Rural Ministries

31/05/2026

Sam's question: With stillness already taken, let’s consider other aspects of the rural context, and how it might be a blessing in other contexts. I’d like to consider two things, beauty and connection.
Click link to read on...

Last week Sam reflected on an aspect of rural life that is sometimes hard to come by in the urban environments – stillness. If you haven’t read it, I suggest you hit pause on reading this and go and check it out here. It reinforced to me the need to ensure there is a practice of stillness in my ...

24/05/2026

The truth is, I think there are many things, but I felt the Spirit prompting me to answer: “Stillness.”

I was recently invited to a church in a large town to take part in a Q&A about my roles with RM and as a hospital chaplain. One question from the congregation particularly stood out: “What one thing from the rural church might help the urban church?” The truth is, I think there are many things, ...

17/05/2026

I am having the great joy of beginning somewhere new, without a local title and with the expectation that I need to rest, for four days a week anyway. And, as I expected it would, it is reminding me what it is like to take things slowly and listen without a dog collar on.

This is a bit of a personal reflection this week, I hope it can speak to you and encourage you where you are this week. I am having the great joy of beginning somewhere new, without a local title and with the expectation that I need to rest, for four days a week anyway. And, as I expected it would,....

10/05/2026

The Breath of God is a central and continual theme we find, not only all the way through scripture, but deeply woven into the fabric of the natural world. It almost seems impossible to accurately articulate, there are many synonyms for the breath, and numerous interpretations and translations.

The small Christian community that I am part of regularly meets a few times a week in various forms. This past week, we gathered in the coziness of a friend’s house, shared some tea, and spoke about what it means to bring Jesus to the world; we discussed the concept of mission; we listened to, and...

06/05/2026

Join this 24-hour national gathering at its new location at Stone, just off the M6 in Staffordshire. Connect with other rural mission practitoners to share wisdom ad encouragement, find mission agencies, partners and resources for local mission, learn from resarchers in regional mission strategy and be inspired to prayer and praise as we discover what God is doing in small setlements and areas of low population. Info and tickets here: https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/loveruralconference/

03/05/2026

If I’m honest, I find it easy to be impressed by church buildings. Some, like this cathedral, are ancient and vast; others are contemporary, thoughtfully designed spaces for ministry in today’s context. I have to remind myself that although God uses buildings, he continually chooses to work beyond them too. Click link to read on....

Since moving to West Norfolk, one of the roads I’ve come to travel regularly is the A10. Heading south, the next large conurbation is Ely, instantly recognisable by its cathedral. Perched on a slight rise and towering above the surrounding flat fenlands, it has been affectionately named the ‘Shi...

29/04/2026

If your copy of MOSAIC has just landed on your door mat then you will find this great article from Jo on page 8.
If you don't receive MOSAIC why not sign up on our website.

I have read many books on the subject of discerning the Spirit, and, like you, I am continually trying to listen and respond to God in the midst of ordinary life and ministry. There are countless discernment tools available. What follows are three that I, and others in the RM network, have found esp...

29/04/2026

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../st-cuthberts-way...

Join us for another one-day pilgrimage through the stunning Northumberland landscape along St Cuthbert's Way. We'll be walking from Wooler to St Cuthbert's Cave.

We'll partner once again with Fliss Barker from St Cuthbert's Way Churches Together to host the day.

This is free but please register through the link

26/04/2026

If we genuinely believe that our missional God is to be the author of our missional selves, and the missional church, it has consequences for how we live as Christians and, by extension, being church together. Click link to read on....

‘…if we believe in the missio Dei, then the only logical consequence is that it challenges the primacy of ecclesiology.’ (Mark Collinson) Let’s clarify two words first1. The missio DeiThe mission of God- The theological turn to mission about not being something the church does, but something...

21/04/2026

The weather is warming up nicely and thoughts are turning to summer holidays. Read our book reviews to see what you would like to pack in your suitcase and let us know what you think. Are there any other books you would recommend? https://www.ruralministries.org.uk/post/summer-2026-book-reviews