Training for Rural Ministry and Mission
Introduction
At the Arthur Rank Centre, we offer practical, context-specific training for those involved in rural ministry and mission — lay and ordained, across all denominations.
Whether you’re exploring new ideas for your church, developing your leadership skills, or looking for support in your current role, we’re here to help you grow in confidence, creativity and connection.
🔹 Germinate Leadership
Called to lead in the countryside?
Germinate Leadership is an 18-month journey for lay and ordained leaders in rural churches across all denominations. The programme includes three inspiring residentials at Cliff College, mentoring, peer learning, and practical tools for confident, Spirit-led leadership in rural contexts. Ecumenical, rural-rooted and deeply reflective, it offers the space, encouragement and challenge to grow as a leader.📅 Next cohort starts: September 2026
🔹 Rural Mission and Ministry Course (RMMC)
A two-day residential course open to both lay and ordained leaders involved in rural mission and ministry.
It provides space for reflection, fresh ideas and practical tools, as well as time to connect with others in similar contexts.
Runs multiple times per year, including options in different locations across the UK.📅 2026 Course details – 19th – 20th May 2026 at Yarnfield, Staffordshire & 10th – 11th November 2026 – Woking, Surrey
🔹 Rural and Wild Course (RAW)
Interested in fresh ways of engaging faith, discipleship and community outdoors?
Rural & Wild introduces a range of simple, adaptable approaches for leading spiritual journeys in the natural world. Rooted in rural mission experience, the course helps lay and ordained leaders to explore how creation can shape worship, pastoral care, prayer, and community life.
Over two days, participants discover practical ways to start, inspire and lead outdoor expressions of Christian faith in their own settings — whether that’s a village green, a footpath, a farm, or a quiet corner of churchyard.
It offers ideas, confidence and resources to help churches connect more deeply with place, land and the people who live and work within it.📅 Next course: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September 2026
🔹 Other Training
We also offer a growing range of other training options, including:
Rural Bitesize – delivered in collaboration with The Methodist Church: online, 6 sessions, fortnightly.
Training days for those in early ministry (curates, probationers, NAMS, IME2, deacons, and ministers-in-training across denominations).
Local training for Dioceses, Districts, Regions and other ecumenical partners.
Support for rural deans, area ministers and equivalent local leaders.
Workshops for PCCs, lay leaders and ministry teams, tailored to rural contexts.
If you’re interested in bringing ARC training to your local area, or want to explore bespoke support, please do get in touch.
