How Village Churches Thrive: A Practical Guide

Product Information

Thisinspiring handbook forms an integral part of a series of events for small and rural churches in the Diocese of Oxford this autumn, and parishes attending will receive a free copy. Find out more here, and read John's review below.

Based on How Village Churches Thrive, an inspiring, practical guide from Bishop Robert Atwell and others, thisprogramme of events offers small and rural churches guidance and support on the issues that matter most. What are the connections that you already have with children, young people and families? Think laterally – it’s not just about Sunday mornings, are there schools or sports groups, do you bump into them in town? We have some well resourced ways of connecting with schools, perhaps through Space Makers. All attending the event, and other interested parties, were given free copies of the book and invited to join a monthly book group, taking place on Zoom. A first for the diocese, the format proved immensely popular. Charles continues; I think one of the lesser emphasised benefits of the webinars is the sense of community with people of commitment and concern. I strongly support the call for additional webinars from time to time to discuss specific topics that are relevant to the challenges we face... We have introduced several of the best practices discussed in the webinars."

Use buildings creatively. With thought and planning, your buildings can provide opportunities for people to connect with the community. Bishop Jane would love to be joined by clergy, PCC members, churchwardens, AWAs and anyone supporting the rural church. Bishop Jane and Archdeacon Catherine hosted the online session to share ideas with clergy, laity and volunteers to highlight current issues and encouraging stories from rural churches.

Those who attended greatly valued the input from those who brought their expertise and experience to bear on each topic, as well as there being opportunities to discuss the topic with fellow rural practitioners in small break-out groups."There’s no one-size-fits-all response, but, as Yvonne says, “You are experts in your own community.” For example, café church may work in one context but not another, some churches have great success with Messy Church where others don’t. If you can only do one thing, and do it really well, what is that one thing in your context? Who might we partner with? Lots of organisations need volunteers, so can we as a church resource the work of other organisations instead of keeping within our church walls?

Many of us who have lived in rural places know that the local church is fragile and, at times, vulnerable. Yet, it can be absolutely central to a community’s life and future hope. In the ecumenical work with rural church settings, there is both hope and fear mingled together. The strategy sets out 10 key areas "where applying relatively small changes can make a big difference to the revitalisation, recovery and renewal of our village churches, amplifying the efforts that may well be happening already." Churchyards offer a spiritual place to connect with God without the pressures of entering the building.” Drawing on the wisdom of a wide variety of practitioners, the full-colour book covers ten key areas that enable village churches to flourish:

You can make a difference to the Rural Churches in Devon

The best part of 200 copies were sent out free of charge, and 60 people signed up for the six online evenings sessions. Evenings were chaired by Bishop Gavin, and each time there was an expert present to offer insights into the topic being considered." People were invited to attend for as many sessions as they liked, with some 'Zooming in' for themes of particular interest in their local context, and others forming a core group of regulars, building on their shared knowledge and creativity month by month. People from outside the church can bring fresh insights. Get people in for an open day - who knows who you might meet! One church had an architect pop round who ended up being very helpful in their planning. Reach the isolated and lonely. Village churches are in 'the perfect position' to make a positive impact on isolation and loneliness. The General Synod, on 8 July, saw the official launch of a new book, How Village Churches Thrive, aimed at encouraging and increasing the confidence of all those who work or worship in a village church.

Above all, the situations described in the case studies all remind us of people we recognise in our own congregations. These are the people who faithfully welcome regulars and newcomers, who live their lives embedded in their communities and whose commitment has something to do with the God who made them.It’s important to focus on families, says research from Sarah Holmes at Liverpool Hope University, not just children. Very often we forget about the parents, who can leave feeling judged or even excluded. For example, families that arrive late can feel like everyone’s frowning at them, especially in a small rural congregation. Congratulating families on getting everyone out the door can make a difference!