
Pioneer Mission
Stories of pioneer mission in Ireland.
Pioneer Mission is an alternative way to explore mission within the Methodist Church in Ireland.
Pioneer Mission leaders are women and men, both lay and ordained, commissioned by the Methodist Church in Ireland and led by the Spirit to join with God in culturally relevant mission amongst those whom we may not encounter through the life of our local church.
Current Pioneer Mission Projects
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Coastal is a new church community in Portrush, led by pioneer mission leaders Chris and Hannah Agnew, seeking to be a missional presence in the area. They exist as a family of families on mission, seeking the flourishing of Portrush and the surrounding area, and joining God in the reconciliation of all things. It is where we live.
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David and Jill Hines have been helping the Ballynafeigh Circuit in South Belfast to develop a long-term mission strategy based around prayer and hospitality to the least, the last and the lost. The buildings and land of the Ballynafeigh Methodist Church are being developed into a Community Hub called “The Commons”.
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Established in July 2018 by Rev Andrew Irvine (Pioneer Mission Leader), the Chaplaincy provides pastoral support to people working, living or enjoying recreational time in Belfast City Centre. Understanding that every human being is made in the image of God, they provide care to everyone, irrespective of their beliefs or past. They exist to embody the Kingdom of God in the City, with love and without judgement.
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Braniel Church in East Belfast have felt a calling from God to move away from old habits to new ways of engaging with local community; altering how to "be church" without compromising on biblical principles. They see situations and circumstances in which God is at work and want to get alongside Him in this.
BASE Braniel (Belong, Achieve, Support and Encourage) is a brand new community hub on the church site which will be used for community engagement projects that better support the community, and in turn allow them to share the good news of Jesus with them, changing from a Sunday centred community to living wholeheartedly as followers of Jesus 24/7. Neil Curran (Pioneer Mission Leader) leads this work.
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Play it by Ear is a drama company run by Chris Neilands and Ross Jonas. PIBE works across the island of Ireland and beyond using drama and storytelling to help people have fun, get creative and express themselves. Their work ranges from sketches to plays, online resources, and workshops for all ages. Through these workshops and performances, they encourage people to see where their stories fit into the big story of God.
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“Breathe” is the name of a small group of people aiming to hang out in Dublin city, asking the question “What is God up to here – how can we join in?” We are about being rather than doing. We want to be fully present in our workplaces, our homes, our neighbourhoods. Breathe is a living, walking, working, sleeping, eating, laughing, crying community who believe God is still breathing in this world.
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In the face of the daily and social challenges brought by migration and other factors in a multicultural Dublin, pioneer mission leaders, Stefanie and Antonio, look to God for guidance to address these issues and proclaim the Gospel. This initiative involves creating a community care hub to offer support and space for individuals navigating paperwork and other difficulties. Simultaneously, we a missional cake enterprise and music workshops are being launched aimed at fostering creativity and empowering marginalized groups.
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Steven Foster is living in County Galway building relationships in all walks of life with those who live there. 'Confounders' is seeking to establish small 'faith hubs' in people's homes, while always seizing hold of the variety of missional opportunities that continuously present themselves.
Interested in Pioneer Mission?
Contact us and we can discuss how to support you!