Founded with one pioneering team in Manchester, England 1992. It was led by Paul Clayton Gibbs, who had the vision to help his church reach its community. Four apprentices taught lessons and led assemblies for students aged 11-16, setting the pattern for what Pais would one day become.

”Our vision is that one day, the primary mission of every Christian will be to advance the Kingdom of God and be equipped to do it the way Jesus modeled it.”

As the work grew, Pais Great Britain moved its headquarters from Manchester to Burnley in 2009 and became based at Life Church.

In 2000, Pais launched its first team in Belfast, planting the seeds for Pais Ireland.

In 2002, Pais established its first nation outside Europe. Pais USA soon received public recognition from leaders such as Max Lucado, and built strong partnerships with churches and schools across the country. Pais USA is now based in Arlington, Texas.

Germany became one of the most distinctive expressions of the movement. A national relationship with the German government means a year as a Pais apprentice is recognized as a Voluntary Social Year. Pais Germany has now evolved into Pais DACH (Germany, Austria & Switzerland)

In 2005, as the work expanded across continents, Pais Global was formed. When Paul Gibbs relocated to the United States, the global resource center for all nations was launched in Arlington, Texas, where it continues to serve the worldwide movement.

Pais entered Africa in 2008, beginning in Ghana. Apprentices primarily served schools in Accra while also partnering with churches, hospitals, and orphanages in surrounding rural areas. Pais Ghana’s headquarters remain in Accra.

In 2012 the work extended into South America through Pais Brazil. Teams partnered with local churches to serve schools and the densely populated favelas, and the nation is now led from Natal in Rio Grande do Norte.

Pais India began in 2013 when a former apprentice from the United Kingdom returned home to start new teams. From Chennai, the work quickly spread to schools and university campuses.

Pais Pakistan followed soon after, though details about its work remain limited to protect those serving in the region.

In 2014, Pais Kenya launched in Nairobi and expanded to surrounding cities such as Zimmerman, deepening its presence in schools and youth ministries.

Pais Australia soon emerged with teams serving in Brisbane and south of Sydney, now reaching all across the East Coast, and impacting at youth camps, schoolies, and christian events such as DIscipleCom.

Over time, the movement continued to grow both through fully established teams and through ongoing partnerships with churches and communities seeking to bring Pais to their region. Pais has since developed expressions in Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Switzerland, and the Philippines.

From a single team in Manchester to a global family across many nations, the story of Pais continues to be shaped by simple beginnings, bold faith, and the local church saying yes to a life on mission.