Methodist Church announces new Rural Mission and Ministry Officer

Sarah Hulme has been announced as the Methodist Church’s Rural Mission and Ministry Officer, a new full-time position aimed at expanding a confident and vibrant Christian presence in rural communities and advocating for the complex social issues these diverse communities face.

Sarah will serve on the Evangelism and Growth Team and will work closely with Methodist and ecumenical colleagues on the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) and at the Arthur Rank Centre. She will take up her post in early May and will collaborate over the next season with the Revd Elizabeth Clark, current National Rural Officer, as Elizabeth prepares to retire at the end of the Connexional Year.

The role is part of the Methodist Church in Britain’s commitment to be an inclusive, growing, evangelistic, justice-seeking Church for the 21st century.

Sarah has lived and worked in Cumbria for the past 25 years. She is a member of Penrith Methodist Church and also part of the Mountain Pilgrims fresh expression community. Previously a modern foreign languages teacher in secondary education, Sarah has worked over the last ten years on the diocesan staff team for the mainly rural and ecumenical diocese of Cumbria. There she has served widely in encouraging and equipping for evangelism, fresh expressions, leadership development, and missional approaches with young people.

Sarah commented: “I’m really looking forward to working nationally alongside Methodist and ecumenical colleagues to support and resource diverse rural communities, churches, and leaders across Britain.”

Trey Hall, Director of Evangelism and Growth, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah to the team. Her gifts and graces – and her extensive life and work experience in rural contexts ­– will be a great asset to the whole Church as we live further into the truth that evangelism and justice are Gospel partners.”

The Revd Dr Claire Maxim, CEO of the Arthur Rank Centre, commented: “We welcome Sarah to her role. The emphasis on rural mission and ministry by the Methodist Church is very exciting, and we are looking forward to supporting and working with Sarah.”