Program Plans / Statement of Needs 2007
Department for Mission and Development
Human Resources Development Desk
Professional Experience Exchange Program
Program/ Country New/ Total Budget
Project Ongoing Request 2007
Number
PHD 9002 Global Ongoing 30,000
Main Goal
To enable the sharing of knowledge and experiences within the communion, through guest lectures and other
professional exchanges between countries and continents.
Link to LWF Priority Areas
1.3 Promote cooperative efforts among member churches in carrying out their holistic mission;
4.3 Strengthen among the member churches worldwide the sharing of needs, concerns and resources
(spiritual, human, material and financial).
Background
The program aims to meet the strong need expressed by member churches, seminaries and university
educators to share resources and learn from each other in an enriching dialogue.
The LWF Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg expressed that “As the justified people of God, we are a communion in
Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are called to share our resources and perspectives
with each other, as well as to challenge and provoke one another to new horizons of faithfulness that go beyond
what we can see or do as individual member churches.”
Within the communion of LWF member churches there is an enormous wealth of skills, experience and
knowledge. Through support for various exchange programs these gifts can be shared and thus contribute to
strengthening the Communion.
The practical learning experiences offered through exchange programs could be one of the most effective
means for the development of individuals and groups towards a better understanding of communion.
Recently, support has been given to guest lecturers who have been invited to teach in overseas theological
training institutions during their sabbatical leave.
Expected Results and Impacts
Immediate/direct (short-term) results:
- New learning gained by participants are expressed through program reports;
- Short term need for professionals in specific areas are being covered through the program.
Long term impacts (e.g. processes initiated):
- Shared experiences and knowledge will lead to a strengthened Communion;
- New partnerships will have been formed;
- Individuals and groups will have gained new experiences making them more effective in their ministries.
Implementation Plan
The program will provide financial support for exchange programs according to specific needs expressed by
member churches. LWF assistance is limited to providing financial help towards the most direct and least
expensive travel, i.e. economy class return ticket. The inviting institution or church is expected to take care of
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room and board and other maintenance expenses. In the allocation of funds, special attention will be paid to
regional and gender balance.
Applications should be sent to the Human Resources Development Desk through the LWF National Committee
or through the applicant’s home church.
The candidate and applicant church are asked to fill in a simple application form.
Important Assumptions
The success of this program will be enhanced if the request received corresponds to the long-term planning of
the total activities of the church/institutions involved, and if the personnel situation is stable so that experiences
are not lost.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Immediately upon conclusion of the training, the recipients of funds are asked to send a report to the LWF;
focussing on how the program has benefited him/her in their present occupation (experiences, lessons learned,
conclusions, critical analysis).
Partners
The LWF member churches/national committees recruit candidates to meet identified personnel needs and
send applications, with church endorsement, to the LWF/HRD Desk.
Human Resources
The staff of the HRD Desk screens applications and implements the program in cooperation with colleagues in
the LWF.
Budget in USD
Activity/Item Actual Budget
2005 2007
LWF contribution towards travel 30,000
Total Amount USD 7,649 30,000
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