New Rural Vacancies Page Launched to Support Rural Churches, Communities and Charities

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At the Arthur Rank Centre, we’ve long supported those living and working in the countryside — whether in church life, farming, community support, or rural charities. Our latest offering is a new Rural Jobs page, designed to bring together roles that serve rural places and people across the UK.

This new section of our website highlights opportunities in rural churches, Christian charities and community organisations — from clergy posts and lay leadership to chaplaincy, outreach, charity development, and more. Some roles are explicitly faith-based, while others are rooted in the shared values of compassion, service, and presence in rural life.

The page is free to use and is already featuring roles from across the UK and across denominations. Whether you’re exploring a new calling or looking to recruit someone to join your ministry or organisation, we hope this space helps make those connections.

🔍 What’s included?

  • Current job listings from churches, Christian charities, and rural organisations

  • A wide range of opportunities — from ordained and lay ministry to chaplaincy, community outreach, and charity roles

  • Free listings for now — supporting churches, charities, and networks working in rural areas

  • Simple guidance on how to submit a vacancy

💻 Explore the page

You can view the latest listings here:
👉 Rural Vacancies

If you would like to advertise a vacancy, there’s a simple guide on the page or you can contact us directly via info@arthurrankcentre.org.uk.

This new page builds on our long-standing commitment to resourcing rural Christian mission and community life. We hope it becomes a valuable tool for those discerning their next step — and those seeking to support and grow their teams in rural settings.

21st Century Mission in the Countryside – LR

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Back in 2019, the Church of England in Suffolk received a grant to pioneer new forms of rural mission and to share the learning with the national church. The focus was small missional groups across the whole county, networked together in a community called “Lightwave”. Six years on, Sally Gaze, Archdeacon for Rural Mission, is preparing to share some of what they have learned at a national conference.

“Most of all we have learned to depend on God and to pray. This picture shows a gathering of Christians involved in this mission to pray. We often walk as we pray, which is a reminder that we are journeying together and with God.”

Love Rural Prayer Gathering

There are forty small groups across the county now and a culture of expectancy that God wants to make a difference in people’s lives. About a quarter of our members are under eighteen and about half are new Christians, and it has been important for us to focus on helping them develop their relationship with God rather than entertainment. The biblical and prayer content of our youth work is generally higher than many youth clubs or Sunday schools, and most groups use a discipleship pathway so that young people can move from casual interest to finding out more about faith when they are ready. We seek to care more about how people discover Jesus than raising attendance.”

We sense that God is calling us to invest in people rather than develop programmes. The personalised approach means that young people are cherished and grow from being recipients of help to volunteers and leaders more quickly. We seek to identify great leaders in local mission and then encourage and empower them. Oversight employs principles of high accountability and low control. We impose as little as we can, listen a lot and act as advocates for what they have discerned locally – helping them with obstacles, bureaucracy and finding partners in their ministry.

Love Rural Cook@Church

Each small group thinks about how they can care for people holistically. In one area outreach is based around young people and music, in another it’s sport and a foodbank, and in a third it’s the local pub and beautiful rural walks. The picture above shows a group called cook@church in a tiny village, where teens learn culinary skills, serve the wider community and learn how to pray. The second picture below shows people coming together in an area of rural new housing called Red Lodge. Here sharing hospitality through creating a café has been most important.

Love Rural Red Lodge

We recognise that a peer community is an easier place for people to grow in faith, so we help partners to intentionally create a critical mass of younger people where they can shape the community together. It is important that the community authentically embodies the Christian message. Our small group structure means we can do lots of low-risk experimenting. We expect that not everything will work and that we will learn from this. So we journey together and learn as we go.

We are sharing some of our stories and learning at a national conference in September. Lightwave and Suffolk parishes will be joined by other rural initiatives from across England to share exciting stories about how God is working in our smallest communities.

The Arthur Rank Centre will be co-hosting the conference. Join with us there.

To register for your place – click here

New Pilgrimage Resource Launched for Rural Churches

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BBC Series Sparks Fresh Interest in Faith Journeys

We are excited to release Pilgrimage: A Missional Guide for Rural Churches — a new, practical resource designed to help churches explore pilgrimage as a powerful expression of mission and hospitality.

The timing couldn’t be better. The BBC’s latest Pilgrimage series, The Road Through the Alps, has sparked a national conversation around spiritual journeys, belief, and belonging. The programme, which follows seven well-known individuals on a 300km trek through Austria and Switzerland, has drawn attention for its honest portrayal of faith in its many forms. This renewed cultural interest is opening doors for rural churches to engage their communities in fresh and creative ways.

Rooted in the rural context, our new guide offers step-by-step support to help churches design local pilgrimage routes, offer reflective spaces, and welcome both seasoned pilgrims and curious visitors alike. Whether it’s a mile-long trail between two churches or a full-day route through the countryside, pilgrimage can become a meaningful part of a church’s outreach and spiritual life.

