Birmingham

Newbigin Pioneering Hub

Our mission is to discover, nurture, empower and release a new Community of Pioneers, able to see God’s love and shalom flourish in their local communities.

A partnership between

The Newbigin Pioneering Hub is a collaboration between United Reformed Church, Congregational Federation, Church Mission Society and Seedbeds and named in honour of the inspirational URC Minister and mission theologian, Lesslie Newbigin. This venture is open to all!

“We long for every local community to flourish in God’s love and shalom, but know so many neighbourhoods are missing out right now.

I believe this new venture can unearth a new generation of Pioneers, ready to be planted personally in local places and able to grow people into new communities of hope, faith and compassion wherever Jesus has called them to serve.

We have hard-won insights from experienced Pioneers that can help form, guide and inspire a new generation of Pioneers from here.”

Rev Dr Ash Barker, who leads the Newbigin Pioneering Hub from Winson Green, inner city Birmingham

Courses on offer

CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission

Centred at Lodge Road Community Church, Winson Green, Birmingham, the course starts in September and includes six units delivered through:

• three weekend residentials
• hybrid seminars
• three full Saturdays in-person
• three Wednesday evenings online
• online learning circles
• personal coaching

There is also a final pitch of your pioneering project to a resource panel and a graduation celebration.

Certificates are awarded following submission of six assignments. You also have the option to apply for URC Assembly Accreditation for Lay Pioneers.

“This journey has enabled me to ‘find myself’, who I am and my calling. The Newbigin Pioneering Hub has enabled me to find clarity and embedding of my Pioneer call.”

Wendy, first cohort

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