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The Echo Community Missionary Program exists to give young adults a powerful experience of authentic relationships, dynamic formation, and a chance to share the Gospel through the lens of the Theology of the Body...all rooted in a daily rhythm of prayer and a truly human way of living.
We recognize and celebrate that God has given many gifts for the building of His Kingdom, and thus there is no "one type" of personality called to missionary life. Some are called primarily to quiet service, intercession, hospitality, or teaching and witness, but all are called to intimacy with God...and all are called to stretch to become the man or woman that He has created them to be. Young Adults are invited to consider giving about a year (September 2025 - July 2026) to dive into the missionary life with Echo Community, and to then go forth and live out all that they have received, inviting all to the freedom that comes from life in Christ. ARE YOU READY TO DIVE IN? |
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APPLICATIONS
Applications are now open for our 2025-2026 Echo Missionary Team! Before you begin, we wanted to include some helpful info below that is part of the application process.
(1) Many of the application questions require prayerful consideration. You will be able to save the application and return to it. It does not need to be completed in one sitting. (2) You will need two references, one being your pastor or chaplain. (3) You will also need to submit a 3-5 minute video answering a couple of great questions!
More info about the above and more is given at the beginning of the application process! Scroll down for more info and FAQs...and click below to apply!
(1) Many of the application questions require prayerful consideration. You will be able to save the application and return to it. It does not need to be completed in one sitting. (2) You will need two references, one being your pastor or chaplain. (3) You will also need to submit a 3-5 minute video answering a couple of great questions!
More info about the above and more is given at the beginning of the application process! Scroll down for more info and FAQs...and click below to apply!
PILLARS OF MISSION
Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, teaches us that men and women only find themselves in the sincere gift of themselves (G&S 24). Our missionaries have hearts that are ready and willing to live AS SINCERE GIFT...prepared to meet the various needs of the moment. Most often, we are called to be a gift in the following ways:
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PRAYER & INTERCESSION
Through daily prayer and intercession, we remember who we belong to, how much we are loved by God, and we enter into the intimacy with God that makes our lives make sense. It is the foundation of not only our identity, but also our mission as all missionary activity flows from sitting at the feet of Christ. Our lives become intercession as we seek to do all things with God in whatever space He calls us. |
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HOSPITALITY
Missionaries will practice radical hospitality by welcoming others with open hearts. We create and cultivate physical spaces where men and women can encounter God, and we also create spiritual space through the ways we see, approach, and love the people He calls us to serve. A culture of hospitality will foster trust, openness, and a sense of belonging, enabling people to encounter Christ in authentic ways. |
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TEACHING & WITNESS
Every missionary is called to be a witness to Christ’s love through their actions, words, and lives. In addition to witnessing to the Gospel, missionaries will also be trained to teach others about the truth of the human person, the Theology of the Body, and the way to live as a disciple of Christ in the modern world. Missionaries are invited to consider how Christ has entered into their own story to draw them into the freedom only found in Him, and learn to share that story with joy and conviction. |
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RELATIONAL MINISTRY
We say at Echo Community that "our ministry is only as strong as our relationships." By engaging in meaningful conversations, having our hearts open to encountering "the other," supporting each other’s growth, and living out the Gospel in everyday actions, missionaries will be equipped to walk alongside others with reverence. |
FAQ'S
Do I need to have been to an ECHO Retreat in order to be a missionary with Echo Community?
If you’ve never been to an ECHO retreat, we are still willing to enter into discernment with you about whether being a missionary with Echo Community is the right choice for you at this time. However, we do suggest that you plan on attending one of the week-long ECHO retreats in the summer so that you can get the fullest experience of participating before becoming a missionary.
How old do I need to be to apply for the missionary program?
You need to be at least one year out of high school (graduated as of Spring/Summer 2024) in order to apply to be a missionary. The upper age limit for missionaries is 26 years old during the missionary year. If you fall outside of these conditions and still think we should consider you, please contact the Missionary Team Director on [email protected] explaining your circumstances.
What is the application process for becoming a missionary?
Once you’ve filled out the online application form and sent in your application video, you’ll have an initial conversation with the Missionary Team Director over video call. You may then get invited to visit the LOLEK site (The Echo Community Headquarters) to meet other members of the Echo Community, get a tour, and have a face-to-face interview. There then may be follow-up conversations as part of the discernment period before a final decision is made.
