Mission is not primarily something we do but God does. God is a missionary God, and we his people, continuously participate in his activity.

One of the ways that the Council for Mission in Ireland seeks to encourage this activity is through the provision of grants for missional projects. Previously these grants have funded Community Outreach Workers, men’s drop-in programmes and development of a space for an outreach café.

Congregations in North Belfast have benefitted from mission grants. Sam Scott is a community outreach worker based in Eglinton Presbyterian.

He says: "The mission grants we have received from CMI have enabled us to develop several ministries in Eglinton, particularly among men and children. We run a weekly After Schools Club that is now attended by twenty children, and every two months we run a Messy Church event that those children and their parents attend. The grants allow us to publicise more widely for Messy Church, set up good quality games and crafts, and provide good food at the end for all to enjoy.

In addition to running Bible studies, we have been working on building up our work among men, running a weekly Men's Drop In on Fridays, which is attended by twenty men regularly. We are able to buy in food, provide good facilities like pool tables and dart boards, and even take the men on trips every month or so.

On top of the regular events, the grants allow us to run wider, bigger-budget community events in the summer and at Christmas, giving us the opportunity to reach people who have no association with the church.”

Applications should demonstrate identified missional need and have a clear, realistic approach to engaging with that need, focussing on people outside normal church structures.

Before submitting an application, several approvals may be required, depending on the project. This always includes approval from Kirk Session and Presbytery. Where the project involves employment, approval will also be required from Peninsula Services and the Linkage Commission.

Applications are considered by the Mission Grants Panel and Strategy for Mission Coordination Committee, which meet four times per year. Deadlines for submission are 31 January, 31 March, 31 August and 31 October.

If you wish to apply, please contact the Mission Support Officer (Partnerships) to discuss your project and get an application form.

Email: mission@presbyterianireland.org
Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7263