Diocese of Connor
Bishop of Connor
The Right Reverend George Davison, B.Th. B.D.
Diocesan Pioneer Advocate
Revd. James Boyd
My name is Pete and I’m really looking forward to beginning pioneer ministry. I have an amazing wife called Donna and two wonderful kids called Sarah and Daniel. I have a background in web and graphic design and with my wife and small leadership team I currently head up a church plant in Lisburn. Something which drew me to pioneer ministry was the opportunity to meet new people in the same context, learn from them and learn new ways to reach people with little or no faith while encouraging those within church to grow in faith. I’m excited to be able to learn and participate in the sharing of ideas, to seek more of what God has for us as his followers and to be part of seeing more of God's kingdom come here in the lives of people.
Hello, I’m Naomi Jennings and I’m thrilled to be part of an exciting new initiative in Agherton Parish, Portstewart—Family Flourishing—where I serve as the Pioneering Family Wellbeing Coordinator.
This new pioneer project is all about creating new community by supporting, empowering, reaching out to and strengthening new families to thrive. At Agherton, we recognise the pressures of modern family life and want no one to feel isolated or without hope. Through Family Flourishing, we aim to build new connections with families in our community, especially those with little or no connection to church.
I bring a background in children’s nursing and family support, and offer holistic, relational care—through home visits, listening support, and tailored signposting. As part of my role, I also deliver the Growing Child Programme (for parents of under 5s) in partnership with the Lifestart Foundation.
This pioneering role reflects our belief that as church, we are called to share God’s love in practical, real ways. We are part of God’s family, and our heart is to see local families blessed, encouraged, and flourishing.
There is a vibrant baby/toddler carer group Little Surfers on Thursday mornings, family events and I love to share spiritual resources with families. Relationships are being developed and new communities formed.
In Agherton Parish, I work as part of the team with the Rector, OLM and the wonderful Parish nurses.
Family is hugely important to me, and caring for children and families has been part of my journey and calling for as long as I can remember.
I live just outside Ballymoney with my husband Nigel and our three children—Eva, Enoch, and Boaz. We’re big fans of the outdoors and beach walks with our Springer Spaniel, Daisy.
Gathered is focused on creating a new community of networked people that are faith centred rather than location centred. Consequently, Gathered goes to where the people are and will work with a model of establishing new small groups to help young people and young families to create a sense of belonging and relationship that is founded upon faith in Christ. The first of these groups has been established. Gathered works in a context where, outside Coleraine, most young people and families have to travel significant distances to school or to meet up. Young people are also engaged in multiple activities – which broaden their range of experiences and take up a great deal of their time but seldom enhance their sense of commitment or community.