Is everyone who applies guaranteed a spot?
Everyone who applies is guaranteed to have at least an initial conversation with the Missionary Team Director, but sending in an application does not guarantee you a place as a missionary. It is simply the first step in a process of discernment between you and Echo Community. We want to maintain a balance between male and female missionaries, as well as wanting to make sure that now is the right time for you to join us. This is all taken into consideration before a final decision is made.
When will I know if I am accepted as a missionary?
Our goal is to accept all missionaries by April 30, 2025. This will allow all prospective missionaries a sufficient amount of time to begin their fundraising efforts.
When does the missionary year begin and end?
Missionaries will move in on Sunday September 14th 2025 and the missionary year will end when they move out on July 31st 2026.
How much money will I have to raise?
The fundraising target for each missionary will be between$20,000 and $23,000 over the year. As soon as your place as a missionary is confirmed, Echo Community will send you fundraising tools to help you get started. The pack will include ideas for fundraising events, a letter template to send to prospective mission partners, and the outline of a speech that can be given at your parish or youth group to ask for funding. All missionaries will also have their own online fundraising platform built by Echo Community.
What are mission partners?
It is impossible to be fruitful in ministry without the support of other people. Mission partners are the people who you have invited to support you, and your ministry, during the missionary program, whether through intercessory prayer or financial giving. We will regularly remember mission partners in our prayer and fasting as a community, and you will stay in contact with them through email or other written updates.
Does all the money need to be raised before I start?
It is a goal that missionaries have between 40-60% of funding in place before the missionary year begins. This could either be through one-off donations and events, or from people who have pledged to donate monthly throughout the year. We will have check-ins at the beginning of each trimester (September, January, and April) to make sure you stay on track throughout the year.
Can I bring my car with me?
Echo Community has a large passenger vehicle that can accommodate all of the missionaries. Your regular day-to-day travel, plus travel to any ECHO retreats and events will be covered by your missionary funding, and will be organised alongside the other missionaries in order to reduce the number of vehicles travelling at any one time. If you decide to bring a car with you to the missionary program, this will need to be self-funded. Echo Community will not accept any liability for damage or maintenance needed as a result of you choosing to take it to any ECHO retreats or events.
What are the living arrangements like for missionaries?
Male and female missionaries will have a shared community life, but will be accommodated in separate buildings. Male missionaries will live at Joseph’s Lodge, situated next to the main house. Female missionaries will live at Eden’s Rest, situated a short walk through the woods at the other side of the property. We will give a full tour of the LOLEK site to any prospective missionary candidates when they come for an interview.
Will I get my own room or will I have to share?
A huge part of the missionary experience is living an intentional community life. Sometimes we can be tempted to isolate ourselves and hide, rather than allowing ourselves to encounter others and be encountered by others. The invitation of the missionary year is to make a gift of yourself in community and service, which includes sharing personal space with other missionaries. It may be a sacrifice and a challenge, but it will also be a huge blessing.
Will my dietary requirements be catered for throughout the year?
Outside of retreat and mission events, missionaries will either be responsible for their own food, or will cook for each other. You may need to be patient and help people to learn to cook for your requirements. Please share any dietary restrictions during your application process and we can share with you what can be accommodated!
What about health insurance?
If you are under the age of 26, we suggest that you stay on your parent’s health insurance. If you are over the age of 26, or will be turning 26 during the missionary year, other arrangements will be made. Please email the Missionary Team Director on [email protected] for more details if this is a big consideration for your discernment.
Will I still get to spend the holidays with my family?
Yes! The Echo Community office is closed over all the major holidays, so you’ll be free to go and spend them with your family. Schedules and holiday dates will be sent out once missionary places have been confirmed.
Will I get weekends free to see my friends?
There will be some weekends when you are busy with ECHO retreats or other events as part of the missionary year, but other weekends are free time. There needs to be a balance between seeing family and friends, having visitors over, and spending free time with the missionary community. This will be discussed during the first weeks of the missionary year.
Can I do the missionary program while studying or working part time?
Our desire is to foster a particular rhythm of life during the missionary year, which would not be compatible with a work or study schedule. The invitation is to be fully committed to the missionary program and all that God desires to unfold for you during that time.