Reports on Rural Mission and Growth

Here you will find helpful reports and resources that aim to provide advice, guidance and recommendations for dioceses, parishes, PCCs and clergy on rural mission and growth.
Countryside landscape with church spire in the distance Jane Willis

Learning from Creative Thinking and Planning for Rural Mission and Growth draws together some of the contributions to a Renewal & Reform seminar on Rural Mission and Growth that took place in February 2018.  It identifies some of the strategic approaches that are starting to show benefits and that could be used in other rural places.  The report shares some specific examples of good practice, and some case studies of useful ideas and approaches.

The podcast below accompanies this report.  Listen to the report's contributors share their experiences of rural ministry.

Released for Mission: Growing the Rural Church

Released for Mission: Growing the Rural Church (GS Misc 1092) was published and debated at General Synod in February 2015. The report highlights the high-quality work being carried out by rural churches, including fresh expressions of church, seekers courses, children's activities, much-needed facilities for local communities and support for those who are isolated. It shows that mission and growth are more likely to flourish in rural multi-church groups where time and space is enabled for it to take place and where the ministry of lay people is developed and equipped.

Shaping Strategies for Mission and Growth in Rural Multi-church Groups

Shaping strategies for mission and growth in rural multi-church groups was published in April 2017. This brief report tells the real story of the rural church which is far from one of decline and failure, but one of potential and hope for the future. It draws together different research findings and suggests ways that this can be applied to support local rural churches. This focuses on encouragement for the deepening of discipleship, making new disciples and serving the needs of the community. It draws directly on and contributes to the objectives of Renewal & Reform.

Enabling Mission and Growth in Rural Churches

This guide is intended to be used by congregations, PCCs, benefice councils, clergy and deaneries. Each section should provide enough information to stimulate discussion in a prayer group, church council, and mission or ministry team.