quite often pioneering gets set up as an out there practice beyond the current ways of doing things (and sometimes it is). however in the church, research shows that most new things that are started have a relationship with and most likely come out of an existing parish church. i really loved reading the case study of janice hamilton's pioneering in a rural parish. she began with a process of praying and listening and out of that noticed somewhere she felt stirred to connect with but that the church did not engage with. then through that seeing she has built a community hub in partnership with others taking an asset based approach and she started a new community of disciples in that space. it's quite something what she has done but equally it is simply an ordinary rural parish so any church could do the same – pray, notice, experiment, build partnerships with the local community and make something happen. 

janice trained with us at cms pioneer mission leadership training in oxford – it is a particular joy when you see how a former student is flourishing but it's also lovely to see them put into practice what we have talked about! it's a great example of pioneer practice – though not one i included in the book. and of course i then learn from the practice they develop. 

it's the time of year to sign up for training that starts in september. janice is an ordained pioneer who trained with us. if you are selected for ordination why not come and train with us at cms! the majority of our students are independent and not getting ordained so we cater for both. the main thing is that if if you are interested in mission and pioneering why not do some training? you can see from janice's story the benefit that gives alongside practice. we offer training at all levels which are in common awards through durham university – certificate, diploma, degree, masters, and dth (through roehampton) and you can of course simply audit modules which means to attend without being registered with durham university.

we have an open day on monday – there are two zooms – one in the morning and one in the evening. we had hoped to be on site in the day but have rearranged given the govt guidelines change this week. do sign upo. if that doesn't work get in touch if you want to talk about training. i can honestly say i have seen how encouraging and transforming training has been for people like janice. she has completed her part now in that role and heads to start a new cycle of practice in cheltenham. go well!