bite-sized rural mission course
A collaborative learning space designed to equip, encourage, and inspire anyone engaged in rural Christian mission and ministry.
This course dips into bite-sized snippets of rural mission.
It’s for rural leaders who want to engage more widely with their local communities and reach new people.
It’s for those who are wondering how to help others grow in confidence in their faith and give things a go together.
It’s for folk who feel they have a responsibility when it comes to mission, (clergy and lay leaders) but are busy people trying to keep the show on the road.
It’s for leaders who are questioning whether mission and growth is even possible in their rural context.
January – March 2027
Co-led by Sarah Hulme (Rural Mission and Ministry Officer, The Methodist Church) and Revd Matt Jeffrey (Chief Executive Officer, The Arthur Rank Centre), this short course offers practical insights and spiritual depth for the unique context of rural mission.
Who is it for?
Whether you are a rural lay leader or rural clergy, these bite-sized sessions are designed to fit into a busy schedule whilst providing meaningful tools to begin and support mission in your local rural community.
This course is ecumenical and open to all denominations to ensure a rich diversity of perspectives.
We warmly welcome Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Roman Catholics, United Reformed, and independent church and local leaders alike.
If you are part of a local rural team, you are all welcome to come along and work through this together.
Dates & Logistics
Interactive online sessions with practical resources and discussion.
The course will run from January 2027 over six Monday evenings
Session 1: Monday 11th January 2027, 7-9pm
Introductions; contexts, spotting God at work, listening & discerning, giving something a go.
Session 2: Monday 25th January 2027, 7-9pm
Rural margins; visible & unseen hardships.
Session 3: Monday 8th February 2027, 7-9pm
Agricultural community; connecting & supporting as mission.
Session 4: Monday 22 February 2027, 7-9pm
Intergenerational; rural mission with all ages, including schools ministry.
Session 5: Monday 8 March, 7-9pm
Rural Spirituality; rural, rooted missional small group discipleship.
Session 6: Monday 22 March, 7-9pm
Rural festival events & mission; joining in, co-creating, establishing new traditions.
Cost:
- Standard Ticket: £30 per person for the full course.
- Methodist Attendees: Free of charge (generously funded by the Methodist Church).
How to Register
To secure your place, please book via our Eventbrite page.
Important Note for Methodist Participants:
When registering, please select the funded Methodist ticket option at checkout to claim your free place.
