Introducing…

The Rural Missioners’ Guild

A fellowship of prayer, encouragement, and connection for all who serve in rural mission and ministry.

Overview

The Rural Missioners’ Guild (launched January 30th 2026) exists to encourage, pray for, and connect those who serve Christ in the countryside. Rooted in prayer and fellowship, the Guild is open to all who share a heart for rural mission — lay or ordained, from any denomination or background.

Its purpose is to build a network of people working missionally at the grassroots in our rural areas. There are many organisations offering advice and support, but the Guild provides something unique — a network of prayer. All that is asked of members is a simple commitment: to pray for all who serve in our rural churches and communities.

Click here to view a copy of the Guild charter and prayer.

The Guild is ecumenical, drawing together people from across church traditions who share a common desire to serve Christ in the countryside. It seeks to encourage those who are so often unseen or unheard as they faithfully work in their communities in small but deeply impactful ways.

Formed through a partnership between the Diocese of Leeds and The Arthur Rank Centre, the Guild is co-administered by Revd Caroline Pinchbeck and Revd Matt Jeffrey, ensuring both local and national support as it grows.

We’re delighted that further National Partners have agreed to support the Guild, and they are recognised here. Revd Dr Ben Aldous from Churches Together England, and Sarah Hulme, Rural Mission and Ministry Officer from The Methodist Church offer input to the Guild helping alongside Caroline and Matt to oversee and consider the small grants.

Annual Recognition – St Isidore’s Day (15 May)

The feast of St Isidore, patron saint of all who work in rural communities, is commemorated on 15 May. Each year, the Guild will mark this day by recognising individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to rural mission — those undertaking amazing missional activity, often in difficult circumstances due to limited resources or volunteer capacity.

These individuals will be honoured as Rural Champions of the Rural Missioners’ Guild, celebrating their faithfulness and impact in serving Christ’s name in the countryside.

(Above – St Isidore – Image used with permission from Young-Catholics.com)

Good News Stories

The Guild exists to be a source of encouragement and the sharing of good practice. Through stories of hope and creativity, members can inspire one another as they serve in local rural churches and communities.

Good news stories will be gathered and shared through The Arthur Rank Centre, creating an accessible resource to showcase the faith, resilience, and imagination of those engaged in rural mission across the UK.

We warmly invite Guild members to share their own stories — whether it’s a small act of kindness, a creative outreach idea, or a glimpse of God at work in your rural community. By sharing your experiences regularly, you help encourage others, spark new ideas, and remind us all that even the smallest seeds of faith can bear great fruit.

Seed-corn Grants

Because the Guild’s running costs are minimal, funds raised through membership are used to support small, practical acts of mission. Occasional seed-corn grants of up to £200 will be made available to help local churches and groups bring new and creative missional ideas to life in their rural settings.

These small grants are designed to spark possibility — helping to resource those first steps that can grow into something lasting and transformative.

The application form for the seed-corn grants is available here: Apply here

Membership

Membership of The Rural Missioners’ Guild is open to anyone who feels called to support or share in rural mission. Members commit to praying for one another and for the life of the rural church.

An annual contribution of £10, payable to The Arthur Rank Centre, helps sustain the Guild’s shared work. Each member receives a Guild pin badge and prayer card as a visible sign of belonging and shared purpose, together with occasional updates and stories from across the network, including news of the annual recognition of Rural Champions.

How to join:

Step 1 – Apply for membership: Complete the short form below with your details.
Step 2 – Membership payment: After submitting the form, you’ll be directed to our secure CAF Donate page to set up your £10 annual Direct Debit (with the option to add Gift Aid if you are eligible).

The Rural Missioners' Guild

Application form

Name(Required)

Prefix First Last

If other prefix, please state here

Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Denomination(Required)

If Other, please state which Denomination

Role / Connection with rural mission(Required)

If Other, please state Role / Connection

If you wish to be invited to join the Rural Missioners' Group private Facebook group, please paste a link to your profile here.

Prayer request or message (optional)

I understand that I’ll complete my £10 annual membership on CAF Donate next (Direct Debit/recurring), and that Gift Aid is available on the CAF page if I’m eligible.(Required)

Yes

I give consent for The Arthur Rank Centre to contact me with Rural Missioners' Guild updates.(Required)

Yes

Your details are used to administer your membership and send Guild updates. Payments and Gift Aid are processed securely by CAF Donate; ARC does not store your bank/card details.

Hosted by The Arthur Rank Centre

The Rural Missioners’ Guild is hosted by The Arthur Rank Centre, home of resources, training, and encouragement for the rural church. This partnership ensures the Guild’s ministry of prayer and encouragement remains rooted within a wider movement supporting rural mission across the UK.

Created by the Diocese of Leeds and The Arthur Rank Centre, co-administered by Revd Caroline Pinchbeck and Revd Matt Jeffrey.