MEET THE PIONEERS

Nevin & Lorraine Anderson

We are Nevin & Lorraine Anderson, and we are delighted to be part of the new, 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.

Ross Barrett

My decision to pursue Pioneer Ministry stems from a profound desire to explore innovative ways of breaking new ground and finding fresh ways to connect with people with little or no connection to church while encouraging them to come alive in their God-given gifts and purpose. I've always been drawn to thinking outside the box regarding ministry, and Pioneer Ministry is the perfect avenue for that.

As for what gets me buzzing about the upcoming year in training? Honestly, it's the chance to learn and grow alongside like-minded folks who are just as passionate about innovation and creativity in ministry as I am. I can't wait to dive into the nitty-gritty of exploring different approaches, experimenting with new ideas, and, ultimately, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. This upcoming year promises to be a transformative journey, and I am wholeheartedly committed to embracing its challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication.

Tim Burns

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.

Sarah-Louise Hockey

My name is Sarah Louise and I’m delighted to be part of this year's Pioneer Ministry training group.  I’m based in Carrigrohane Union of Parishes in Cork. I’m currently working as the Pioneer Evangelist / Youth worker for the parish and in partnership with Church Army. I have been so blessed by the calling to this work. It is a joy to see all that God is doing in and through the young people we engage with, but it has also opened my eyes in a new way to the deep longing in the hearts of so many for a place of welcome and belonging that can only be satisfied in Jesus.  I applied to Pioneer Ministry out of a calling to be part of what God is doing across this island here and now.  He is moving and working and as a church we are called, as John McGinley puts it, to “raise the sails and catch the wind of heaven when it blows.”   I’m excited to see how Pioneer Ministry will energise and equip the Church of Ireland to reach out in love in new ways, not just opening our doors to those who don’t know Jesus but going out into the community and creatively sharing the good news of the hope which Jesus brings through words and actions.

While in many ways there is a deep sense of ‘unknown’ looking forward, I know God goes before us and I’m honoured to get to be part of the journey.

Shane Maguire

My name is Shane and I'm married to Ruth and together we have two small children. In late 2017, I began working in St Catherine’s Church on Thomas Street as the Youth Pastor leading to a full time role as Assistant Pastor overseeing Youth, Schools & Media. I'm passionate about placing the bible back in the hands of young people & inviting others to think about what it means to be a disciple who makes disciples. I'm also a long-suffering Manchester United supporter but still find pleasure in coffee, reading and having the craic.

At the start of 2023, our family began to sense a call to pioneer a new community of faith in the heart of Dublin 12. Having already been part of two local churches in D12 during our teenage years, our hearts break again for the people of this area & we long to pioneer a fresh expression of church for all ages and stages of life. I grew up in a family that had little or no connection to church but someone was willing to invite us along and share their faith with us. That decision changed the trajectory of my life and the life of my family. In stepping out to become a Pioneer Minister within the Church of Ireland, I hope to engage with people outside the church in a different but familiar way, through hospitality and the generosity of our homes and lives, to give others the same opportunity I had — to experience the life changing power only Jesus can bring.

When it comes to the training, I am really excited about the opportunity to meet new people, and join with others as we open up the door to new ways of being and doing church. I’m looking forward to the challenge of thinking differently and putting it into practice. I can’t wait to get started!

Pete Meenagh

My name is Pete and I’m really looking forward to beginning pioneer ministry. I have an amazing wife called Donna and two wonderful kids called Sarah and Daniel. I have a background in web and graphic design and with my wife and small leadership team I currently head up a church plant in Lisburn. Something which drew me to pioneer ministry was the opportunity to meet new people in the same context, learn from them and learn new ways to reach people with little or no faith while encouraging those within church to grow in faith. I’m excited to be able to learn and participate in the sharing of ideas, to seek more of what God has for us as his followers and to be part of seeing more of God's kingdom come here in the lives of people.

Valerie Raitt

Hi. My name is Valerie. Originally from County Donegal, I now reside in County Galway in the West of Ireland. My career has taken me to many parts of this island as well as overseas, working as I did in various roles within the construction industry. After many years, I have now chosen a new path in life and gained a qualification in tourism.

With a love of the countryside where nature nourishes the soul, brings peace at the end of a day as one watches the sun set over the Atlantic ocean – I now promote Spiritual Tourism to this Emerald Isle.  Here you can travel the ancient holy walkways, visit places to pray, reflect, reconnect and enjoy the fellowship with others, not to mention the 'ceol agus craic' = music and fun!

Within the community of the church and the parishes I have lived in across four dioceses of Ireland, it is the people, the friendships that one makes, the outreach and welcome that is given and received, also reaching those with little or no connection to church that resonates with me and pioneering ministry. 'le gach beannacht' = with every blessing.

Natalie Trainor

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.