[Church Mission Society] A manicurist, a campaigner against female genital mutilation [FGM], and a singer songwriter from North Wales, were among a group of pioneers graduating from Church Mission Society’s Pioneer Mission Leadership Training programme.

The pioneers, who included some being ordained into the Church of England as deacons or admitted to the order of lay workers, represent an eclectic mix of missionaries, drawn together by a common desire to share Jesus with all parts of society and see lives changed.

Jonny Baker, director of mission education at CMS, who oversees the course, enthused: “Gavin, Erika, Ann-Marie and the other mission pioneers have been inspired and equipped to lead new projects and innovations that communicate Jesus to many of those living on the margins in 21st century Britain.” He continued, “Mission pioneers give the church a glimpse of the future, where mission will not be delivered solely by large para-church organisations, but increasingly through agile, innovative and creative pioneers, witnessing ‘love in action’.”

The Pioneer Mission Leadership programme, which was first established in 2011, is a creative way of equipping and mobilising Christians for ground-breaking, transformational and sustainable mission. Jonny Baker explained how the programme has been designed to provide a diverse approach to training pioneers. “The course gives pioneers, who often display ‘the gift of not fitting in’, a supportive learning community – a place to belong, as well as equipping and empowering them to initiate and follow through with mission projects that have a wider impact on the Church and society.”

Throughout the training programme, students complete a range of modules including mission in contemporary society, cross cultural engagement, leadership, pastoral care and entrepreneurship in mission. Students are encouraged to enlist the support of a mentor, and to supplement what they learn in the classroom by attending an annual retreat, starting additional projects and visiting existing pioneer community projects.

Since entering the training programme, manicurist Erika has started an initiative called ‘Cherish’ which is aimed at girls suffering from low self-esteem and experiencing and practising self-harming. Through the Cherish course Erika has been able to help these young people construct their own manicure kit. In between learning how to do manicures, the young people talk about life issues and in the process each has found renewed confidence and their own voice. Erika now hopes to buy a VW camper van and take her manicure skills around the country.

Ann-Marie Wilson, an anti-FGM campaigner, has set up the charity 28 Too Many – the number of African countries where FGM is still practised – to highlight the perpetrators and ultimately eradicate the practice globally. She recalls her experience: “Initially, I felt I was literally ‘sinking’ as it’s a lonely life pioneering on your own. I joined the aptly named ‘Sink or Swim’ module – and I am now in an action learning set with two others. Without this course I’m not sure I’d have made it this far!”

John, a youth worker with StreetSpace in Weston-super-Mare explains the benefits of being on the course. “The flexibility of the course has been essential as I needed to work alongside my learning. It has provided the space to work out who it is I am and what I am called to. Moving forward I fully expect to lean into our learning on the Missional Entrepreneurship module and try my hand at social enterprise.”

The Church of England has recognised that pioneers are vital for the future of the church and the Church Mission Society’s Pioneer Mission Leadership training programme provides a designated pathway for ordination as an Ordained Pioneer Minister (OPM), alongside those who are lay leaders. It offers certificate, diploma and MA qualifications.

Read more about the CMS Pioneer Mission Leadership Training programme.