“See, I am doing a new thing.”
Isaiah 43.19
The Church of England describes Pioneering Ministry as follows:
“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.”
In essence, Pioneers have a heart for those not currently connected with church. They bring creativity, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit to shape new ways for people to encounter God beyond traditional church settings.
Exploring the call
A call to be a Commissioned Lay Minister for Pioneering typically grows out of a combination of personal characteristics, spiritual prompting, and the needs of local communities. While every journey is unique, people often feel called when:
- They notice unmet needs or opportunities in their community: Many pioneers are the first to see where the Church could connect more deeply with people who currently have little or no contact with it. They often feel a tug to respond creatively to those gaps.
- They feel prompted by the Holy Spirit: A sense of God’s nudging—sometimes gentle, sometimes persistent—often leads someone to explore pioneering. This may come through prayer, reflection, or a growing restlessness about “what could be.”
- They have a passion for people outside traditional church life: Pioneers are energised by building relationships with those beyond existing church structures and creating spaces where they can encounter God in meaningful, accessible ways.
- They have ideas or imagination for something new: This might look like a fresh expression of church, a community project, or a new gathering shaped around local culture and context.
- Others recognise the gifts in them: A call is often affirmed by clergy, congregations, or friends who notice their creativity, initiative, compassion, or leadership potential.
- They feel drawn to gather others around a vision: Pioneers don’t work alone—they invite people into a shared sense of purpose, helping bring new Christian communities to life.
- They show signs of entrepreneurial or pioneering gifting: This could include creativity, adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to try, experiment, and learn.
And just as a reminder
LLP training is a part of the Lay Ministries Pathway which is a flexible and responsive approach to training people called to Lay Ministry. Instead of asking the question “What course shall I do?”, it begins with a question of calling:
- “What is God calling me to do, and what do I need to be equipped for it?”
- “What is God calling you to do, and how can we support and equip you?”
Might this be the ministry you are being called to?
You may feel called to this ministry if you are:
- Someone who notices unmet needs or new opportunities within your community
- Sensing God prompting you to respond in creative or unconventional ways
- Feeling passionate about connecting with people currently beyond church life
- Imagining fresh expressions of Christian community or new ways for people to encounter God
- A naturally gatherer, encourager, and inspirer of others around a vision
- Showing qualities such as creativity, adaptability, perseverance, or entrepreneurial thinking
- Receiving encouragement or affirmation from others who see these gifts in you
A call to be a Commissioned Lay Minister for Pioneering often emerges when someone senses the Holy Spirit prompting them to respond creatively to the needs of their community.
Lay Minister Pioneers are typically people with a passion for those not currently connected with church, an imagination for new ways of reaching out, and a desire to gather others around a shared vision. This sense of calling is often affirmed by clergy, friends, or the wider church community, who recognise gifts of creativity, compassion, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Who to contact
Working out a calling is about listening attentively to God and reflecting with others.
If what you have read is making sense for you – and you are feeling nudged towards this ministry – then have a conversation with your Incumbent: you may find they are already thinking about how people can get involved. We want Commissioned Lay Ministers to feel properly equipped for this significant role.
Your incumbent will need to contact the Training team for information and resources.
Email the team: training@bathwells.anglican.org