This opportunity involves serving on a team that is starting a vibrant community of faith among the professional class in or near Montevideo, a highly atheistic and agnostic population that tends to be suspicious of religious institutions and outsiders.  Consequently, this requires being a positive presence in the community by meeting societal needs and building relational bridges that can take the weight of the gospel.

The applicant(s) will be expected to contribute by teaching English classes, expanding the development of the English programs started by the Montevideo Rambla Team, developing relationships with Uruguayans, and finding other creative inroads through English into Uruguayan society. 

Responsibilities

• Teach English
• Develop and lead English clubs, English camp and adventure club programs
• Actively participate in ministries and the life of “El Estar Alliance Church”
• Make and develop relationships with Uruguayans
• Live out and share the gospel on a regular basis

Required Qualifications

• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of Certificate level) or equivalent
• Degree and experience in TESOL
• Demonstrated positive ministry involvement in local church 

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative and skilled in curriculum development
• Extroverted and outgoing personality
• Self-starter
• Bilingual
• Relational

Biblical Characteristics Desired

• Kingdom-minded
• Biblically grounded
• Spirit-dependent
• Competently skilled
• Self-aware
• Self-disciplined

Timeline for Deployment

Summer/fall 2022. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.

General Information

The work and living environments are in a modern city of 1.4 million along the coastline, with all the advantages of an urban setting. The arts, athletics, and education are highly valued.  Public transportation is safe and inexpensive, although the cost of living is very high.  Montevideo has the standard amenities you would expect in an urban setting and is a relatively safe and beautiful city to live in.

CIA World Factbook – Uruguay

Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project – Uruguay

Language Expectations

Language is an essential part of ministry. The successful applicant(s) will receive one year of intense language study, followed by ongoing language and cultural acquisition. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Language learning is accomplished by attending a one-year, onsite program at the Spanish Language Institute in San Josè, Costa Rica. Second-year, language-study requirements are fulfilled on the field through formal tutoring, reading requirements, videos, cultural events, and constant interaction with Uruguayans in the city of Montevideo.

Health Considerations

Quality health and dental care are readily available. There are no major health risks. In coastal cities, the level of health and dental care is lower than in the capital city.

Expectations for Spouse

Spousal roles vary, based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options

Within Montevideo, there are many quality, bilingual options readily available for all ages of children. In coastal cities, there are usually good options for children, grades K-5th. Middle- and high-school options are limited in coastal and interior cities.