Pioneering on the Wood
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
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One of the main aspects of the Pioneer Ministry is to gather together on a Sunday afternoon in homes in our community. Gathering together enables us to share a meal, worship, share stories from the bible, ask questions and pray for one another. Coming together in one place to participate in being what was church in the first christians day and ours now. Essentially Jesus is the reason we meet. We are not the best at everything, and certainly don't have all the answers. We don't have all the latest gadgets and a shiny band. Yet, we gather together to learn more about Jesus, to worship and to be a public witness.
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In summary the five key principles are:
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Asking questions, telling stories
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Eating together
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Calling
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Generosity
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Receiving and Releasing
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We are committed to ‘table fellowship’ as the first Christians in the book of Acts were. We are ready to both offer and receive hospitality. We are committed to remembering Jesus in bread and wine. We recognise the table as the place where community is formed, both through giving and receiving hospitality; deepening friendship and recognising, in the stranger, a person of peace. Mission begins around the table. Anyone can join us, come and see and be part of this incredible journey of life, living by faith and not by sight.
Rev'd Andi Thomas was commissioned by Bishop Anne of Aston as our Pioneer Minister for St Andrew's Church last September 2019. Andi, his wife Briony, and their two boys Jonah and Elijah moved onto Chelmsley over a year ago.
"we have been absorbing all that Chelmsley has to offer; exploring the woodlands, Meriden adventure park, meeting new people and getting to know our neighbours and the many many children that congregate both on our road and also the surrounding streets. It has been an incredible time of watching, listening and praying'.
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Andi’s focus is to work with young people and families living on 'The Wood', with a view to creating a new worshipping community, pioneering different and creative ways of being the church of today. That’s where the “pioneering” bit comes in; it’s about engaging with people and families who don’t currently hang out in church; telling them about God’s love and inviting them to follow Jesus.
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What exactly is pioneering, visit the blog page and read more...
