Guide Book
Welcome to our Guide Book for Pioneer Ministry which lays out framework for pioneer ministry in the Church of Ireland and how you can get involved.
You can also download the Guide Book here or keep scrolling to find out more about full-time pioneers and funded projects.
Foreword
By definition “pioneering” is about the employment of new ideas and new methods in situations where older ideas and older methods no longer make an adequate impression. Pioneer ministers-lay or ordained,
volunteer or stipendiary - will be people who have a vocation from God, tested and authorised by His Church, to bring these ideas and methods into the treasure house of Christ’s ministry. The gifts which a pioneer minister will bring to his or her area of service will be as varied as the situations in which they are deployed, but will have a common thread in proclaiming and living out the Gospel in those situations.
In some instances pioneer ministry may be radically different from other more traditional ministries with which they will work. In other instances they will shade into one another more obviously. Whichever may be the case along the spectrum of ministry, all should be bound together within the meaning and promise of St Paul’s words:
“There are different types of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who allots them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but in all of them it is the same God who is at work.” (1 Cor. 12:4-6)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one Faith and one baptism; one God and Father of all; who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
May God bless His Church through this ministry which you are exploring or experiencing.
+ John Armagh
1. An Introduction to Pioneer Ministry
What is Pioneer Ministry in the Church of Ireland?
Quite simply, pioneer ministry is the work of reaching those with little or no connection to church.
Pioneer ministry stands in the widening gap between the church and contemporary culture with the aim of reaching those outside the church and creating together new ways of doing and being church. Pioneer Ministries seek to engage people where they are, rather than inviting them to come to us. The approach may need to vary depending on the cultural distance between a church and the people group it is reaching out to. An existing church may adapt its approach (e.g., messy church; café church) or there may be a need for a more innovative approach to provide a more contextually appropriate means of gospel transmission if there is a greater cultural distance. Therefore, the outcomes of Pioneer Ministries may be a ‘bridge back’ to traditional church, a new context Christian community within an existing parish or a ‘fresh start’ church plant.
Why is Pioneer Ministry needed?
Over the last 50 years, attendance and membership of the Church of Ireland has progressively declined as has also been observed in many other Christian denominations in Western societies. This has resulted in a narrowing of the fringe of people with whom traditional church can connect. There are now many more people in our communities who have no engagement with the Church and no understanding of the Christian message. New approaches to ministry - Pioneer Ministries - are needed to cross cultural barriers to enable the Gospel to be shared with people who are well beyond the fringe.
But isn’t this the work of every church already?
The answer is yes, absolutely! All current parishes and ministries were at some point ‘something new’, and a means of connecting with the culture and community of their own age and context. Pioneering is not something new, but the hope is that a movement can be released which will be a renewed focus for the church to connect with those with whom it has lost connection. If it is helpful to think analogously, youth work, children’s ministry, and ecumenical dialogue are the responsibility of every church, yet we also have established bodies of Synod, Councils, Departments, and at times fully employed staff, to give direction, focus, and impetus to the work. This new movement will advocate for, champion, support and encourage every parish, chaplaincy, ministry and network within the Church of Ireland in reaching those with little or no connection to church. Pioneer Ministries are therefore in addition to, rather than instead of, other approaches the Church is using to reach out to and engage with individuals in their neighbourhoods (e.g., community engagement; Christian discovery courses; Sunday School; youth clubs; appointment of children’s, youth or family outreach workers), chaplaincy ministry and nationally coordinated ministry support (CIYD; Children and Families Development Officer).
How does the Pioneer Ministry movement fit into the church?
The Pioneer ministry movement will play its role as part of a ‘Mixed Economy’, with traditional and new ministries complementing each other, honouring the other through mutual prayer, respect, recognition, and learning. This new initiative is fully endorsed by the House of Bishops, has received significant financial backing from the Representative Body, and in May 2023 became a body of the General Synod through the establishment of the Pioneer Ministry Council, chaired by Bishop David . A Pioneer Leadership Team is being funded to drive the work and report to the Pioneer Ministry Council across the whole church. A key part of this will be to create and Pioneer Ministry Hubs within every diocese. Once again, if it is helpful to think analogously, the Church of Ireland Youth Department is a body of Synod. Its work is driven by the staff team who work across the whole church. Each diocese then adopts its own strategy for youth ministry, such as a diocesan youth council and/or or diocesan youth officer, served by a combination of employees, clergy and volunteers. This is worked out at parish level mainly through committed volunteers, and in some places employed youth workers. Pioneer Ministry will be overseen by a Ministry Council, will be spearheaded by an all-island team, will be integrated within each diocese, and come to life at local level as we encourage, support and mobilise volunteers, along with a small number of employed and funded pioneers.
