Listening to the Voice of Rural Church Planters and Pioneers
How are rural church plants taking root and thriving?
RURAL ENGLAND IS HOME TO around 10 million people and is growing faster than urban areas, yet churches in these communities face distinctive challenges, including dispersed populations, limited resources and clergy shortages.
But there are also encouraging signs. New rural church plants are connecting with younger generations, strengthening local communities and nurturing new disciples.
‘Listening to the Voice of Rural Church Planters and Pioneers’ shines a light on this often-overlooked area. This report from CCX (The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication) hears directly from those leading fresh expressions of church in rural communities, alongside the partners supporting them. It explores:
- How God is at work in rural communities and how new disciples are being formed
- What helps rural churches thrive, including the practices, structures, relationships and cultural conditions that contribute to a healthy and sustainable ecosystem of church life in the countryside
- The wisdom and stories of rural practitioners so that they can help shape future policy, investment and collaboration between denominations, dioceses, networks and local churches.
This research celebrates the profound commitment, deep relational practice, resourcefulness and creativity of rural church planters and pioneers. It also serves as a practical guide to come alongside those engaged in planting and supporting rural churches more widely.
Read the full report below:
If you would like to explore more ways to love, understand, and serve rural communities, or if you’re looking to start something new in a rural context, CCX would love to hear from you: hello@ccx.org.uk
Next steps
To explore further research on learning from rural mission, read the What’s In Our Hands? Rural Mission Learning Review by Brendan Research for the Vision and Strategy Team.