Allied to this, the new *TryPilgrimage website — developed by Hope Together and The Methodist Church — offers a welcoming space for individuals to explore the idea of pilgrimage as part of their own faith journey. We’re delighted that they’re also signposting our rural guide as a next step for those looking to connect with local churches and walking routes. 

The Arthur Rank Centre is committed to equipping and encouraging rural churches across the UK, and we believe pilgrimage offers something both ancient and urgently relevant. It brings together faith, land, hospitality, and community — and this new guide is here to help churches bring those threads together.

To explore this free resource, download your copy here – Pilgrimage: A missional guide for rural churches – The Arthur Rank Centre

*Above link opens in a new tab – feel free to keep exploring our resources here too

Bishop of Newcastle Appointed President of the Rural Coalition

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The Arthur Rank Centre warmly welcomes the appointment of the Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, as the new President of the Rural Coalition. As a proud member of the Coalition, we look forward to working closely with Bishop Helen-Ann in this role, which highlights her deep and longstanding commitment to rural life.

Bishop Helen-Ann brings with her a wealth of experience in rural ministry, both in the UK and internationally. From her episcopal ministry in New Zealand’s rural Waikato region to her time in North Yorkshire and now Northumberland, she has consistently demonstrated a heart for listening to, and advocating on behalf of, rural communities.

Speaking about her new role, she said:

“The Rural Coalition shows great strength in its partnership model, ably advocating for the challenges that our diverse rural communities face… I look forward in this new role to helping give voice to the needs of these communities now that they might flourish and grow into the future.”

As a member of the Rural Coalition, The Arthur Rank Centre values the strength that comes from working alongside like-minded organisations who share a commitment to the flourishing of rural communities. Together, we amplify our shared voice and witness, ensuring that the concerns and contributions of those living and working in the countryside are heard and respected. Rooted in our Christian ethos, we bring the perspective of rural churches and faith communities into national conversations, advocating for policies that support wellbeing, resilience and hope across rural England.

We also join with others in expressing our thanks to the Rt Rev’d Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans, who has served as the Coalition’s first President since 2016. During his tenure, Bishop Alan has tirelessly championed rural issues, raising their profile in government and in the House of Lords, and helping ensure that the rural voice is not lost in national conversations.

Margaret Clark CBE, Chair of the Rural Coalition, rightly noted:

“Bishop Helen-Ann joins us at an important time for rural England… A strong rural voice is needed to ensure that the right policy framework is in place to enable growth and opportunity.”

Here at The Arthur Rank Centre, we share that vision. Rural churches, farming families and countryside communities play a vital role in the life of our nation. We are confident that Bishop Helen-Ann’s leadership will further strengthen the voice and impact of the Rural Coalition as we work together for a flourishing and just countryside.

An Open Letter to the Farming Community.

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Standing Together with Farmers and Rural Communities

17th December 2024

The Arthur Rank Centre, which has supported rural churches and communities for over 50 years, is standing in solidarity with farmers and rural communities as they face significant challenges following the recent Budget announcement on 30 October.

Changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs and other financial measures have caused widespread concern, particularly for family farms that form the backbone of rural life.

Revd Matt Jeffrey, CEO of The Arthur Rank Centre, said:
“We want to extend a hand of friendship to farmers during this difficult time. Our network of rural Christians and churches is here to provide confidential support to those grappling with the implications of these changes. Whether it’s a listening ear or walking alongside families in navigating tough decisions, we stand ready to help.”

Support for Farmers and Rural Communities

The Arthur Rank Centre is offering practical and community-level support in three key areas:

  • Advocacy: Ensuring rural voices are heard by policymakers, working in partnership with organisations like the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), the Agricultural Chaplains Association, and the Farming Community Network.
  • Practical Support: Providing training and resources, such as the Rural Mission and Ministry Course and Germinate Leadership programme, to equip rural churches to support their communities effectively.
  • Encouragement: Inspiring rural individuals and communities to face challenges with resilience and determination.

Revd Preb Nick Read, Agricultural Chaplain and trustee of The Arthur Rank Centre, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
“This is a time for collaboration, advocacy, and care. Together, we can ensure rural communities receive the support they need during this period of uncertainty.”

George Dunn, CEO of the Tenant Farmers Association and trustee of The Arthur Rank Centre, added:
“We are proud to work alongside The Arthur Rank Centre in providing vital support to farming families. Our shared commitment to rural communities is central to everything we do.”

Looking Forward with Hope

As the Christmas season approaches, The Arthur Rank Centre is encouraging reflection on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These principles, deeply rooted in rural life, are at the heart of its mission to walk alongside all who call the countryside home—regardless of faith or background.

