Location:

Tokyo, Hongo

Agreement term:

Full Time, Thirty Three Months

Anticipated start date(s) include:

February 2, 2026

Agreement type:

Japan 33-months (J3)

Timeline:

• Application Opens: November 2025
• Interviews: December - January 2026
• ELCA Virtual Orientation: February 2026
• Deploy to Japan: March/April 2026

General Description:

• Provide conversational English instruction to both adults and children, using level-appropriate materials and fostering an engaging, supportive learning environment.
   
• Participate in and support congregational ministry leadership, contributing to worship, fellowship activities, and other ministry programs as part of the church's mission.

Site Information:

The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church has had a student center at Hongo before it had a congregation there. The intent was to provide for evangelical outreach through the medium of English classes with students from nearby universities, especially Tokyo University. In more recent years, as Japanese schools and universities have upgraded English language learning. With this, specific needs for university students to engage in general English learning has diminished. Focus now is more at higher level English learning for university students (intensive English conversation, assistance with English-language essay/papers/thesis work), and community English learning opportunities (local homemakers, children, others). 

Through all this, the English skills of Japanese students are enhanced through the instructions of native English-speaking teachers. At the same time, students and participants will encounter the Good News of Jesus Christ through the Christian witness and evangelism work of J-3, and in Bible study components of classes.  

Another component of the work is with the congregation of Hongo Lutheran Church, to which the J3 is assigned. Members of these congregations receive the witness of faith through activities and shared gifts 

Assignment Includes:

• Prepare lesson plans and teach classes at Hongo Student Center, up to hours per week. 
• Teach classes that are pre-arranged through the Hongo Student Center's activity plan.  
• Participate and help lead in English camps. 
• Participate in staff meetings and perform administrative duties associated with the curriculum 
• Participate in church activities in assigned church(es) as directed by the JELC, with activities including Bible studies, musical leadership, preaching, youth ministry, etc. 

This is an ELCA sponsorable position.

All ELCA global personnel participate in mission interpretation and storytelling. This includes:

• Quarterly newsletters to sponsoring congregations and individuals.
• Virtual visits throughout the year with sponsoring congregations and individuals.

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree minimum, or other teaching certification.
• ESL/TEFL/TESL certification recommended.
• Classroom experience helpful.
• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church
• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
• Respect for beliefs, values, and customs of church and culture where assigned.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion.
• Demonstrate ability to carry out responsibilities and the ability to adapt to different standards and practices.
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration.
• Adaptable and flexible sense of humor - good physical and emotional health
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA.

Terms and Conditions:

• J3 teachers serve for 33 months. ELCA Service and Justice provides international transportation, housing, medical coverage, education loan assistance and a salary.
• No provision for dependent spouse or children.
• Some Japanese language training provided with program.
• Housing is provided, an apartment in a 6-unit building by JELC.

Physical Effort:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employees will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A psychological evaluation is required.

Benefits:

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees and dependent, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer additional benefits upon deployment to the country of service.