Pioneers

Pioneers is a Christian missions organization founded in 1979 by former businessman Ted Fletcher and his wife Peggy. It mobilizes teams to work among unreached peoples with the aim of initiating church-planting movements, in partnership with local churches that commission each missionary. The organization reports more than 3,000 global members serving in teams across over 100 countries, coordinated through 17 mobilization gateways worldwide.

Engagement with Pioneers is structured around programmes of varying length. Edge comprises short-term mission trips of 8 to 12 weeks, and Venture extends to a year. Long-term service runs to one year or more among unreached people groups. Additional pathways include internships, volunteer positions and Encore programmes designed for retirees, reflecting opportunities across life stages.

Members make their homes in unreached contexts, both cities and rural villages, learning local languages and building relationships. Work spans fields such as business, education, healthcare, agriculture, arts and community development. Pioneers values innovation and creative means in outreach, collaborates with other evangelical mission organisations, and relies on financial support from friends, family and sending churches.