How to Pioneer:

by David Male

Small new Christian communities created by pioneer ministers, both lay and ordained, are popping up everywhere – on housing estates, in community centres, schools, cafes, among different age groups and in numerous other contexts beyond the local church. This practical book is for all who are engaged in this form of ministry and it begins by identifying some basic principles from a wide variety of creative examples of pioneer ministry. Illustrated with actual examples throughout, it explores • how to ‘listen’ to the physical, social and spiritual environment of a local context • how to discern a community’s needs and the appropriate missional response • how to build a creative team • the art of the start – how to begin well • how to build relationships and create community by acts of authentic love • how to become and stay Jesus-centred • how to live and tell the gospel in meaningful ways • how to grow disciples • how to stay fresh (and avoid rotas!)

Genres: Religion

128 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2016

Reviews

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a quick read, even though it took me almost a year to finish it, haha (I initially read a couple of chapters of this for a course, and only just came back to it today). It's short, but densely packed. Useful for leaders looking to try new things in their communities, outside of traditional faith communities. I did find that it seemed to gloss over some of the challenges associated with these sorts of things. It may just be that this book didn't come at the right time for me, but I think I'd like to revisit it again someday.

[Jonathan Budd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second half of this short book is better. The first half is similar to many other books and guides on the subject but practical throughout.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good presentation of the concept of Fresh Expressions for the church that began in the UK.

[Mark Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource to all exploring Pioneer Ministry