Pioneer Programme

Do you have a passion for Jesus?
Do you long to share his message with others like you?
Are you from a London community where the gospel is rarely heard?

If so, you could be our next Pioneer.

The Pioneer Programme is a unique opportunity for gifted, passionate believers to receive training and support to become effective gospel evangelists. It’s a paid two-year training scheme especially for Christians from London’s urban communities where the gospel is rarely heard.

The aim of the Pioneers Programme is to raise up local believers from across London – people who might not fit the stereotypical ‘image’ of Christian leaders – and equip them to share Jesus. By the end of the programme, Pioneers are trained, inspired and prepared to become effective gospel workers in their London church.

The course is fully funded by generous LCM supporters, and Pioneers receive a part-time salary. Many say it’s a life-changing opportunity, which opens doors to serve across London and beyond.

The programme involves theological training, work placement with LCM and, for one day a week, Pioneers work in their home church to develop a ministry. The link with the Pioneer’s church is key – not only does it root the programme in the local church, it also creates effective urban gospel ministries across our city.

Download the Pioneer Brochure here.

Location
Lcm Hq And Your Church
Date
Starts every September
Time
two years

Cost

Free, thanks to LCM supporters.

Pioneers receive a part-time salary and are entitled to statutory sick pay and annual leave.

Timing

Two years, starting in September and running to July

Venue

Theological training takes place at LCM head office in Tower Bridge Road.

Work placements will be with a ministry or partner organisation in London.

Home church ministry takes place at your church.

Who is the course for?

Christians from communities in London where the gospel is rarely heard, who have a passion to share Jesus.

Being a member of a London church, for a least a year, is essential. Some experience of urban evangelism, however small, is useful.

Course Overview

The programme is in three sections:

1) Theological training and mentoring. Pioneers attend interactive weekly lectures to deepen their understanding of urban mission and the gospel. There is some written coursework. Once a month, Pioneers meet with a mentor. Sessions all take place at LCM Head Office.

2) Work placement. One day a week, Pioneers receive on-the-job training with an experienced missionary, or LCM ministry partner, in a ministry setting.

3) Home church ministry. One day a week, Pioneers serve in their own church, to establish a new ministry or reinvigorate an existing one. Just as the Church is central to God’s salvation plan, so this element is a key part of the Pioneer programme.

Robert Prendergast

Training Field Director

Robert is a Training Field Director at LCM, who has studied at Cornhill and Oak Hill College. He was a church planting pastor for 17 years and is married with two adult children.

Phil Moore

Training Field Director

Phil is a Training Field Director who oversees mentoring at LCM. His expertise includes pastoral care, biblical counselling and effective biblical leadership. Phil trains churches, of all denominations, in practical evangelism.

Felix Aremo

MISSIOLOGIST FIELD DIRECTOR

Felix is a Bible teacher, evangelistic speaker and mission theologian. He trains Christian leaders and gospel workers in mission, specifically urban apologetics, cross-cultural disciple-making and building diverse gospel communities.

Efrem Buckle

Director of Training and Mentoring

Efrem joined London City Mission in 2014 to help establish our Pioneer Programme. Now, he’s our Director of Training and Mentoring, responsible for strengthening the impact and increasing the reach of our training. Efrem is also LCM's deputy Chief Executive.

Apply

We are currently accepting applications, to start in September 2024.

To find and more and apply, click here.

The application deadline is mid-day Friday 8th March 2024

Diamonds in the Rough: The Pioneer Documentary

The mini-documentary tells the amazing, inspirational stories of men and women who have been part of LCM's Pioneer Programme in the past ten years. The programme trains and equips Christians often overlooked to share Jesus in the least reached parts of the city.

Visit lcm.org.uk/documentary to find out more.

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