources drawing from the Canadian Churches' Forum's 90 years of international ministry experience.

Current Opportunities

For information on current opportunities, check out the Other Opportunities on the Job and Volunteer Opportunities page or contact pip@united-church.ca .

Designing Your Own Opportunity

Thinking about designing your own pilgrimage? We’d love to hear about your plans! Contact  pip@united-church.ca  for resources and tips.