Revitalizing Rural Churches - A Path to Sustainability
In this project, explore changes and opportunities for rural churches amid the impact of the pandemic. Discover strategies, toolkits, and guidance to foster community engagement, utilization of church spaces, and sustainable practices. Sessions cover theological reflections, models of ministry, and lightening the burden of bureaucracy. Embrace innovation and community value in rural church settings through practical advice and stories of adaptation.
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Presentation Transcript
Growing the Rural Church Growing the Rural Church Devon Churches Rural Forum November 2020
Why change? Mid way though the project. Funded 2017 2023 Looking to build legacy Coronavirus impacted on service delivery Impact of closing church buildings on sustainability Opportunities and willingness to change Increase in community spirit / valuing the local
What we will offer Toolkits and guidance downloadable and printable Information videos downloadable for viewing offline Facilitation videos Bookable live webinars Face to face local events and training (when it s safe) 1:1 Zoom surgery sessions
CONNECT CREATE RESOURCE Information for people in the community who may be interested in using a church building. e.g. artists / small businesses / local farmers (shop or box delivery point) Information for churches who want to use their buildings creatively, for community, commercial and/or missional activities Toolkits and guidance to help churches develop plans for a sustainable future
Resource Section Where to start: Making changes: Lightening the Load Practical, technical and legal advice and guidance about specific changes Stories on the Street
Lightening the Load Written by rural clergy and lay leaders in North Devon Covers every area of church life Is a toolkit not a course
Theological reflection on rural life and ministry. There is much to celebrate! Session 1: Celebrating and appreciating our rural church life. We encourage reflection on what is life-giving about rural ministry. Session 2: Naming and exploring the burdens and expectations which weigh heavy upon clergy and laity alike in rural multi-parish benefices. Session 3: Models of ministry. If traditional ways of structuring our church life are beginning to buckle at the knees, what alternatives are there? Which model(s) will best promote the mission of the Church over the next 10 years?
Session 4: Focuses on lightening the load of buildings and bureaucracy. What is essential, what could be done with more economy of effort, what could be given up altogether. Session 5: Session about priorities and pruning. What is critical, what needs to go? How can we lighten the load and free people to enjoy their discipleship more fully? What needs to change to enable us to be a missional Church in a world shaped by Coronavirus? Encouragement to develop an Action Plan Signposting to practical resources which benefices may find helpful.
Stories on the Street A resource to help churches to engage with and work alongside their communities to bring transformation. 6 modules on the themes of vision, celebrating what we have, a heart of compassion, building relationships, understanding our community and stepping out in faith. In depth creative Bible studies and practical participatory tools that can be used with church and community members Piloted in Shirwell Mission Community long term positive impact Still working on online version
Making Changes Simplifying Governance Consulting your community Developing a Friends Group Becoming a Festival Church Welcoming people to your church Planning and managing a project Working with the DAC Applying for Grants and Funding
Create Section Devon Pilgrim Net Zero initiative DCRF 8th February 2021 Net Zero in a rural church context
Resource Hub Launch Plough Monday 2021 11th January Online Launch Event Guided tour of Resource Hub Introductory video from Bishop Robert Live Q and A with the Team and representatives from the Project Board Email gtrc@exeter.anglican.org for an invitation link
