A new faith community is like planting a new expression of church—something that grows over time as people gather regularly to explore Jesus, build relationships, and live differently together. It might include worship, prayer, eating together, studying Scripture, or serving the neighbourhood—but in ways shaped by the people involved and the context they’re in. 

In contrast, a programme is often short-term or structured—like a youth drop-in night or a parenting course. Those are important and can open doors, but a faith community goes deeper. It’s not just about running events for people but forming a new "us"—a community doing life and faith together. 

For example, a one-off open mic night is great. But when artists start gathering every month to talk about faith and purpose and pray for each other—that’s the beginning of a faith community. 

There’s a surprising amount of creativity happening already in MCI. Some examples include: 

• Ignite Network/ Urban Junction (Dublin): Started with a few people asking “What if church could look different?”— now it’s a church connecting its context with worship gatherings, small groups, and spiritual practices designed for people on the margins of faith or church. 

• Messy Church (various locations): Places where families come together to explore faith through craft, stories, and food—a relaxed, hands-on church space for all ages. 

• Coastal (Portrush): A faith community that grew out of relationships in the area, offering space for conversation, prayer, and shared life. 

• Student-focused small groups places designed for honest conversation about life and faith over coffee and food. 

The key thread? These communities are context-shaped, not cookie-cutter. They’re born out of listening to what God is doing in specific places and with particular people. 

Pioneer mission is about starting with people, not programmes. It’s about stepping into new territory—whether that’s a physical place, a subculture, or an overlooked group—and asking, “What would church look like here?” 

You might be called to this if: 

• You have a deep sense that the current forms of church aren’t connecting with people around you. 

• You love hanging out with people who don’t go to church, and you’re naturally building community. 

• You get ideas that don’t quite fit the usual mould—and you feel like God might be behind them. 

• You’re not afraid to try something, see how it goes, and adapt as you learn. 

It might look like: 

• Starting a dinner church for your classmates. 

• Creating a faith-based mental health support group. 

• Forming a community around shared passions—like art, hiking, or gaming—and weaving spiritual practices into it. 

Pioneer mission isn’t a solo superhero act—it’s about partnering with others, and with the Spirit, to experiment and create space for God to move in new ways. 

Here are some good starting points: 

• Who lives here? What are their joys, struggles, rhythms of life? Are they connected to a faith community already? 

• Where do people gather already? What spaces—online or physical—are important here? 

• What’s missing? Is there a spiritual hunger, loneliness, or desire for connection that’s not being met? 

• Where do we see signs of life? Where is God already at work, even if it's outside church buildings? 

Starting something new always begins with God and you. Consider asking: 

• What’s burning in me that I can’t ignore? Passion is often a signpost to calling. 

• What do I bring? Think gifts, experiences, personality—not just formal training. 

• Who could I team up with? Most pioneer work is better in pairs or small teams. 

• How comfortable am I with uncertainty? Pioneering means things will be unclear at times. 

• Am I ready to listen more than I lead at first? Often, we start by listening to others’ stories before forming anything new. 

For example, a young woman in the west of Ireland started walking and praying in her town. Over time, she met other spiritually open people and began a simple weekly gathering in her home with food, music, and silence. It started with her saying yes. 

Discernment often feels more like a slow burn than a lightning bolt. Some signs: 

• You feel a holy discontent—something isn’t working, and you long for something better. 

• An idea keeps coming back to you—like a whisper you can’t shake. 

• Other people start noticing and naming the same thing in you. 

• When you pray, journal, or sit in silence, this “new thing” keeps surfacing. 

It also helps to talk with someone you trust—a mentor, church leader, or another pioneer. Discernment grows stronger in community. God usually confirms things through multiple channels. 

And remember, feeling unqualified doesn’t mean you’re not called.

You don’t have to map the whole journey—just take the next faithful step. Here’s a rough path: 

1. Pray intentionally. Ask God to help you see with fresh eyes. 

2. Start listening to your context. Go where people are. Ask questions. Be curious. 

3. Gather people to dream with. Even 2–3 friends can spark something. 

4. Prototype something simple. A meal. A discussion night. A prayer walk. See what happens. 

5. Talk to church leaders, IMYC and Home Mission. We can help you think it through, connect with others, and access resources. 

You’re not on your own. MCI can support you – we would love to help. 

• One-on-one coaching with experienced pioneers to help you clarify vision and next steps. 

• Learning communities where you meet others doing similar work and share insights and challenges. 

• Training sessions (online and in person) on how to start, sustain and multiply new communities. 

• Potential Funding grants to help get something off the ground—whether it’s a venue, equipment or hospitality costs. 

• A national network of pioneers across Ireland to connect, pray, share and dream with. 

We’re here to help you explore whether this is your calling—and support you in growing something beautiful and lasting.