About CPL
Directed by the Revd David Male, Ridley's Tutor in Pioneer Ministry, the main areas of focus in the Centre for Pioneer Learning are:
- To oversee the Ordained Pioneer Ministry Track at Ridley Hall and Westcott House
- To provide training and support for lay and ordained pioneers across all denominations
- To bring together pioneers from across the world to learn together
- To provide research, study and sabbatical facilities for pioneers
The Centre offers an environment where pioneers can meet together, and be resourced, challenged and supported to take pioneering forward in its scope and effectiveness.
Find out more below or visit www.centreforpioneerlearning.org.uk
Accredited Training
Training of OPMs
The Centre for Pioneer Learning is involved in the training for Ordained Pioneer Ministry in the Church of England. The Centre's Director, David Male, oversees the training of pioneers in both Ridley Hall and Westcott House. For more details about training at Ridley for Ordained Pioneer Ministry, see our page for Pioneer Ordinands.
FdA in Community Based Pioneer Ministry
This foundation degree is delivered in association with the Centre for Youth Ministry (CYM). The FdA provides a context for the development of practical pioneering skills combined with a deep theological understanding. The course runs at Ridley for 16 Fridays per year and students need to be involved in ministry undertaken within a pioneering context. For more details see Fda in Community Based Pioneer Ministry.
Supporting Pioneers
The Centre for Pioneer Learning aims to provide a focal point of training, support and collaboration for church pioneers, lay and ordained, across denominations and world-wide. Such support currently includes the following:
Pioneer Days
The Centre holds several one-day events each year, linked to issues relating to pioneering in the church and building Christian communities. The format for these days varies widely, with recent events ranging from workshops to speaking tours. The aim of Pioneer Days is to resource and encourage those engaged in pioneering.
Pioneer School
This is a unique school for pioneers in ministry, both lay and ordained, across denominations. It is designed for those who& want both input and support for their ministries. Six one-day sessions spread over eight months provide theological and practical resources from key speakers on important issues frequently encountered. Within each session there is also a dedicated space to benefit from mutual support and encouragement from other pioneers.
Pioneer School currently runs at Ridley Hall, in association with Cambridge CYM, and in Birmingham, in association with the Queen's Foundation.
International Pioneer Conference
This residential conference, held every 2 years, invites pioneers from across the world to gather and learn together. It is held in the historic city of Cambridge and draws on the theological and practical experience of international speakers, as well as providing a place for delegates to share and discuss issues relating to their own contexts.
Further CPL activities
In addition to the above, the Centre offers retreats, individual mentoring and consultation for pioneers. For more information on this or any matter relating to the Centre, please visit the CPL website www.centreforpioneerlearning.org.uk or contact Nicky Redsell or David Male.
Research and Sabbatical Facilities
The Centre for Pioneer Learning aims to provide a place for research within the areas of pioneer ministry, pioneering leadership and pioneering within the wider church.
This happens through sabbatical visits, accredited research or support for research projects.
If you have an interest in exploring the possibilities, we would love to hear from you. Please contact David Male.