Across Ireland, the need for creative, faithful outreach has never been greater. Some congregations have a desire to plant new churches and some presbyteries have identified communities where there is limited Christian witness. To support this work, the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI) has developed a pathway for individuals who feel called to pioneering mission.
Pioneers are those who go first, who pave the way. They are men and women with a passion for connecting with those outside of the Church, sharing the gospel and creating spaces for Christian community to grow. We are praying for those who carry a vision for this kind of mission work across this island to be identified and equipped in order to “proclaim this message and spread it throughout [our] towns.”
This initiative exists to help identify, support and release suitable pioneers and church planters to serve in this way. Following the completion of training, ‘Mission Pioneers’ will be eligible to receive a call to a defined area of service.
Mission Pioneers will serve under the oversight of a congregation, Presbytery, or CMI. Their work could include church planting, evangelistic outreach or developing new mission opportunities in areas with limited church presence.
The process and pathway
A number of stages exist in the journey to becoming an approved Mission Pioneer within CMI. Candidates must be PCI communicant members who are theologically aligned and suitable in terms of character and gifting. They must have a sense of vocation under the call of God and be approved in respect of ability, health and training by CMI.
Stage 1: Application process (August 2026 – February 2027)
The following is needed:
- Application form: A completed application form must be submitted by 16 November 2026. This can be accessed from the Downloads box at the side of this page.
- Satisfactory references: 3 references; including from a candidate’s minister, on behalf of the Kirk Session.
- Presbytery approval: Interview and approval by presbytery by February 2027.
- Interview: A formal interview panel with representatives from CMI to assess experience and suitability. Candidates must be approved by this Panel to progress any further in the Mission Pioneer pathway. Interviews will be scheduled during Spring 2027
Stage 2: Assessment pathway (Summer 2027 – completion)
To be approved to serve as a Mission Pioneer the following is required:
- Apprenticeship: Candidates are placed in a pioneering apprenticeship within a congregation, presbytery, or mission project identified by CMI. This will be for a period of up to 6 months with a minimum of 10 hours involvement each week, alongside continued employment or ongoing training. A supervising minister or project leader will provide an assessment report at the end of the placement.
- Training: Mission Pioneers will complete training which may include relevant ministry modules at Union Theological College. Bespoke training in church planting and missional practice will be required by CMI as well as some external training offered by other credible providers. Topics will include missional church, preaching, pastoral care, and cultural engagement.
- Reflection: Throughout the training phase, candidates will be given some set reading and written assignments to enable reflection focused on mission and evangelism.
When the above requirements have been satisfied, a candidate’s name is brought to the Council for Mission in Ireland for its approval. Once approved, a candidate becomes part of a pool of Mission Pioneers ready to be appointed to local work as opportunities arise.
Stage 3: Deployment
A role for a Mission Pioneer can be developed by a congregation or presbytery, in collaboration with CMI. Such roles will be advertised to all eligible Mission Pioneers with interested candidates asked to complete an application form and interview.
The successful candidate will receive a call to the role from the Council for Mission in Ireland, in collaboration with a presbytery or congregation.
These roles are overseen by a presbytery or kirk session and supervising ministers, and supported jointly by CMI and local funds for 3-5 years. Housing allowances and additional grants may be available in certain circumstances.
Stage 4: Ongoing Support
Each Mission Pioneer will be offered additional accompaniment and support through CMI including:
CMI Connect events: These bring together all CMI supported workers including deaconesses, community outreach workers, mission project workers and mission pioneers. These training events take place a few times each year, including an overnight gathering.
CMI Networks: CMI oversee the following two networks for ministers and workers, in specific areas of mission that bring unique challenges. The networks meet 3-4 times per year and offer pastoral accompaniment and strategic input through peer learning and bespoke training.
- Church Planters Network: This is for those currently and actively involved in leading church planting initiatives within PCI.
- Urban Mission Network: This is for those within PCI, working in urban or estate settings that are often characterised by social deprivation.
Mentoring: An experienced and wise mentor who can offer guidance and prayer support will be assigned to each Mission Pioneer.
Training Grant: Mission Pioneers have access to an annual grant from CMI towards training in church planting or pioneering that is relevant to their role.
Applications for Mission Pioneers will open from 25 August - 16 November 2026.
For more information, contact the Mission Department at [email protected] or call +44 (0)28 9032 2284 (NI) or +353 (0)48 90322 2284 (RoI).
