What is a Pioneer Leader?

What is a Pioneer Leader?

For my Dad’s birthday this year, I took him to the Imperial War Museum in London. He’s a massive fan of war history and I hadn’t been since I was a kid, so I thought he would love it. We had a great day, and probably the thing that stayed with me the most, was the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, a special room dedicated to telling the incredible stories of men and women who’ve received Victoria and George Crosses.

Their stories were mind-blowing, the bravery and leadership they showed was unrivalled, inspiring, and sadly sometimes for them, it resulted in their deaths.

It reminded me of a bit of research I’d done a few years ago to find out the meaning and origin of the word ‘pioneer’. It’s become a word we use quite a lot now, particularly since the Church of England began ordaining ‘Pioneer Ministers’ to start ‘Fresh Expressions’ of church all over the country. The word has also started to pop up in Youth Ministry too, with job adverts appearing in Youthwork Magazine for ‘Pioneer Youth Workers’ and particular types of youth work such as Frontier Youth Trust’s StreetSpace network being recognized as ‘pioneering’.

The history of the word brings me back to my trip to the Imperial War Museum. Pioneer was originally a military term, used to describe a special type of soldier who would carve out new paths, march through new territory, so that the rest of the army could follow them.

Some would say we are in a spiritual war and there are battles to be fought and won, but I think it’s important to acknowledge there are problems with comparing ourselves to a military force rather than followers of a non-violent Prince of peace! However, I think understanding the history of the word helps us remember some important things about pioneer leadership;

  1. Pioneers should never be on their own. They should be in community, in solidarity with others who are like them. At times being a pioneer can feel lonely because you are doing new things, breaking new ground, challenging what is and dreaming about what isn’t, but relationship, community and teamwork are essential for any pioneering work that is to last.
  2. We always enable others to walk the way we have walked. That is the very essence of a pioneer, someone who shows a new way, but then enables others to walk in that way. We might be the first to do it, but we shouldn’t ever be the last.
  3. Being a pioneer isn’t easy. A pioneer in the army was the first to face enemies in waiting. They laboured and toiled for hours to hack through dense jungles, lay new roads and train tracks. It was hard work! We will face many difficulties as we pioneer new ways to reach young people, but it will be worth it.

I’ll be exploring more about what it looks like to be a pioneer leader at my seminar at Youthwork the Conference. We’ll be delving deeper into the specific skills and tools needed for pioneer leadership, and we’ll be looking for inspiration from the greatest pioneer leader the world has ever known – the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).