Be good news
A word from Jonny Baker, Britain Hub Mission Director, “There is so much need in our communities at the moment with challenges, struggles on so many fronts – pioneers start where people are and join in with others to bring about good, build community, especially with those at the edges.
“Fresh expressions of church often come out of that community work. I sometimes say you have to be good news if you want to talk about good news.”
CMS pioneer courses are full of good news! Full of amazing people! And we’re excited to again open our doors and tell everyone about pioneer study with us. These sessions are a great chance to hear what we do, and meet some of our current, wonderful students.
Students like Elizabeth Alden, on the Pioneer MA. Elizabeth’s work is based in the community, beginning with getting to know and listening to young adults. Elizabeth told me “The course has helped me observe and listen better, and reflect theologically on what I see. Fellow students and tutors, and the experience of the weekend away, have inspired and challenged me, enriched my knowledge and widened my horizons. There is always someone to help as I wrestle with ideas and pray, seeking God in it all.”
2023 (UK times)
Our Open Days run from 10.30am to 2pm (lunch at 1pm on site at CMS House) and can be joined on site or online
- Tuesday 28 February
- Tuesday 9 May
- Monday 19 June
We will also be running some dates online for undergraduate and MA African Christianity Open Evenings online only – 7pm start, to end by 8.30pm
- Tuesday 7 March
- Tuesday 25 April
- Tuesday 20 June
Our students are drawn from many denominations. We work with the Church of England, for students following a lay pioneer route, and others studying to be ordained. For ordination we work through a partnership with Ripon College Cuddesdon – with designated pioneers, and anyone accepted for C of E ordinand training.
Our website has inspiring short testimonials.
At open days, we’ll:
- share stories
- listen to journeys
- explore what’s right for you
- share questions with the CMS Pioneer team
Our awards, in Theology, Ministry and Mission, are accredited by Durham University. You can study for a one-year undergraduate or postgraduate Certificate; two-year undergraduate or postgraduate Diploma; a BA or MA. There’s flexibility on study time length. Study with a focus on Pioneering, or the African Christian Diaspora. Undergraduate study also has Youth, or Children and Family options.
If you don’t fit into regular church and mission settings, you may fit with us!
We are supportive; some say we are like family.
As Cathy Ross, Pioneer Mission Leadership Training Oxford Leader, says: “Students say that when they come to CMS they feel like they have come home. They meet with others who understand them, their passions and their gifts. We aim to support students in their pioneering by giving them confidence, introducing them to new ideas and people from all over the world and by creating a community of close friends who want to stay in touch and learn from one another.”
Booking – essential.
Book lunch or your Zoom link by email. Links will be sent to confirm booking.
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