CAPTION: Liz Dunbar with the Bishop of Crediton and Rev'd Jeremy Putnam, Diocese Mission Enabler
First Pioneer LLM Breaking Fresh Ground for Diocese of Exeter
Liz Dunbar is a pioneer in every sense of the word. On Saturday 4 October she became the first person in the Diocese of Exeter to be licensed as a Pioneer Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) in a service at Exeter Cathedral.
The Church of England defines pioneers as “People called by God, who are the first to see and creatively respond to the Holy Spirit’s initiatives with those outside the church; gathering others around them as they seek to establish new contextual Christian community.”
Liz, who lives in Exeter and is based at St Thomas church, trained in Pioneer Mission after doing the Foundations course in 2020.
She said “I am the first Licensed Lay Pioneer in the Diocese of Exeter but feel like I’ve been “pioneering” for 30 years, without realising it, until I first heard the word in 2020.
“Having accepted the call from God and completed Pioneer Mission training with Church Mission Society 2021 – 2023, I have also been a community ambassador in my parish, led a pioneering prison project with young offenders, attempted to pioneer a micro project in my local area and set up an ecumenical Christian gathering in Exeter city. I am currently praying and dreaming about a new project.
Liz during her licensing service
“As a direct result of doing the Pioneer course and learning about church culture, I also switched careers and work part-time in Church Engagement for Single Friendly Church Network. I love this ecumenical work focusing on mission and pastoral care.
Earlier this year Liz took on the role of volunteer Pioneer Advisor to the Diocese of Exeter, helping to lead the South West hub for the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission course alongside Rev’d Jeremy Putnam, the diocesan Mission Advisor.
He said “This year’s LLM licensing service marked an important moment in the life of the diocese. It acknowledges the hard work in theological study, but also it marks the faithful discernment and prayer undertaken by those licensed and the wider church.
I am particularly pleased for Liz, who has been licensed as a Pioneer LLM. Her ministry shows how the church of England recognises the different ways in which mission is undertaken. I am really excited to see where this leads for Liz, and for her pioneer ministry in Exeter. “
“We heard in the sermon at the licensing service that our metaphorical ‘boats’ need to be taken out further, and our ‘nets’ cast deeper. Doesn’t this describe the natural home for pioneer missioners?”
Offering a mixed ecology of Church in terms of services, events and activities, and finding new ways to connect with people and communities outside traditional church structures is one of the five missional priorities for the Diocese of Exeter.
The first group of people from Devon training for the CMS certificate in Pioneer Mission are due to graduate in November.
Applications are now open to enrol on the course in 2026. Click here for info.
Find out more about pioneer ministry here.
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