“So they proclaimed this message and spread it throughout their towns…” (Nehemiah 8:15)
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 people with a passion for connecting with those outside of the Church, sharing the gospel and creating spaces for Christian community. We are praying for those who would 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 such individuals.
We are seeking suitable pioneers and church planters to serve in this way. Following training, these ‘Mission Pioneers’ may receive a call to a defined area of service to enable the development of new congregations or fresh mission activity in areas lacking strong Christian witness.
Mission Pioneers may serve under the auspices of a congregation, Presbytery, or CMI. Their work might include church planting, evangelistic outreach or developing new mission opportunities in areas with limited church presence.
The process
Stage 1: Application
The following is needed:
- A completed application form
- 3 references; including from a candidate’s minister on behalf of Kirk Session
- Endorsement by presbytery.
Applications must be submitted by 31 January to allow time for assessment and training.
Stage 2: Assessment
To be approved to serve as a Mission Pioneer the following is needed:
- Formal interview with representatives from CMI to assess experience and suitability.
- Assessed placement / apprenticeship in a planting or pioneering setting.
- A written reflection on a book or lecture focused on mission.
- Completion of some initial training in mission and church planting.
- Name agreed by the Council for Mission in Ireland.
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 education by CMI.
Stage 3: Apprenticeship
Candidates are placed in a church-planting apprenticeship within a ‘hub congregation’ or pioneer mission project identified by CMI. This will be for an agreed time of up to 6 months and may happen in a part-time capacity with a minimum of 10 hours involvement each week to be combined with continued employment or ongoing training. A supervising minister provides a report at the end of the placement.
Stage 4: Training
Mission Pioneers will receive training which may include specific modules in collaboration with Union Theological College. Be-spoke training in church planting and missional practice may also be offered by CMI or signposted to other credible providers. Topics include preaching, pastoral care, and cultural engagement. Ongoing training is a key requirement of this role.
Stage 5: Deployment
Once approved, Mission Pioneers will become part of a pool ready to be appointed to local work as opportunities arise. A call may then be issued to a local work identified in collaboration with a presbytery or congregation.
These roles are overseen by Kirk Sessions and supervising ministers and supported jointly by CMI and local funds for 3-5 years. Housing allowances and additional grants may be available.
Stage 6: Ongoing Support
Each Mission Pioneer will also be offered additional accompaniment and support through CMI, such as:
- Church Planters Network: A network of accompaniment for those currently and actively involved in leading church planting initiatives within PCI. It offers pastoral accompaniment and strategic input through peer learning and training input.
- Coaching or mentoring: An experienced and wise mentor who can walk offer support, guidance and prayer support will be assigned to each Mission Pioneer.
As new ministries grow, Mission Pioneers may explore ordination pathways or be released to begin new pioneering work elsewhere.
Applications for new Mission Pioneers will re-open in Autumn 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).
