CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission
Pioneers are 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. They follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Jesus’ method was to meet people where they are, and often using the everyday things around him to communicate the values and realities of the kingdom of heaven, as well as improvising in the moment in response to what was happening. He also gathered around him people who didn’t feel they belonged in or understood the world of the religious representatives.
“Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…”
Hebrews 12:2
Pioneer and Fresh Expressions Gathering, Exeter July 2024
If you are
- dreaming of new ways to connect people and faith
- thinking outside the box of traditional church
- doing something creative or community building
and are also
- longing to connect with others who ‘get it’
- eager for resources both practical and theological
- willing to give some time and attention to your pioneering
If you are some or all of these things, and able to commit to six weekends and ten evenings for one year, as well as some independent study time, then the Certificate in Pioneer Mission course may be for you.
This is a one year course, covering six modules, designed for those who want to fit training around the demands of life.
It is not an academic course, so allows for a very creative approach to learning and reflecting together.
Pioneers are sometimes called ‘dreamers who do’! The course is intended as an introduction to pioneer mission and will equip you to reflect on what you’re doing or imagining. It will be open to people with a wide range of learning preferences and previous experience. Sessions will be led in a variety of styles and will be accessible to those with learning difficulties, whilst ensuring a level of challenge in terms of content and ideas.
What will I learn?
The course consists of six modules:
- What is pioneer mission?
- Reading the Bible for context
- Doing theology
- Mission spirituality
- Missional church
- Pioneering in the rural church
“Completely transformative. Completely changed my approach to mission. Built back my confidence. Built back my faith in church too.”
Lindsey Morgan-Lundie, student and artist
Shape of the course
The course is made up of two main components:
- Regular small group meetings held in the evening led by experienced pioneer practitioners.
- Of six modules, two are currently held with everyone together in person, one module is fully online and three are hybrid with each diocesan group gathering onsite together in a central location (eg Salisbury, Truro, Wells) and joining the other diocesan groups via Zoom.
We aim to make the course accessible to anyone, and welcome enquiries on this subject. We offer the course in blended learning mode in partnership with the Dioceses of Salisbury and Truro. This means there will be a variety of learning experiences, including-in-person, online and hybrid.
Assessment and accreditation
The course is not currently accredited. We use a method of formative assessment which we call a ‘demonstration of learning’. The aim of the course is for you to learn what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you. We recognise a variety of learning styles, encourage creativity, and welcome demonstrations of learning that show originality of approach.
To complete the course and receive your certificate at the annual award ceremony, you will need to attend all modules and complete all demonstrations of learning.
Cost
The cost for the course is £250, payable in a modular way or in full at the start of the course.
There are some additional costs for travel, evening meals, books and overnight accommodation (overnight stays on module weekends are possible and good networking and relationship-building opportunities, but they are not compulsory and accommodation is not provided).
Your Mission Community may be willing to contribute the costs and it would be good to approach your incumbent as part of your ongoing discernment, and inviting them into partnership with you on your pioneering journey. Bursaries may also be available if your Mission Community cannot, please ask about this when you apply. You can also contact Revd Jeremy Putnam ahead of the course about other funding options.
Dates
Taster sessions: 29 September 2024 2.30pm to 4.30pm. and Thursday 7th November 2025 You can book your place here or Email: tina.hodgett@churchmissionsociety.org.
Dates for the 2025 course: 17 – 19 January, 15/16 March, 10/11 May, 5/6 July, 13/14 September, 15/16 November.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying for the course, please email jeremy.putnam@exeter.anglican.org
Download
CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission 2025 Leaflet
CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission Student Handbook
Access the 2023 CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission Student Handbook here.
Further information
Lindsay Smith has been involved in three of the CMS Pioneer Certificate courses in Bath and Wells. She shares a regular blog about her pioneering experiences and thoughts.
