1. How they have responded to God’s calling to be a pioneer.

A demonstrable track record of innovation in their life. Candidates should have a track record of ‘firsts’ and exhibit initiative in having started something new, which is contextually-appropriate to their setting. Comfortable with problem solving. Reflecting on situations, learning from them and make appropriate changes for the future. Show imagination in and openness to learning about outreach into contemporary Irish culture. Be passionate about making disciples of Christ in every context.

2. A demonstrable willingness to take risks and show courageous faith.

Be a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing. Take appropriate risks and be prepared to exercise step by step experimentation. Negotiate disappointment well and learn from failure or mistakes to improve further actions.

3. A demonstrable ability to communicate the faith effectively to those outside the church.

Demonstrate how they have communicated the Christian faith to those outside the Church naturally, sensitively, and effectively, even at times when such communication is met with opposition. Demonstrate how they are good listeners to those on the margins of church.

4. An ability to work collaboratively in creating and working with a team.

An ability to develop vision with others for a new project. Releasing and equipping others for pioneering ministry. Able to identify and invest in future pioneering leaders. Helped people to share responsibility for the growth and success of a new project. Looked beyond their own areas of responsibility with a wider regard for the whole.

5. Well-developed abilities to handle complexity and initiate change.

Live with uncertainty. Open to use and learn about adaptive practices of learning which can be applied to different contexts. Motivate others to engage with change. Deal well with conflict. Show how they have been open to dealing with change in a project they have been involved with and be open to promoting “mixed ecology” understanding of church.

6. Demonstrable maturity and robustness to face the demands of pioneering mission and ministry.

Lay aside personal preference for the sake of the community being served. Cope effectively with pressure, ambiguity, change and disorientation. Have a consistency of character in varied circumstances of pioneering. Demonstrate a willingness to live sacrificially and endure hardship. Persevere for the long-term rather than take shortcuts for quick results. Work across different cultures. Show strong emotional intelligence.

7. A mature and well-developed devotional life

Demonstrate a discipline of personal prayer, worship, study and healthy rhythms of work / life balance which can sustain them in pioneering situations. Develop their ability to relate prayer and worship and what the Holy Spirit is already doing in their context. Have the patience to wait for and discern God’s timing.

8. The ability to learn, reflect and respond theologically as a pioneer.

To make sense theologically of their pioneering work. To interpret and apply the Bible in different contexts for the transformation of contemporary culture. To understand how missional ministry is shaped by culture and context. Understand contemporary cultures and the practice of starting new forms of church within them.

9. A clear vision of the place of their envisaged ministry within the response of the Church of Ireland to God’s mission in the world.

Candidates should be familiar with, and committed to, the teachings, traditions, emphases and characteristic spirit of the Church of Ireland and the Anglican Communion, and the continual reshaping of the Church for mission. All will be baptised christians and it will ordinarily be the case that candidates will be Confirmed within the Church of Ireland, though in some instances this may not be appropriate (eg. ecumenical appointments). They should understand and be committed to the Church of Ireland as a ‘mixed ecology’ church, of both what has been inherited and what can be new.