Lisburn Cathedral hosts first Service of Commissioning for a Pioneer Minister in Ireland

Monday November 4th 2024

At the Commissioning of the Rev Peter Meenagh as a Pioneer Minister are, front row from left: The Rev James Boyd, Diocesan Advocate for Pioneer Ministry; Bishop George Davison; the Rev Pete Meenagh; the Rev Canon William Taggart, Diocesan Registrar. Back row, from left: The Rev Rob Jones, National Director of Pioneer Ministry; Dean Sam Wright; and the Ven Barry Forde, Archdeacon of Belfast. Picture by John Humes.

The first Service of Commissioning for a Pioneer Minister in Ireland was held in Lisburn Cathedral with the commissioning of the Rev Pete Meenagh as Pioneer Minister (in training) for ministry in the South Lisburn Community Church.

During the service, the Rev Rob Jones, National Director of Pioneer Ministry, invited people to pray for Pete live on Instagram.

Pete’s commissioning took place in the context of the Cathedral’s Annual Community Harvest Service on October 11 with a large attendance of members from the Cathedral and South Lisburn Community Church and local community representatives.

The Lisburn Fusiliers Flute Band opened the service by playing some Hymn tunes and this was followed by a video from Church of Ireland Pioneer Ministry that explained the concept, purpose and aims of this new ministry.

Pete was presented to the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, for his commissioning by Rev Rob Jones and Dean Sam Wright. After Pete expressed his commitment to Jesus Christ and to going out with the gospel to those with little or no church connections, Diocesan Registrar, the Rev Canon William Taggart, read the Pioneer’s License which was then presented to Pete by Bishop George. The Bishop invited the Pioneer Ministry team and the Cathedral clergy to join him for the laying on of hands and prayer for Pete.

Pete and his wife Donna explained in an interview how they had made the transition as a family and how they are engaging with the community in the Hillhall and South Lisburn area.

The Rev James Boyd, Diocesan Advocate for Pioneer Ministry, preaching at the Commissioning of the Rev Pete Meenagh. Picture by John Humes.

The Bible Reading from Matthew 6:19-24 was read by Adie Bird of the Resurgam Trust. In his sermon, the Rev James Boyd, Diocesan Advocate for Pioneer Ministry, asked all present to consider ‘What do you truly treasure? What is the greatest desire of your heart? Have you received Jesus as your greatest treasure?’

Jayne Martin, South Lisburn Community Church, and the Rev Lee Boal, Cathedral curate, led the prayers. Musical Director Stephen McLoughlin and the Cathedral’s music group led the singing, 10,000 Reasons, Blessed be your Name and In Christ Alone.

Afterwards there was fellowship and food in the Cathedral Hall.

Dean Wright said: “This was a very significant evening of commissioning, prayer, worship and fellowship, and a great endorsement of Pete as he goes out on mission to form a new church community in the Hillhall area of Lisburn.”

We are grateful for the support of Church of Ireland Pioneer Ministry in helping us to make this new ministry in South Lisburn Community Church, a reality that will change the lives of many people who have little or no church connection.