What is Pioneer Ministry in the Church of Ireland?
Quite simply, pioneer ministry is the work of reaching those with little or no connection to church.
Pioneer ministry stands in the widening gap between the church and contemporary culture with the aim of reaching those outside the church and creating together new ways of doing and being church. Pioneer Ministries seek to engage people where they are, rather than inviting them to come to us. The approach may need to vary depending on the cultural distance between a church and the people group it is reaching out to. An existing church may adapt its approach (e.g., messy church; café church) or there may be a need for a more innovative approach to provide a more contextually appropriate means of gospel transmission if there is a greater cultural distance. Therefore, the outcomes of Pioneer Ministries may be a ‘bridge back’ to traditional church, a new context Christian community within an existing parish or a ‘fresh start’ church plant.
Why is Pioneer Ministry needed?
Over the last 50 years, attendance and membership of the Church of Ireland has progressively declined as has also been observed in many other Christian denominations in Western societies. This has resulted in a narrowing of the fringe of people with whom traditional church can connect. There are now many more people in our communities who have no engagement with the Church and no understanding of the Christian message. New approaches to ministry - Pioneer Ministries - are needed to cross cultural barriers to enable the Gospel to be shared with people who are well beyond the fringe.
But isn’t this the work of every church already?
The answer is yes, absolutely! All current parishes and ministries were at some point ‘something new’, and a means of connecting with the culture and community of their own age and context. Pioneering is not something new, but the hope is that a movement can be released which will be a renewed focus for the church to connect with those with whom it has lost connection. If it is helpful to think analogously, youth work, children’s ministry, and ecumenical dialogue are the responsibility of every church, yet we also have established bodies of Synod, Councils, Departments, and at times fully employed staff, to give direction, focus, and impetus to the work. This new movement will advocate for, champion, support and encourage every parish, chaplaincy, ministry and network within the Church of Ireland in reaching those with little or no connection to church. Pioneer Ministries are therefore in addition to, rather than instead of, other approaches the Church is using to reach out to and engage with individuals in their neighbourhoods (e.g., community engagement; Christian discovery courses; Sunday School; youth clubs; appointment of children’s, youth or family outreach workers), chaplaincy ministry and nationally coordinated ministry support (CIYD; Children and Families Development Officer).
How does the Pioneer Ministry movement fit into the church?
The Pioneer ministry movement will play its role as part of a ‘Mixed Economy’, with traditional and new ministries complementing each other, honouring the other through mutual prayer, respect, recognition, and learning. This new initiative is fully endorsed by the House of Bishops, has received significant financial backing from the Representative Body, and in May 2023 became a body of the General Synod through the establishment of the Pioneer Ministry Council, chaired by Bishop David . A Pioneer Leadership Team is being funded to drive the work and report to the Pioneer Ministry Council across the whole church. A key part of this will be to create and Pioneer Ministry Hubs within every diocese. Once again, if it is helpful to think analogously, the Church of Ireland Youth Department is a body of Synod. Its work is driven by the staff team who work across the whole church. Each diocese then adopts its own strategy for youth ministry, such as a diocesan youth council and/or or diocesan youth officer, served by a combination of employees, clergy and volunteers. This is worked out at parish level mainly through committed volunteers, and in some places employed youth workers. Pioneer Ministry will be overseen by a Ministry Council, will be spearheaded by an all-island team, will be integrated within each diocese, and come to life at local level as we encourage, support and mobilise volunteers, along with a small number of employed and funded pioneers.
What are the objectives and goals of Pioneer Ministry in the Church of Ireland?
A leadership structure for the whole church
Pioneer Ministry Council and Pioneer Leadership Team
Diocesan Pioneer Ministry Hubs & Pioneer Ministry Advocates
To grow pioneering in every diocese
Volunteer and employed pioneers
Identified, trained, deployed and supported
New pioneer communities and churches
Planted, cultivated and grown
Recognition, resourcing and funding
Pioneer Ministry embedded within the culture, structures, and funding of the Church of Ireland
What do we mean by “employed pioneers”?
