A place that pioneers can call home
Are you feeling called to pioneer—or perhaps you’re already doing it? Pioneers create new Christian communities where people can encounter God’s love for the first time. If that sounds like you, here’s how you can start your pioneering journey with the Methodist Church and join Methodist Pioneering Pathways (MPP).
1. Introduce Yourself
Maybe you’ve been thinking about pioneering for a while. Perhaps you’ve already started or been inspired by hearing a New Places for New People (NPNP) story, meeting someone at a festival, or receiving an email that sparked something in you.
➡ The first step? Email us at pioneering@methodistchurch.org.uk to introduce yourself and let us know you’d like to find out more.
Once you get in touch, we’ll send you the information you need and connect you with a New Places for New People lead—someone in the Methodist Church who supports pioneers in your local area.
2. Meet Other Pioneers
A key part of exploring your call is meeting others who are on the journey too. The MPP community is over 150 pioneers working across Britain and are always glad to support people just starting out. This can happen in two ways:
- Join a local pioneer gathering—your NPNP lead will invite you to meet pioneers in your area.
- Connect with pioneers across Britain at Wholehearted Monthly, a national online gathering on the second Tuesday of every month.
➡ These spaces are great opportunities to:
✔ Ask questions.
✔ Hear stories from pioneers at different stages of their journey.
✔ Learn more about what pioneering looks like in different contexts.
3. Discernment Conversation
If, after meeting other pioneers and exploring your ideas, you feel ready to take the next step, you’ll have a discernment conversation with an NPNP Lead.
➡ What happens in this conversation?
✔ You’ll share more of your story and vision for a New Place for New People.
✔ The NPNP Lead will help you reflect on your calling and next steps.
✔ They’ll also offer to pray with you as you continue to explore.
To prepare, you may want to explore these resources:
📌 The Pioneer Characteristics – What qualities do pioneers have?
4. Applying to Join MPP
When you’re ready, you can apply to join Methodist Pioneer Pathways by filling in a short online form.
➡ What you’ll need to provide:
✔ Some basic details about yourself.
✔ A local referee who knows your pioneering journey.
✔ A short reflection on your story so far.
Need help with the form? No problem! Your NPNP Lead is happy to assist.
5. Welcome to Methodist Pioneer Pathways!
Once you submit your application, the Pioneering and Church Planting Officer will review it. If everything is in place, we’ll confirm your acceptance and officially welcome you into Methodist Pioneer Pathways.
➡ What happens next?
✔ You’ll receive a confirmation email.
✔ You’ll gain access to MPP resources and support.
✔ You’ll be connected with the wider pioneer community.
Ready to Explore?
📩 Email us at pioneering@methodistchurch.org.uk to start the conversation.