Diocese of Down & Dromore
Bishop of Down & Dromore
The Right Reverend David Alexander McClay, B.Th., MA
Diocesan Pioneer Advocate
Keith Gardiner
We are Nevin & Lorraine Anderson, and we are delighted to be part of the new and innovative Pioneer Ministry movement. We currently live in Bessbrook and are members of Magheralin Parish church, where our daughter Amy is a Family Pastor. Our son is a Youth Pastor and lives in New Orleans, in America with his wife Telia and their two children, Emerald and Judah. We have been part of many volunteer ministries covering various roles over the years and I (Nevin) have just completed the New Wine Evangelist Training Course, and Lorraine is an accredited counsellor working mainly with addictions. We are very excited to have the opportunity to fully commit to God’s call as we have been appointed by Bishop David to plant a new worshipping community in the beautiful seaside town of Warrenpoint in 2025. We both have a real heart for the community, and we are eager to learn new ways of outreach and mission. We are really honoured and delighted to be a part of the Pioneer Ministry in Ireland as we see it as a new, exciting and fresh way to reach people with little or no connection to God. We know that many people are longing to belong to a spiritual home or to explore God at their own pace and we would love to be part of providing that space for the community of Warrenpoint so that they can experience the grace, kindness and love of God. We really do know we are on a learning journey, and we are grateful to be part of the pioneer training group where we will be learning together in collaboration and with the same focus over our next 3 years of training.
I applied for Pioneer Ministry to share stories, challenges and encouragements with people doing similar work. To gain new insights and learning, to be encouraged to grow in my faith and reliance on God and to build supportive and prayerful relationships as we encourage each other in our ministries.
I am excited about meeting other pioneers on the course, beginning the learning journey and seeing how this course will practically influence the ministry I am involved in and how it will encourage my own faith.
I am currently working as the pioneer evangelist at Newry Centre of Mission. I have a strong desire to innovate and bring fresh, creative approaches to ministry outside of the walls of the traditional church. I applied for pioneer ministry training as I wanted to grow my skills and knowledge to engage with people in contextual and relevant ways. I am looking forward to this opportunity to cultivate thinking, spiritual disciplines and a sharper missional focus. Which I pray will lead me to a more mature and dynamic faith which responds effectively and efficiently to God's call on my life. I am excited to see all that God has to teach and grow within me throughout the year ahead and am looking forward to connecting and learning from like-minded individuals.
Pioneer Ministry Hub Launched
A Pioneer Ministry Hub has been launched in Down and Dromore so keep an eye on our website or newsletter for updates or contact the Pioneer Advocate for more information.