Natalie Burfitt has joined the pioneer team at CMS as Pioneer Hubs Coordinator, helping our regional partnerships to flourish as they deliver the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission. Natalie is also the new chaplain to undergraduates studying with us. Here, she introduces herself…
I completed the MA in pioneer leadership at CMS this summer, a truly life-transforming experience.
I work in Gloucester Diocese as part of three different initiatives, each of them pioneering in some measure.
The role that draws most explicitly on my pioneer training and intention is with Sportily. This diocesan-funded organisation seeks to connect with children, families and young people through sport and wellbeing, with the intention of growing new worshipping communities where being active is an integrated part of how we explore faith together. My role is coaching the sport and faith leaders (those on the ground delivering activities) in the pioneering aspect of their work. I’m really grateful for the insight and resources that training with CMS has given me as this really shapes what I bring to Sportily.
I’m also growing my own pioneer practice in the community where I’ve lived for nearly 20 years. I take inspiration from the CMS founding principle of ‘start small’ as this is all very small stuff but it’s exciting and feels grounded in principles of listening to the community and working with the local culture.
My third role is supporting young adults exploring ministry as chaplain to the Gloucester Ministry Experience Scheme.
I’m really looking forward to working with the CMS pioneer hubs and getting to know more pioneer stories.
You can read more about Natalie’s pioneering journey in this previous blog post from 2020 and this interview from 2021 (including cute puppy).