‘Help me God to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown’

The first cohort to complete the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission have been presented with certificates.

Over the last year, nine people whose calling is to work beyond the church walls, have been part of a learning community travelling from Looe to Truro and even to Somerset. This has been a joint training experience with Salisbury and Bath and Wells dioceses. The next cohort, which starts in January 2025, will also involve Exeter Diocese.

The award service took place at Epiphany House in Truro this month and saw Bishop Hugh Nelson give an inspirational speech inspired by his grandfather. In it, he encouraged the pioneers, who will go on to be commissioned as Local Lay Pioneers at a service on October 6, to be rooted in Christ as they venture out.

Using Brendan’s prayer as the underlying theme, navigation, and boldness to encourage pioneers as they journey outwards, the room was full of energy and guests, and all got involved in building a coracle with the things that they found around them in the room.

The Pioneer Mission course itself helps people look at and understand contextual mission through the lenses of church, the environment, spirituality and entrepreneurship.

Lindsey Morgan-Lundie, Pioneer Network Facilitator, said: “It was the last Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen who first encouraged this pioneer pathway for Lay ministry to be developed through the document the Saints’ Way and we are delighted that this course is helping people understand and embrace their calling.

“If you know of anyone within your church or on the edge of your church community that loves to be with the people outside of the church walls please do mention the CMS Pioneer Certificate to them.”

The certificate is open to people from any educational background, encourages diversity and with a playful approach to learning, creates an accessible fun opportunity to engage in a transformational formation journey.

Click here to find out more about the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission