At ERMC, we support students who are training for pioneer ministry. We know the joys, the inspiration, the frustrations and the hard work that is involved in pioneer ministry and we are delighted to have incorporated our experience into our pioneer ministry pathway. Whether you are discerning a vocation to break new ground as a pioneer minister, there is a pathway for you to walk as you follow this call.
We offer full-time and part-time pathways for lay and ordained pioneer ministers, based on your local context and grounded in pioneering ministerial practice. Your DDO will be a key person in helping discern the most suitable local context for your training. For your academic studies, you will follow the same core modules as your cohort with modules in Biblical Studies, Church History, Doctrine and Pastoral Theology. In addition, you will undertake specialist modules focused on creating new Christian communities giving you the opportunity to develop projects in your local pioneering context.
For pioneer ordinands, weekend residential intensives will give you the space to gain skills in leading worship, preaching, theological reflection, leadership, evangelism and mission.We offer full-time and part-time pathways for pioneer ministers, based on your local context and grounded in pioneering ministerial practice. Your DDO will be a key person in helping discern the most suitable local context for your training. For your academic studies, you will follow the same core modules as your cohort with modules in Biblical Studies, Church History, Doctrine and Pastoral Theology. In addition, you will undertake specialist modules focused on creating new Christian communities giving you the opportunity to develop projects in your local pioneering context. For pioneer ordinands, weekend residential intensives will give you the space to gain skills in leading worship, preaching, theological reflection, leadership, evangelism and mission.
‘Pioneers are people called by God who are the first to see and creatively respond to the Holy Spirit’s initiatives with those outside the church; gathering others around them as they seek to establish new contextual Christian community.’ (Church of England)
For full-time pioneer students, your work will involve working half-time in a pioneering context and studying half-time. This will include developing your own missional project with significant impact which is to be delivered in your pioneering context. You will be supported by pioneer mentors to help you reflect as you grow in your vocation. There will be placements in Christian gatherings quite different to your own and community projects which will help expand your horizons. You will be training alongside those preparing for lay and ordained ministries in established church communities. The pioneer pathway is designed to encourage both your creative innovation and your integration with the wider church. For more information on pioneer ministry, please see visit the Church of England website.