Rural Ministries

23/08/2026

The new issue of MOSAIC magazine will be landing on door mats this week. If you would like to receive your own copy then let us know. In the meantime here is an article by Jon from the issue.

July 2026 marks ten years since my family left our home on the north coast of Cornwall and moved to southeast Scotland. We moved to start a church community that came to be part of the 24-7 Prayer network. From the outset, what brought us together wasn’t simply what we believe, a clearly defined, ...

13/08/2026

Rural Ministries have been journeying alongside and championing Pete and Kath Atkins and all their friends as they live out deep Christian community in Bardney, Lincolnshire.

The Open Door cafe is a true treasure of the community. As one person says in the video, "The village would be lost without it". What a truly awesome way to serve, host, and play a part in transforming a village, bringing a Kingdom welcome and essence to all who find refuge, community, or just a decent cup of coffee and some conversation there.

May we all be inspired into such gentle and yet powerfully transformative mission in our own towns and villages. Great work Pete, Kath and all the volunteers. We love being co-conspirators in Kingdom mischief with you!!

02/08/2026

One small fact I read recently has stuck with me. After a wildfire, the first glimpse of restoration can be found in the colourful, vibrant, yet fragile emergence of wildflowers. What a truly wonderful aspect of a devastating situation!! When there has been considerable loss of natural habitats for wildlife, plants, and trees, the signs of hope of renewal gently push their way through the blackened soil to find the light of the sun.

26/07/2026

For much of my early life, beauty was not a quality that my faith recognised or understood very deeply. I grew up in an active family, and my home church was more pragmatic in its approach to buildings. The only flourish of beauty in the church building was an off-white colour on the walls and a few banners with scriptures stitched on them. Click below to read on...

I want to follow on from my last reflection on creativity by reflecting on the theme of beauty. For much of my early life, beauty was not a quality that my faith recognised or understood very deeply. I grew up in an active family, and my home church was more pragmatic in its approach to buildings. T...

22/07/2026

If you have a heart for rural mission in your area then come along to one of our Rural Mission Hubs this autumn. Find out which is your nearest one at https://www.ruralministries.org.uk/rural-mission-hubs

19/07/2026

The greatest difference is in our ability to notice. When occasional moments of slowing down become a sustained season, our ability to notice is sharpened. With it comes a greater capacity to digest what is happening and to respond wisely.

There was a moment in the quarter final Mexico-England game when we had the ball in our own half, but the player in possession appeared to be taking his sweet time, slowly dribbling forward. “What’s he doing?” I shouted at the screen. Then I noticed that the opposition were holding back. They ...

14/07/2026

Last day for early bird price....

Last chance!

Today is your final opportunity to grab Early Bird discount tickets for the Love Rural Conference before prices increase.

If you're passionate about seeing rural churches and communities flourish, join us on the 19th and 20th October for 2 days of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas for rural mission and ministry.

🎟️ Early Bird pricing ends today – book your place now: https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/loveruralconference/

12/07/2026

The Israelites have many names for God. One of them is Jehovah Rapha – The LORD who heals. Jesus gives us a clear picture of God’s character and essence, his love for humanity, and his willingness to do anything for the sake of those he loves and the world he created. Click link to read on.

For the opening week of July each year, my family and some very dear friends attend and volunteer at a Scripture Union summer camp near our home in southeast Scotland. For one week volunteers play host to a bunch of high school age young people, while they learn to surf, go coasteering and paddleboa...

06/07/2026

Join us tomorrow at 10am on Zoom and connect in prayer with others in rural ministry. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368802467?pwd=PBEusXXBXtI36BYr5FNYEYIut7XIHT.1

05/07/2026

Art has never come naturally to me, despite taking GCSE Art - a decision I still don't understand to this day. So, whenever I arrive somewhere, usually a Christian gathering, and art features in the programme, I feel a sense of dread. Read on... Click link below.

My heart sank. “Oh no, here we go again.”I had arrived at a pioneers' retreat and, there in the corner of the room, was an array of creative materials. As I sipped my coffee and introduced myself to the people around me, I couldn't ignore their presence. When would the dreaded moment come when w...