Are you called to Pioneer a new Christian community?

Are you a pioneer?

• Are you a self-starter? Maybe you’ve been motivated to initiate new things – in church, in your community or in business.
• Are you a visionary? Can you imagine what a new Christian community might be for new people in your community?
• Are you a team-builder? Perhaps you thrive working with teams of people, and are able to effectively build a team to bring a vision to life.
• Do you enjoy being connected to others? Are you deeply connected to your community and to God? Are you passionate about people?
• Do you feel called to the edge? Even though you’re committed to the Church, do you often find yourself pulled towards people at the edge?

Pioneers are at ease speaking about their faith, committed to noticing those who are missing or excluded and willing to take risks and make mistakes in order to make new followers of Jesus.

Does this sound like you?

If so, the Methodist Church recognises what a gift you are!

We are committed to supporting and coaching pioneers and church planters, and connecting them with others through the Methodist Pioneering Pathways (MPP).

You can book a chat with Matt Finch ­– the Church’s Pioneering and Church Planting Officer. He would love to meet you and share the Methodist Church’s vision for beginning new Christian communities.

We invite you to take a few moments to read through the Methodist Pioneering Pathways (MPP) web page to see how we support our pioneers and how you can join this growing community. If you want to explore further, take some time to read the Discernment Journal.

🌱 What Methodist Pioneering Pathways Offers Every Pioneer

Whether you're just exploring or already leading something new, MPP is here for you — in every context and stage of the journey.

✨ At its heart, MPP exists to:

Help you discern, deepen, and act on your call.

• Support you in initiating, sustaining, and growing New Places for New People and Church at the Margins.
• Connect you with other pioneers who are part of the growing NPNP movement across the Connexion.
• Offer tools and pathways for your formation, wherever you’re starting from.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

🔗 Connection

• Regular face-to-face district gatherings for learning, encouragement and spiritual growth.
• A nationwide community of pioneers meeting through Wholehearted Monthly and Connexional events.
• An annual retreat to pause, reflect, and reconnect with others on the journey.

📚 Learning and Development

• Fully-funded residential and online training as part of the MPP journey.
• Grants for further training, resources, and innovation.
• Opportunities to attend pioneering conferences and events hosted by other organisations.
• Resources for specialist streams (e.g. housing, recovery, and marginalised communities).

🤝 Coaching

• A matched coach to support you regularly.
• Opportunity to train to become a coach and support others on the journey.

✨ Formation for the Journey

• Coaching, training, and spiritual reflection — whether you’re a grassroots volunteer or in a funded role.
• Encouragement to grow in confidence, deepen your call, and take the next step as a pioneer.