Rural mission and ministry is a key part of the life of the Church. It is rooted in being who God calls us to be in the places and communities we are part of and call home and, by responding to God’s call, seeing the Church grow spiritually, missionally and numerically in our existing churches and New Places for New People.
There is no one definition or standard blueprint for 'rural' across Britain, but our locations shape our calling and mission. Living in a rural area affects all aspects of our lives, both individually and as community, and includes how we are Christians. The way we approach mission and ministry needs to fit our community context. In rural settings, this often works best ecumenically.
Rural communities are facing challenges of sustainability – this includes our Christian communities. Small is beautiful – our presence and prayerful witness as Christians in these communities can and does make a difference, but it needs resilience. We long to see new and existing forms of rural church grow and flourish together.
As Methodists, we operate as part of a connexional whole and this section of the website is here to connect, support, encourage and inspire you.
Search, tag and share your stories of #RuralHope to be inspired and to inspire others.
