The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites young people between the ages 18 and 30 years from across the globe to apply for the 2025 Stewards Programme, scheduled to take place from 14-26 June 2025.
This exciting programme offers a unique opportunity for youth ages 18-30 to engage with the global ecumenical movement and actively contribute to the work of the WCC.
The deadline for applications is 30 November 2024. Download application form here https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/stewards-programme-applic…;
Participants in the Stewards Programme will be part of a diverse and dynamic community of young Christians from different backgrounds, churches, and regions. Together, they will bring their faith, experiences, and vision to create an enriching ecumenical experience of fellowship and collaboration. The programme will be conducted in English, the working language for the event.
What is the WCC Stewards Programme?
The Stewards Programme brings together a dynamic and diverse group of young people from all over the world from 14 to 26 June 2025 (inclusive of travel dates). As a diverse community, stewards bring their faith, experiences and visions to an ecumenical experience of togetherness and friendship. Being a steward will challenge you, will foster your involvement and participation, and it could change your life. The Stewards Programme includes: an on-site ecumenical formation, participate in the Central Committee open sessions, and work at the event site where the meetings are taking place.
Work, pray and sweat
Stewards arrive in South Africa-Johannesburg four days prior to the Central Committee meetings to learn about the ecumenical movement and to participate in the meetings. The work done is often exhausting, intense and under pressure of short deadlines. The main areas of tasks to be carried out are: floor management, documentation, communications, interpretation, worship and other tasks such as general administration, sorting mail, delivering messages, etc.
Financing
WCC will be responsible for board and lodging expenses during the programme. Travel costs to and from South Africa-Johannesburg are the responsibility of the steward, except in cases where subsidy is granted. Please see application form for details.
All stewards who are granted partial travel assistance are expected to make a financial contribution towards their travel expenses. The purpose of the contribution is to allow more young people to participate in the programme, to strengthen the commitment of the participants, and to encourage the ownership of the programme by the participants and their churches and organisations.
Criteria
Stewards are young people between the ages 18 and 30 years old by the time of the Central Committee- in June 2025. English is the working language of the programme. Stewards need to be prepared to endure an intensive programme of activities and long, tiring work days. Working hours are irregular, and often special programmes are planned after work for the stewards. Patience, ability to work with people from other countries and cultures, and a willingness to work together as a team, are essential. The deadline for application is 30 November 2024.
Checklist
All completed applications require the following documents. Make sure you have them ready and in order before sending to our office. Only completed applications will be considered.
- Curriculum vitae/resumé
- Separate sheets for the essays
- Two (2) recommendation letters
- - One from your church family
- - One from an ecumenical body
- A copy of either Passport or Identity card