CMS helps students 'read signs of the times'

Church Mission Society is hoping its Pioneer Mission Leadership Training Course will support students in "reading the signs of the times".

This is the theme for the next academic year starting in September.

"Responding to the signs of the times is what pioneers are good at," says Jonny Baker, the course leader.

"They spot what's going on in culture and look for what the Spirit might be saying in that. Then their imagination goes to work in pioneering mission."

The groundbreaking course was launched three years ago and has grown from nine students to 50. It now offers an MA programme and C-of-E recognised training for Ordained Pioneer Ministers, alongside a foundation degree in ministry and individual modules suitable for mission practitioners.

Students come from a range of denominations and are able to take what they learn to diverse contexts like new age fairs, arts communities and prisons.

"There is nothing more gratifying than to hear stories of how the learning and experience that they are immersed in on the CMS course is helping make their projects more successful and sustainable," Baker added.

Philip Mounstephen, executive leader of CMS, said, "In the UK today, you don't need to go overseas to cross cultures, often you just need to go and say hello to your next door neighbour.

"That's why CMS is so pleased to offer our historic experience in cross-cultural mission training to the Church in this country through our outstanding Pioneer Mission Leadership course."

News
Nigerian Christian to be honoured for defiant faith after surviving extremist attack
Nigerian Christian to be honoured for defiant faith after surviving extremist attack

A young Nigerian catechist who survived a near-fatal knife attack by extremists is to be honoured for his courage and steadfast faith.

YMCA helps homeless with new homes near Torbay
YMCA helps homeless with new homes near Torbay

Young man, there's a place you can go in the town of Paignton.

Finding God on The Great British Bake Off
Finding God on The Great British Bake Off

Faced with an ageing Noel Fielding, you too would cry out for God.

Supreme Court rejects Kim Davis’ request to reconsider landmark gay marriage ruling
Supreme Court rejects Kim Davis’ request to reconsider landmark gay marriage ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a petition filed by former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis to reconsider the 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.