Our vision is to grow up to 30 new full-time pioneers in 30 new pioneer ministries over the next decade. This will commence in September 2024. Each new pioneer will be selected and then deployed into a ministry developed at local, parochial or diocesan level. During the first three years of this time of deployment the pioneer will receive training whilst in ministry. The pioneer will be employed by whatever body within the church that has developed the proposal - parish, diocese, chaplaincy etc.
This Guide explains the stages of selecting and appointing full-time pioneers, along with the processes of developing proposals that might receive funding - see below - towards the costs of the pioneer and project. The Pioneer Leadership Team will provide support, direction and advice for both prospective pioneers and the development of new ministry proposals.
Will employed pioneers be ordained?
The training pathway itself does not lead to ordination. The projects and proposals will have to consider what type of ecclesial or sacramental community will be formed, and make provision for this. It is envisaged that, for some pioneers, it may be appropriate to pursue further training such as OLM or, after sufficient time and discernment and under approved circumstances, consider ‘stipendiary’ ministry under pathways similar to those Church Army officers who have made similar journeys within the Church of Ireland.
What central funding is available to employ and train a pioneer?
The Representative Body have created a Pioneer Ministry fund to provide a grant towards pioneer and project costs, and to cover all approved training costs. This will be a ‘block grant’ payable in instalments over 5 years to the parish/diocese etc responsible for employing the pioneer. For example, for those pioneers and projects commencing in September 2024, the 5-year grant available will be €115,000/£100,000. This will be paid as follows over 5 years:
Years 1&2: €30,000 / £25,000
Years 3&4: €22,000 / £20,000
Year 5: €11,000 / £10,000
This will not meet the total costs of a full-time pioneer, with the parish/ diocese etc creating the role responsible for securing the remaining finances. An allowance may also be made to assist with housing provision.
2. Discerning Vocation
A guide for those exploring vocation in Pioneer Ministry.
This guide is aimed at helping prospective pioneers to understand how pioneers may be selected for training and deployment, and crucially, what are the characteristics of a pioneer?
How pioneers may be selected for training and deployment
THESE ARE THE THREE KEY STAGES
Stage 1 -
is the critical stage of discernment, review, application, and recommendation as being suitable for pioneer ministry.
Stage 2 -
if recommended as suitable a candidate may apply for any pioneer ministry vacancy or role within the Church of Ireland. This appointment process will be undertaken by the parish, ministry or diocese who will oversee your deployment.
if appointed, deployment begins into a pioneer ministry along with any training pathway recommended or required by Stages 1 and/or 2. For the vast majority of ‘pioneers-in-training’ this will mean undertaking a 3-year part-time Certificate in Pioneer Ministry whilst being deployed.
Stage 3 -
[This guide primarily addresses the steps involved in Stage 1.]
FIRST STEP: DEC 2024 - FEB 2025
Call & Discernment
— A candidate or others (Rector, DDO, Warden of Readers, Pioneer Ministry Hub Leaders etc) discern a calling to reach those with little or no connection to church.
— An initial meeting with the bishop or their appointed person.
SECOND STEP: FEB 2025
Diocesan Review
— Complete a Personal Profile for Pioneer Ministry and provide references
— Engage with Diocese and Review
— If recommended as suitable for Pioneer Ministry Selection, meet with the Bishop who may approve or otherwise
THIRD STEP: MARCH 2025
Pioneer Selection
— Interview by Diocesan Pioneer Selection Panel
— Psychological Assessment
— Advice from the DPSPS to the sponsoring bishop – recommended for Pioneer Ministry, not recommended, or conditional recommendation
What are the characteristics of a pioneer?
The discernment process will test a candidate’s suitability for pioneer ministry. Whilst each diocese may set role specific criteria at the recruitment and employment stage, the discernment process, which has been approved by the House of Bishops, will look for the following in the life of prospective candidates:
1. How they have responded to God’s calling to be a pioneer.
A demonstrable track record of innovation in their life. Candidates should have a track record of ‘firsts’ and exhibit initiative in having started something new, which is contextually-appropriate to their setting. Comfortable with problem solving. Reflecting on situations, learning from them and make appropriate changes for the future. Show imagination in and openness to learning about outreach into contemporary Irish culture. Be passionate about making disciples of Christ in every context.
2. A demonstrable willingness to take risks and show courageous faith.
Be a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing. Take appropriate risks and be prepared to exercise step by step experimentation. Negotiate disappointment well and learn from failure or mistakes to improve further actions.
3. A demonstrable ability to communicate the faith effectively to those outside the church.
Demonstrate how they have communicated the Christian faith to those outside the Church naturally, sensitively, and effectively, even at times when such communication is met with opposition. Demonstrate how they are good listeners to those on the margins of church.
