Pioneer Pioneer is a network of networks, teams and hubs. These networks and hubs provide 'on the ground' support for churches and church leadership teams. Pioneer was started by Gerald Coates, and he handed over leadership of Pioneer to Billy and Caroline Kennedy in March 2009. Billy and Caroline Kennedy lead New Community Church in Southampton. VIA Pioneer is broken up into smaller regional networks, and King's is part of VIA, the midlands branch of Pioneer. it is currently led by John and Christine Noble. For more information on both, visit the Pioneer website.