Over the weekend of 2-4 November 2018, a group of Pioneer Ministers from across the South and West of England gathered at Peacehaven Guest House in Seaton, Devon to retreat and spend time together. The retreat was made possible by a grant from the Baptist Insurance Company who actively support mission and evangelism across our Baptist family.
Organised by Regional Ministers from the South & West Baptist Association Partnership (SCBA, SWaBA, SWBA & WEBA), the aim of the retreat was to bring together those in pioneering ministry from across our Associations for the first time to learn from each other's stories, build supportive friendships and to recharge their spiritual, physical and emotional batteries. Carl Smethurst (SWBA Regional Minister for Misison) said,
"Pioneers most often minister in settings outside of the established church where many of the mechanisms of support found within a local congregation have not yet developed. All Ministers need 'time out' to spend with God and with others who understand the joys and challenges of their calling. Pioneers can feel especially isolated and it was a privilege this weekend to share life together, pray together, cry together and laugh together. Friendships were formed during this retreat that will see this group of Pioneers continue onwards on their individual ministry journeys together as pilgrims and companions. We would love to organise similar retreats again in the future!"
If you'd like to find out more about Pioneer ministry in the South & West, please get in contact.
Here are a few pictures from this retreat...