4. An ability to work collaboratively in creating and working with a team.
An ability to develop vision with others for a new project. Releasing and equipping others for pioneering ministry. Able to identify and invest in future pioneering leaders. Helped people to share responsibility for the growth and success of a new project. Looked beyond their own areas of responsibility with a wider regard for the whole.
5. Well-developed abilities to handle complexity and initiate change.
Live with uncertainty. Open to use and learn about adaptive practices of learning which can be applied to different contexts. Motivate others to engage with change. Deal well with conflict. Show how they have been open to dealing with change in a project they have been involved with and be open to promoting “mixed ecology” understanding of church.
6. Demonstrable maturity and robustness to face the demands of pioneering mission and ministry.
Lay aside personal preference for the sake of the community being served. Cope effectively with pressure, ambiguity, change and disorientation. Have a consistency of character in varied circumstances of pioneering. Demonstrate a willingness to live sacrificially and endure hardship. Persevere for the long-term rather than take shortcuts for quick results. Work across different cultures. Show strong emotional intelligence.
7. A mature and well-developed devotional life
Demonstrate a discipline of personal prayer, worship, study and healthy rhythms of work / life balance which can sustain them in pioneering situations. Develop their ability to relate prayer and worship and what the Holy Spirit is already doing in their context. Have the patience to wait for and discern God’s timing.
8. The ability to learn, reflect and respond theologically as a pioneer.
To make sense theologically of their pioneering work. To interpret and apply the Bible in different contexts for the transformation of contemporary culture. To understand how missional ministry is shaped by culture and context. Understand contemporary cultures and the practice of starting new forms of church within them.
9. A clear vision of the place of their envisaged ministry within the response of the Church of Ireland to God’s mission in the world.
Candidates should be familiar with, and committed to, the teachings, traditions, emphases and characteristic spirit of the Church of Ireland and the Anglican Communion, and the continual reshaping of the Church for mission. All will be baptised christians and it will ordinarily be the case that candidates will be Confirmed within the Church of Ireland, though in some instances this may not be appropriate (eg. ecumenical appointments). They should understand and be committed to the Church of Ireland as a ‘mixed ecology’ church, of both what has been inherited and what can be new.
3. Developing Ministries
A guide for those who seek to create a new Pioneer Ministry Funded Project.
This guide is aimed at helping bishops, dioceses, parishes, chaplaincies and other ministries to develop a proposal for a new pioneer ministry.
How To Develop A Proposal For A New Pioneer Ministry
THERE ARE THREE KEY STAGES:
Stage 1 -
is the critical stage of vision, discernment, developing a proposal, and where appropriate, being approved for the central RB grant. For more details on the RB grant, please email the national director.
Stage 2 -
the recruitment and / or appointment of a person recommended as suitable for pioneer ministry.
Stage 3 -
commencement of the new ministry led by a pioneer minister (who may or may not be undertaking part time training towards a Certificate in Pioneer Ministry – dependent on experience and/or qualifications)
[This guide primarily addresses the steps involved in Stage 1.]
FIRST STEP: DEC 2024 - FEB 2025
Vision & Discernment
— A parish, chaplaincy, ministry, diocese, bishop, other ministry, discerns a need for a pioneer minister, or an opportunity for a pioneer ministry.
— An initial summary proposal developed and costs explored, in conjunction with the bishop or their appointed person in the diocese.
SECOND STEP: FEB - MARCH 2025
Forming the Proposal
— Meet with Pioneer Leadership Team rep/s to develop the proposal.
— Funding and appointment/recruitment plan.
— Create fully formed proposal for Pioneer Ministry - scope, mission, governance, finances, legal issues etc.
THIRD STEP: APRIL 2025
Assessment & Funding
— Consideration by Pioneer Ministry Council.
— Recommendations from PMC as suitable and ready, suitable but not yet ready, not suitable.
— Approval of funding by Pioneer Ministry Approvals Body.
Formal Proposal — What needs to be considered?
The National Pioneer Leadership Team, and the diocesan pioneer ministry hub, will be able to assist anyone who seeks to develop a proposal for a new pioneer ministry. A well-formed proposal will be able to address the following:
1. Governance
The scope, mission, objectives and purpose of the ministry.
Whether or not the ministry is part of, or integrated within an existing ministry (eg. Parish, chaplaincy etc) or will form a new ministry in the diocese.
