Pioneer Ministry in Connor Diocese – final video in our series

Thursday May 22nd 2025

In the fifth and final video in our in our series focused on Pioneer Ministry, we hear from Sister Karen Webb from Connect Base, the Connor Diocese / Church Army North Belfast Centre of Mission, and a member of the Connor Pioneer Hub.

Pioneer Ministry was set up to reach those who don’t know Jesus or those who have become detached from Church and reconnect them.

The Church of Ireland introduced the licensed office of Pioneer Minister at its 2024 General Synod, giving those who are licensed a recognised and authoritative role in the life of the Church.

Connor Pioneer Ministry Advocate, the Rev James Boyd, says this is an exciting development and is backed by funding from central Church over the next decade for this new ministry.

Pioneer Ministry has four strands: Missional – reaching out into the community; Contextual – it looks different in each context; Ecclesial – forming a new community of Christ; and Formational.

Working along with James as part of the Connor Pioneer Hub are Sister Karen Webb, Church Army; the Rev Stu Reid, the Rev Nathan Ervine, the Rev Jacob Mercer; and Bishop George Davison.

You can catch up on all five videos on our YouTube channel (search DioceseOfConnor).