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
Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body
Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body

Both US and EU institutions have raised concerns about the issue.

The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics
The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics

Christian Today speaks to Emma Weaver of trypraying to hear about how a simple prayer guide is engaging even more non-Christians in prayer for the first time.

Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury
Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been presented with a commemorative cake by a recent winner of The Great British Bake Off.

Japanese Church leader warns of 'polite persecution' in the country
Japanese Church leader warns of 'polite persecution' in the country

"Religion is not recognized as a moral authority in this country and as long as we contain ourselves in the Church premises, we are considered harmless and fine.”