Over the last weekend of April, 34 students, 8 facilitators and a course Chaplain from the Dioceses of Bristol, Exeter and Truro gathered at Sclerder Abbey in Cornwall for the first residential weekend and launch of the Church Mission Society (CMS) Contextual Pioneer Mission course.
This first weekend was also the first of six modules that make up part of the course. The module was focused on ‘What is Pioneer Mission?’ and was facilitated by Jonny Baker, Britain Hub Mission Director for CMS, and Lindsay Smith, an ordained Pioneer minister based in Portishead. The learning was a creative mixture of teaching, self-reflection, conversation, and physical movement, using the outdoor spaces at the Abbey. The outside space was particularly helpful when Lindsay shared the Pioneer Spectrum with the students.
The weekend contained plenty of opportunities to reflect, visit the Green Abbey onsite, go for a walk or a nap, or speak with the course Chaplain. The three days, perhaps due to their location, had the feel of a combination of a retreat and a learning space and gave time for people from across the Southwest to make connections, share stories, and learn from and with each other.
Lee Barnes, Diocesan Adviser for Curacy & Fresh Expression of Church, said:
“It was exciting to see the Bristol cohort of students engaging in this new partnership with CMS. The beautiful sunny weather was an added bonus to what was already a weekend with a great atmosphere, energy and engaged conversations.”
On the Sunday morning, the group headed to a local beach and gathered there for a time of reflective worship and wandering.
One of the students said:
“I am excited to see where all these people will take their learning and what will emerge as a result. It's really good to be part of that adventure!”
Another shared:
“It feels like I have been stretched and inspired, also, I have found my tribe.”
If you would like to know more about the course or if you would like to register your interest in a course next year, please email Lee.Barnes@bristoldiocese.org