Supporting farmers and farming communities
We help churches understand farming so they can support farmers and their families when it matters most.
Farming shapes the landscape, feeds the nation, and sustains rural communities. Behind every farm is a family, a livelihood, and a way of life often marked by deep commitment, but also by uncertainty, pressure, and isolation.
The Arthur Rank Centre exists to help churches support farmers and farming communities with greater insight, confidence, and care.
As a Christian charity rooted in rural life, our work is offered for the benefit of all farmers and rural communities.
Our work is shaped by farmers, agricultural chaplains, and rural church leaders, helping local communities respond with understanding and practical support.
Why this matters
Many farmers face long hours, financial pressure, and increasing uncertainty. Churches are often present in every rural community, but may lack confidence in how to connect well. We help bridge that gap.
What we do
- Equipping churches to understand farming and rural life
- Ensuring farmers’ voices shape our training and work
- Supporting agricultural chaplains
- Providing resources to help churches engage with farming communities
- Encouraging strong relationships between churches and farming communities to support farmers well
Our roots and partnerships
Our trustees and partners include people with deep experience in agriculture, agricultural banking, crop science, agricultural law, and chaplaincy. Our history includes close links with the Farming Community Network and the Addington Fund, both established to support farmers in times of crisis.
Listening to farmers
“When church leaders understand farming, it makes a real difference. It helps us know we are not alone.”
Farmer and course contributor
Our vision
We believe every farmer should know they are understood, supported, and valued within their local community.
By helping churches understand farming, we strengthen the support available to those who live and work on the land.
Our work is inspired by Christian faith and rooted in a desire to serve rural communities with care, understanding, and hope.
