Pioneering Questions from Rendezvous 2014

Last week at the YWAM/JEM Canada Rendezvous in Pinawa, Manitoba we had a significant time processing many of the current challenges in Youth With A Mission..  We solicited questions from staff to answer regarding the topic of pioneering.  Since we were only able to answer of few of the list I have duplicated them in this Blog Post.  Hopefully, I will attempt to blog on 1 question a week and get through the list by Christmas.  Here is the complete list:



  • ·        At an established base, what elements are important for the freedom of new initiatives to happen?
  • ·        In the context of first "do and then teach" is it possible to be supportive of pioneering initiatives at our base when I have never had a pioneering experience myself?
  • ·        How do you create a vision in a large team context?
  • ·        What do you do when no one else shares your vision?
  • ·        How do you create a team around a vision since most things cannot be done by yourself?
  • ·        Is it our responsibility to go where we are not when we have no calling to that location?
  • ·        If we are to pioneer where we are not, is there any place or type of ministry that is off-limits?
  • ·        How does short-term staff fit into a long-term pioneering team?  Any warnings?  Any guidance?  What  do short-termers need to know?  What do long-termers need to know?
  • ·        Does a short-term missions mentality undermine the whole concept of missions as a life-long calling?
  • ·        How do you build a healthy support and accountability for pioneering?  Where do you find a mentor to walk along side of you in the process?
  • ·        How do you build a functional pioneering team?
  • ·        I have a great idea.  How do I find the funding to accomplish my idea?
  • ·        Is everyone called or expected to pioneer in YWAM?  Jim said, “If we start something without the word of the Lord, it may not be the highest for us!”  I am passionate about many things and believe those passions are from the Lord.  Is passion enough to propel a pioneering effort, or do I need a more specific word from the Lord?
  • ·        Are we all called to pioneer?  Are only some gifted to pioneer? What about those who are called to serve someone else's pioneering vision, are they lesser in YWAM?
  • ·        How do we not lose sight of the worldwide movement of YWAM for global evangelization while staying focused on local pioneering?
  • ·        Beyond Jim Stier’s 7 points for pioneering, what aspects of character are essential in a pioneer?
  • ·        What spiritual disciplines are important to integrate into a pioneer ’s life to be able to be last for the long-haul?
  • ·        How can I daily build hope in others without just becoming a blah blah tuned-out by everyone, because I have become a talking head?
  • ·        What is the best way to encourage multiple perspectives to enliven the pioneering process?  Does a vision morph over time?  How do we integrate new understandings into the process of pioneering as new experiences change our perspectives?

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