The ministry structure and appointments, whether ordained or lay.
How the pioneer will be appointed.
The tenure and review of any appointment.
The role of the Constitution and any other policies in governing any licensed member of the clergy or any licensed lay person and, where appropriate, any employment contract.
What remuneration and allowances are to be payable, and by what body.
How the ministry will be governed and administered.
The governance model and structure for the administration of the ministry, including how people are appointed to exercise control and direction in the administration of the ministry – annual meetings, appointments, management meetings.
The management of all financial matters, including funding from and any financial assessments due to the diocese, central church or any other body, and all other means of funding. Preliminary consideration should be given towards making the ministry financially viable and self-sustaining in the long term.
The management, maintenance, and provision for assessment of any property of the ministry – glebes, halls, places of worship etc.
Provisions for Safeguarding.
Provisions for worship.
2. Oversight, Accountability and Representation
The role of, and accountability to, the bishop
The role of, and accountability to, Diocesan Council.
Representation on, and support from, Diocesan Synod, General Synod, and any other bodies.
Any reporting requirements to diocesan and central bodies, and to external bodies.
Provisions for review of the ministry ministry.
Duration and tenure of the ministry.
The role of any ‘Accompanier’ to the ministry if so appointed.
Any powers of termination of the ministry.
3. Relationship to External Bodies
The charitable status of the ministry, including approved statements of charitable purposes and public benefit.
Reporting requirements to statutory and public bodies.
4. Any other matter deemed expedient to further the mission and ministry of the ministry
In summary, a well-developed proposal will ensure the new ministry is properly established and reviewed, with clear lines of accountability and support for the pioneer, and everyone engaged with the growth of the ministry. It will provide a robust plan to attract funding from central church funds, and potentially from external trusts and grants. When ‘up and running’ it will ensure that the ministry is properly integrated into diocesan life, widening the mission of the diocese through new forms of creativity and outreach.
4. The Right Person in the Right Place
Recruitment and Appointment of Pioneer Ministers to Pioneer Ministries
Once a prospective pioneer has gone through the discernment process and has been recommended as suitable for pioneer ministry, and suitable new ministries have been approved for funding, the next phase begins – appointing the right people to the right roles.
This is essentially a recruitment phase in which it is imperative that the diocese, parish or other ministry that has created the proposal is satisfied the right person is recruited. This process will be specific to each role, with the appropriate application and interview processes to be determined at local level by the diocese, parish or other ministry that has developed the pioneer ministry proposal, all with the approval of the Bishop.
A Pioneer Ministry proposal, and corresponding vacancy may be advertised at www.pioneerministry.org and by the parishes, ministries or dioceses developing the ministry.
Anyone who is appointed to a Pioneer Ministry role will be the employee of the parish, other ministry or diocese responsible for that ministry. Alternatively, he or she may be a member of the clergy, appropriately licensed and stipended within the diocese. Save for a very few exceptional cases, it is the case that the role:
Will be funded for up to 5 years by both the local ministry and the central RB grant. For more details on the RB grant, please email the national director.
Will require the pioneer to undertake part-time study and training during the first 3 years (completing an accredited course in Pioneer Ministry run by the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and Church Army).
5. Reaching Those With Little Or No Connection To Church
Deployment and training in the new ministry
Ordinarily commencing in September of each calendar year, the new ministry and pioneer will have a funding plan for 5 years. Throughout deployment and training the pioneer will be supported in 4 key ways in the first 3 years:
Academic Tutor: appointed by CITI / Church Army to agree training goals
Diocesan Pioneer Accompanier: Support, encouragement, diocesan integration — appointed by the Pioneer Ministry Leadership Team in consultation with the relevant diocesan bishop.
Church Army Reflector: discerning potential charism for Church Army that may lead to commissioning as a Church Army Evangelist alongside licensing as a Church of Ireland Pioneer Minister
Supervisor / Manager: Rector / Minister / other person responsible for line managing the pioneer
On completion of training the roles of Academic Tutor and Reflector will come to their natural end.
Year 1
Licensed as Pioneer-in-training and ministry commences
Year 2
2nd year of project & training
Year 3
3rd year of project & completion of training
Year 4
Licensed as Pioneer
Year 5
Completion of funded position
Years 1-3
Completion of academic studies, support by tutor, reflector, supervisor, diocesan accompanier.
Discernment of Church Army charism with potential commissioning as CA Evangelist
Years 4-5
Evaluation and planning for ministry and funding beyond year 5