STEVEN Smart has always been drawn to the idea of pioneering ministry, perhaps because he was already living it out in his everyday work.

As the children, youth and families minister at St Matthew’s, Bridgemary and St Thomas the Apostle, Elson, Steven has been exploring creative and unconventional expressions of church. Among these are Bubble Church, designed especially for toddlers, and Muddy Church, which uses gardening and animal care as hands-on ways to explore faith.

Motivated by this passion, Steven enrolled with the Church Mission Society in Oxford on a three-year pioneer ministry course which will give him a BA (Hons) in the Theology, Ministry and Mission.

“What’s been brilliant about the course is its practical focus,” Steven explained. “It’s not just academic, I’ve been able to reflect on the work I’m already doing in the parish. Now, to have that formally recognised and to be licensed by the bishop feels really special.”

Although he had been considering different forms of ministry, this path stood out. “It felt like the most exciting option,” he said, “even if it was quite different from anything I might have originally imagined doing.”

Throughout the course, Steven’s assignments have been rooted in real-life ministry, whether that’s Muddy Church, Bubble Church, or even creative outreach like their annual ‘pancakes in the pub’ event. “It’s about challenging expectations and thinking differently about what church can look like,” he said.

This summer, his journey reaches an important milestone as he is licensed as a lay pioneer minister, alongside those being licensed as Readers.

“Interestingly, being a Reader was never something I felt called to,” Steven reflected. “But it’s wonderful that we’ll be licensed together. The service in June will really celebrate the diversity of lay ministry.”