Trinity’s pioneer programme expands

This academic year, we are expanding the opportunities for both pioneers and those who wish to learn more about pioneer ministry.

Currently, up to thirty-five students have participated in ‘input classes’, which are half-termly meetings, timed to coordinate with our dispersed learners’ block weeks. As they meet through Zoom, the group hears a seminar from an external speaker and then engages together for a question-and-answer time. Twenty students are also meeting through Zoom in fortnightly small group lunchtime meetings to discuss, debate, and reflect on a curriculum.

Revd John White (Trinity 2018) is working with Pioneer Student Rep Joe Palfreyman and Trinity Tutor in Missiology Revd Dr Howard Worsley to help lead these initiatives as Trinty’s new Associate Pioneer Missioner. Joe and John created a curriculum for the group that will lead students from thinking about what pioneering can be to a more refined idea of their own calling as pioneers.

‘More people who are pioneers or interested in pioneering can attend—even if you don’t have the pioneer label,’ John says. ‘I spent a lot of time last year meeting with people interested in becoming pioneers, coaching them through the discernment as well as the practical process. We’ve had lots of conversations around “What is pioneering? Am I a pioneer? What might your pioneer ministry look like?” I enjoy seeing people flourish, and it’s a way I can give back to Trinity.’

John is currently involved in a pioneer initiative in Bristol, Hazelnut Community Farm, which is seeking to combine the community of a city farm, learning together to care for the planet, and the spiritual life of the local church. Two of Trinity’s pioneers are completing placements with John at Hazelnut. You can watch a brief video from one of those pioneers below (click box on lower right to enlarge).

Questions about becoming a pioneering ordinand at Trinity? Email admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.

Posted January 2021