A religious community for evangelists and pioneers
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8)
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"Every day there is a significant choice before us – to continue to follow the way of Jesus or not. No one is exempt from this choice, whatever their official role in the Church. So I particularly welcome Habitus, a resource for Evangelists and Pioneers to choose intentionally to follow Jesus and be provided with the scaffolding of a learning community, a flexible and adaptable rhythm of life and habits of heart and mind to enable that choice to be lived out with integrity.
And my prayer is that as you, whether a (trainee) Evangelist, Pioneer or otherwise do so, it will enable you to shine brightly in the community in which you are set and provide a witness that not only intrigues but engages those yet to make such a choice to follow." - The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter. Fresh Expressions Board Member. |
The Habitus Community relies upon seven commitments that underpin its 'Rhythm of Life'. Once a n indiviudal is commissioned as an Evangelist or Pioneer they are invited to become part of the Habitus Community and to consider these commitments, that seek to give shape to the community life.
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The Seven Core Commitments find their life in the Habitus Rhythm. The Rhythm of Life is a spiritual framework. It draws from the ancient traditions of monasticism and contemporary insights of new monastic communities. It is not a rigid, more a living rhythm that nurtures intentionality, community, and contemplative prayer as the backdrop to an individual's commitment to evangelism and mission.
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These are solemn prmises, made in the presence not only of your Bishop and the rest of the Habitus Community, but also of God and the Church. God has called many people through the centuries to live this life. Of the many communities founded in the Anglican tradition, some pioneered nursing, health care or education for the poor, or reached out to wayfarers in hospitality. Others concentrated on evangelistic work both in Britain and overseas. All led a dedicated life of prayer alongside their ministries, and som developed into places devoted to prayer alone.
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Habitus is a community of evangelists and pioneers who are committed to living out the Gospel with courage, humility, and joy. Rooted in the legacy of St Boniface the community seeks to embody his spirit of bold witness an deep devotion in today's world. On this website you will find information about what is involved in joining the Habitus community, including our mission, daily life, formation, and the cows that shape our shared journey. We welcome individuals from all walks of life, who are aready to commit themselves to prayer, proclamation, and service. The community is inclusive as well as diverse. Habitus is not simply about joining an organisation-its about embracing a discipline that reflects the love and truth of Jesus Christ. It is shaped by your own life as a disciple, but set within a pattern of prayers that others will share in too.
If your heart is open to the possibility of transformation, companionship, and purpose, we invite you to explore further. The path may be challenging, but is it rich with grace. - Revd Jeremy Putnam [Mission Enabler for the Diocese of Exeter] |
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A community for Evangelists, Pioneers, and Missioners.
Evangelistsmore
Evangelists are passionate about how the Good News is communicated, and they are energised by the prospect of other people coming to know Jesus Christ through faithful proclamation (Romans 10:14-15). Those who feel a sense of ‘calling’ to evangelism look for opportunities to help their church connect with the non-Christian world around them. They are always on the lookout for new ways they themselves and their congregations can proclaim the Good News. They are comfortable on the edges of church life, building bridges for the gospel into the wider community, as well as building strong relationships within their worshipping community to inspire others to do the same. An evangelist’s method is often relational, rather than organisational in nature, meaning that evangelists have gifts that are demonstrated in their communication of the gospel ‘in person’. In essence, evangelists are those who enjoy faith sharing, personal testimony, sharing the Good News in conversation, articulating the gospel through word as well as loving action, learning to share the gospel in the context of genuine loving relationships, and helping to encourage others to do the same. An evangelist might be someone who feels inspired to communicate the gospel in ways that are relevant and long-lasting from beyond the normal life of the church; and then return to the church to encourage new believers through their witness and testimony. Training for evangelists
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PioneersMore
The Church of England has produced a useful definition of what pioneers are: “Pioneers are people called by God, who are the first to see and creatively respond to the Holy Spirit’s initiatives with those outside the church; gathering others around them as they seek to establish new contextual Christian community.” The Church Mission Society describe pioneers as those who have a gift for seeing, for imagination, and for dreaming, inspired not just by what could be but also by a sense of dissatisfaction, holy discontent perhaps, at the way the church is fulfilling its mission and purpose. And in particular this call and gift is exercised among those not currently engaged in the church. However pioneers are not just dreamers, they are ‘dreamers who do’, capable of turning dreams into reality, or at least taking the risk to try and do so. Pioneers draw in others to do this. They are leaders capable of gathering people round a vision for a new missional venture and facilitating the ministry of that team to bring something new to birth. Pioneers don’t always keep to the norms and expectations of our church culture, and look to reframe our thinking to look at mission from the outside in. In the past, pioneers have been described as ‘doing mission’ in the margins of society, and out beyond the fringe of the church. In the past, pioneers have been described as ‘doing mission’ in the margins of society, and out beyond the fringe of the church. However, it is better put that pioneers are seen as being right at the heart of our communities in a culture that now places the church (or at the least the ‘institution’ of the church) at the margins of society. This is a ‘post-Christendom’ view of how the church is now perceived by many in our nation. What pioneers do is innovative and context specific. Hence their activity will be different, often surprising, and hard to generalise. If you feel a sense of ‘calling’ to pioneering new and fresh forms of church life then this community may feel like home for you. Training for pioneers
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Missioners
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Missioners might well do likewise but ont he whole tend to prefer project-led missions through organisational management and leadership, mission action planning, and through links and partnerships with other mission agencies. Whilst evangelists often sit on the edge of church life, missioners sit right at the heart of church life, enabling and encouraging the church to faithfully respond to the work of the Holy Spirit, and to look for opportunities to enable others in transformational service. The word ‘Mission’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘sending out’, while evangelism derives from the Greek for ‘Good News’. A missioner or missionary might be someone who feels a deep call to ‘travel’ with others in mission from within their church community and out, into the wider community, leading others in applying their faith in word and good works. You may find the example of the first church in Acts 2:43-45 and Acts 4:32-37 helpful. Some of the activities in leading mission might be:
Training for Missioners
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why not read the whole guide to find out more
Habitus 26v3 January 2026 by M&M Dept
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