CMI Mission Grants
The Bible is the story of God’s mission, through his covenant of grace, to rescue a fallen world through the life, death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ. God is a missionary God, and we as his people, continuously participate in his activity.
Mission grants
One of the ways that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, through its Council for Mission in Ireland, seeks to encourage this activity is through the provision of grants for missional projects. Any congregation or presbytery can apply for a grant. Successful applicants will demonstrate an identified missional need and have a clear, realistic and sustainable approach to engaging with that need, focusing on people outside normal church structures.
Some Examples of Grant Use
Donabate:
When Donabate Presbyterian Church originally applied for a mission grant for an Outreach Worker, a small part of the role was to scope out opportunities for a church plant in a nearby town. A few years after appointing Josh McCance as a Community Outreach Worker, supported by a mission grant, a church plant is growing in Balbriggan, north of Dublin. Balbriggan is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Ireland and has never had a Presbyterian presence. Josh and his wife moved to the town and he continues to work on outreach and the Church community there. What started with a small Bible study group now has around 60 people regularly taking part in the weekly services. Outreach continues in Balbriggan through Christianity Explored courses, home groups, and community meals.
Castlewellan:
Many years ago, Castlewellan Presbyterian Church was given two shop units on Castlewellan main street. The units have been rented out and used as a coffee shop, but the hope has always been to use them for outreach. The units became available again in 2022 and the church applied for a grant to kit out the space to create ‘Taste and See’ outreach coffee shop. The space was initially used as a ‘warm welcome space’ before continuing as an honesty-box based coffee shop. It is hoped it will provide opportunities to connect with the local community and share Jesus with them.
Agricultural shows:
Each year, agricultural shows take place both north and south of the border. With hundreds of people gathering, two presbyteries have seized this opportunity to show God’s love. For several years, Dromore Presbytery have been responsible for an annual stand at the Balmoral Show, while Dublin and Munster Presbytery have run a stand at the National Ploughing Championships. Staffed by volunteers from across the Presbyteries and supplemented by mission grants, the stands provide a place to meet and share a cup of tea and the good news about Jesus.
Process
The Mission Grants Panel meets twice a year (in February and October) to consider applications. The Mission Support Officer for Partnerships is available to discuss potential applications and to give advice. To discuss whether a mission grant is appropriate, and to receive an application form, contact the Mission Department:
Email: mission@presbyterianireland.org
Phone: 028 9041 7265 (from NI)
048 9041 7265 (from RoI)