Pais Movement

The Pais Movement is a global non-denominational Christian non-profit organization founded in 1992 that focuses on missionary work targeted at schools, communities and businesses. Initially known as the Pais Project, its founder, Paul Clayton Gibbs, established the organization in Manchester, United Kingdom. The Pais Project was renamed the Pais Movement after international expansion. The Pais Movement is currently headquartered in Arlington, Texas, United States.

History

Pais GB

In 1992, as a result of connections that were made with various local schools and Sharon Church, the first Pais team was initiated in Moston, Manchester where Gibbs was based. The team consisted of four apprentices who taught lessons and led assemblies, primarily for students aged 11–16 years old.

In 2009, it moved its headquarters from Manchester to Burnley where Pais GB is currently based at Life Church, Burnley. Pais Great Britain was renamed as Pais United Kingdom in 2018.

Pais Ireland

In 2000, Pais started its first team based in Belfast. In 2010, Pais teams started to work in Cork. Pais Ireland currently has its headquarters in Portrush.

Pais USA

In 2002, the first Pais nation outside of Europe was established. Pais USA received a special endorsement from Max Lucado, an American best-selling author, writer, and preacher. Pais USA is based in Arlington, Texas with various teams working in schools and youth groups throughout the country.

Pais Germany

Pais Germany has a unique relationship with the German government wherein the government fully supports the organization. For instance, a year spent as a Pais apprentice is considered as a Voluntary Social Year. Pais Germany headquarters are in Neumünster.

Pais Global

In October 2005, following Gibbs's relocation to the US, the organization launched a resource center for the worldwide Pais Teams. The headquarters are in Arlington, Texas.

Pais Ghana

In 2008 the Pais Project extended into Africa. Apprentices mainly work in schools in the capital city of Ghana although teams have also partnered with local churches, hospitals, and orphanages in the neighboring rural areas. Pais Ghana headquarters are in Accra.

Pais Brazil

In 2012, Pais began in South America, working alongside the local church in the schools and heavily populated favelas. Pais Brazil has its headquarters in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.

Pais India

Pais India was established in 2013 by an Indian Pais apprentice who had trained for two years with Pais GB. He returned to India in July 2013 and started Pais India with various colleagues, reaching schools and campuses surrounding Chennai.

Pais Pakistan

The organization has released little information about its work in Pakistan for the security of its staff and apprentices.

Pais Kenya

Pais Kenya launched in 2014. It was initially established in Nairobi and grew to other cities, such as Zimmerman, where it extended its work in local schools and youth groups.

Pais Australia

Pais Australia is currently based in both Brisbane and south of Sydney.

Rest of the World

Pais reached more nations, whether equipped with entire teams, specialists, or ongoing relationships with communities who are interested in bringing Pais into their region. These nations include: Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Switzerland, and the Philippines.

Founder

Paul Clayton Gibbs is the founder and global director of the Pais Movement. Born in Manchester, Great Britain, he is married to Lynn and has two boys, Joel and Levi.

Gibbs' early career was in retail management but he later decided to work full-time at his local church.

He established contacts with local schools which eventually led to the concept of the Pais Project being launched in 1992. The Pais Project was established as an inter-denominational youth and school's ministry. Gibbs worked as a youth leader within his local church and directed Pais teams in the area.

In the mid-1990s, Gibbs became a Director with Youth Alive. During this time, he pioneered Youthlink, a national training curriculum, and assisted with other local projects.

In 2000, Gibbs became the Senior Minister at the faith works in Failsworth, Oldham, a church that partnered with The Message Trust and planted the Eden Project, an award-winning community endeavor.

In 2004, Gibbs launched his own Mentoring Academy, and in October 2005, he moved to the US where he served on the Senior Leadership Team of a Texan megachurch.

In 2009, Gibbs committed himself full-time to the development of Pais, launching various initiatives and resources such as mypais.com and Livewire, a weekly training video.

Gibbs teaches on topics which include pioneering, leadership development and religion. His books are published b
Harris House Publishing

Pais Programs

Apprenticeships

The Pais Movement offers "free" apprenticeships. The apprenticeship includes training, accommodation, and meals. Upon successful completion apprentices receive a recognized certificate. Apprentices may serve as a part of the following team types: Pais Project, Pais Venture, Pais Collective, Pais Infrastructure.

Youth Academy

Pais Movement offers free faith-based training and mentorship to teenagers. Teenagers are discipled in Pais' three distinctives: mission, discipleship, and study. Pais apprentices lead youth academy members on experiences that lead to the education of biblical principles.

Allies Program

Pais Movement provides ministry training and resources through an online platform called MyPais. Affiliates may register for course material and select online or in-person training.

Training and Resources

MYPAIS

MYPAIS is a website that provides a free resource of online training videos, brochures & catalytic programs.

SWAP

SWAP is an international three-day conference held on various continents that promotes discussion of the three Pais distinctives: mission, discipleship, and study.

Films

Released b
Windward Productions
The Spirit of a Pioneer is a documentary based on the book 'The Line and the Dot' by Paul Clayton Gibbs.

Apprenticeship Programs

Pais has worked with schools, universities, churches, and businesses.

Pais Project

A Pais Project team works with churches and their surrounding schools and community.

Pais Collective

A Pais Collective team works with adults to promote evangelism.

Pais Venture

A Pais Venture team works with businesses to promote evangelism.

Pais Infrastructure

Apprentices serve in an office environment and provide logistical and resource support to Pais teams globally. Apprentices may serve in 5 areas of support: finance, training, personnel, communications, and media.

References

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External links

Pais Movement website

MYPAIS website

Arlington, Texas
Non-profit organizations based in Texas
Christian missionary societies
Christian youth organizations
Evangelical parachurch organizations
Nondenominational Christian societies and communities
International non-profit organizations
Christian youth organizations based in the United States