 

Here is our letter in full…

17th December 2024

Dear Friends,


Standing Together with Farmers and Rural Communities

 

The Arthur Rank Centre works to resource, train, and advocate for rural Christians, rural churches and the communities they serve. Founded in 1972 by J. Arthur Rank—a filmmaker, Christian, and member of a family deeply rooted in milling and agriculture—The Arthur Rank Centre has worked to serve rural churches and rural communities. From the very beginning, we have sought to support those at the heart of rural life, including our vital farming community, recognising its unique joys and challenges.

We know that changes announced in the Budget statement on 30 October to Inheritance Tax reliefs and other measures that will impact the farming community, have caused widespread concern and anger. Understandably, the changes announced will present huge challenges to many family farms in the country. We at the Arthur Rank Centre want to reach out to say that we are here for the farming community at this difficult time. We would like to offer a hand of friendship to anybody within the farming community by putting you in touch with rural Christians and churches who will be prepared to talk to you confidentially about your circumstances and walk with you as you take whatever decisions are needed for the benefit of you and your family in the changed circumstances that exist.

 

We stand alongside you, whether you share our faith or not, because we believe that every individual and community matters. This budget is just one of many pressures you face, whether it be volatile markets, rising costs, or changing regulations. These issues affect not only farmers but also the wider rural community, and their consequences ripple through families, businesses, and the fabric of rural life.

 

In addition to that one-to-one support, we can also help at a community level in the following ways:

  • Advocacy: We are committed to ensuring the voice of rural communities is heard. Through meeting with DEFRA and partnerships with representative organisations like the Tenant Farmers Association, The Agricultural Chaplains Association and Farming Community Network, we seek to highlight the issues you face to policymakers and wider society.
  • Practical Support: Our training and resources, such as the Rural Mission and Ministry Course and Germinate Leadership programme, are designed to strengthen rural churches and equip them to provide effective support in their communities.
  • Encouragement: We are here to encourage and inspire, helping you and your community to face these challenges with resilience and determination.

 

The church has always played a vital role in rural life, offering a place of refuge, hope, and community. Whilst not everyone shares this faith perspective, we remain committed to walking alongside all who call the countryside home, supporting you through the challenges you face.

As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of hope and togetherness. Whatever your beliefs, this season invites us to reflect on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These values are at the heart of rural life, and they inspire us to continue supporting one another through every challenge.

If you would like to know more about the support we offer, or to share your experiences, please do get in touch. We are here to listen and to help.

Wishing you and your loved one’s peace and joy this Christmas season,

With every blessing,

Revd Matt Jeffrey
Chief Executive Officer
and on behalf of Trustees and all with The Arthur Rank Centre

Advent 2023 – Beyond Consumerism

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Our Beyond Consumerism Advent resource provides an opportunity to ‘do December differently’.

It embraces the radical challenges of Advent in the light of the cost of living crisis but also the world problems of consumerism, fair trade and climate change.

Why not try the Advent calendar to make space each day to engage with advent themes while earthing them in real life, or use the cries of the prophets to put a different emphasis on the lighting of the Advent wreath.

Download it here – ARC Beyond Consumerism Advent – 2023

With every blessing for this Advent Season.

Rev’d Matt Jeffrey

CEO

 

Harvest 2022

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This year, we want to encourage churches to use their harvest festival celebrations as an opportunity to thank farmers for all they do for us.  As the effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold, it’s impossible to predict the circumstances under which we will be celebrating our harvest festivals this year. Therefore, we’ve suggested ways in which you and your church community could celebrate either in individual households or as a gathered church.

Harvest – The Arthur Rank Centre

For more great resources:

Joint Public Issues Team Harvest/Creationtide Resources for 2022

Just Desserts? – Joint Public Issues Team (jpit.uk)

Farming Community Network

Resources – Farming Community Network (fcn.org.uk)

Rural Ministry Course June 2022

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The ARC’s Rural Ministry Course in June saw delegates gathering from across Britain and beyond, with New Zealand claiming the prize for ‘furthest travelled’! Three days prioritized in busy diaries to focus on rural mission and ministry with ecumenical leaders (lay & ordained) from six denominations. Space to listen to God and each other. 

We spent an amazing time enjoying a variety of sessions with ecumenical input from some inspirational rural ministry and mission practitioners and plenty of opportunity for discussion, questions and giving things a go. Additionally, the time given to praying together, coffee breaks, free time and delicious food shaped us into a beautifully supportive and caring community. 

Sarah Hulme comments: ‘For me, the most powerful session was our closing worship and commissioning; with space to share our hopes, prayer requests & plans for the future, as people prepared to move into new rural areas or phases of life. 

You definitely get out what you put in, so all the delegates are to be commended for the way in which they flung themselves into the course and engaged so positively with everything. I also need to express my gratitude to the ARC staff team who worked so hard to ensure the three days ran smoothly.’ 

 If this has whetted your appetite, then do check out the details for the next Rural Ministry Course, 25-27Th Oct via our website: https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/ruralministrycourse/