Pioneers

Mission Catalyst2011, issue 3

What is a pioneer?

… walk the paths where there are no footprints.

… sense the right direction.… are willing to take risks.… cannot rely on prior

example or proven practice.

Pioneers…

What is a pioneer?

… are innovators of new ideas and techniques.

… are the first to explore or settle in a new place.

… glimpse a world we do not yet see.

We need pioneers in the Church today!

Pioneers…

Courageous pioneers of the faith• The apostles – ordinary but

courageous

• Joshua – encouraged by Moses to ‘be strong and courageous’

• Esther – supported through prayer

• Jesus’ disciples – vulnerable trainees

• Jesus – the ultimate pioneer

Mission pioneersWilliam Carey•Set up the Baptist Missionary Society•Pioneer missionary to India•6 complete and 29 partial translations of the Bible•Successful campaigns against sati (widow burning)•Established Serampore College•Founded the Agri-Horticultural Society of India•Described as the ‘father of modern mission’

Mission pioneersGeorge Liele•Born into slavery c.1750.•Established the first black church in America.•Established the first Baptist church in Jamaica in 1784.

Cameron Townsend• Translated the New Testament for the Cakchiquel Indians in Guatemala.• Founded Wycliffe Bible Translators.• Known as ‘Uncle Cam’ for his humble attitude to all people.

Mission pioneersTerence Ascott•Founded SAT-7 (Christian satellite TV broadcasts in the Middle East), now with an audience of 15 million.•Started with no resources, only the desire to meet a need through a new opportunity.

Andrea Hotchkin•BMS doctor in Chad, setting up a maternity service at a new hospital•Improving obstetric care to women in challenging conditions

Pioneering churches in the UK

Urban Expression Victoria Park, ManchesterChurch without walls. Pub film nights, Naan bread ‘communion’ on The Curry Mile, home visits, bereavement classes, etc.

Vale Community Church, BedfordshireReaching the unchurched through community groups and Sunday Brunch ‘services’.

gariochchurchSmall, local, home-based groups along the A96 corridor near Aberdeen.

Pioneering churches in the UKHengoed ChapelRe-opening the old church building and confronting antisocial behaviour with acceptance.

Church from ScratchA network of home-based groups in Southend-on-Sea, set up in 2002, is now starting new pioneering community projects.

Society’s pioneers: secrets of success

• Hard work– Lots of practice!

• Opportunity– Right time, right place…

• Personality– Inspiring others to

follow• Failure– Learn from failed

attempts and try again

There are many situations surrounding us that require a courageous pioneer.

Are we that person, or can we encourage and equip someone we know to be that pioneer?