The Revd Charles Chadwick, Parish Development Adviser for the Dorchester Area and diocesan specialist for rural churches, reflects on 2022-2023's recent event series studying the practical guide How Village Churches Thrive, ahead of this year's rural lecture.
The Diocese of Oxford has a long history of developing creative thinking regarding the rural church. The publication of a new practical guide from Bishop Robert Atwell and others in autumn 2022 gave way to a new format of engaging with mission and ministry in rural contexts.
"In autumn 2022, the publication of a book specifically for rural churches with the intriguing title of How Village Churches Thrive seemed to be a good opportunity to offer a resource for those engaged in rural ministry and mission across the diocese."
The series opened with the inaugural diocesan rural lecture from the Rt Revd Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Huntingdon and national Lead Bishop for Rural Affairs, who considered how we can flourish in mission and ministry in our rural contexts today. Alongside this online event, the Revds Margot Hodson and Talisker Macleod explored how leadership can be exercised in rural context in an on-site Continuing Ministerial Development day, centred on rural church issues - a great opportunity for all clergy, particularly curates, along with local lay support, ministering in rural contexts.
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;
"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."
"Over the months, time was given to reflecting on what a warm welcome might look and feel like, how to welcome more children, using church buildings creatively, pastoral care of the elderly, the church building being the heartbeat of the community - with a wonderful talk of how a pub is held regularly in Mursley Parish Church in Buckinghamshire - building on the pastoral offices, making one’s churchyard a haven for wildlife, and the opportunities that christenings, weddings and funerals offer for the church’s ministry.
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.
"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."
One attendee praised the 'stimulating and thought-provoking' content, and many are keen to continue the online groups beyond the end of the How Village Churches Thrive series.
"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."
Moving on to look at 2023 and beyond, this year's rural lecture will be given by the Professor Alistair Murdoch of Reading University, and all are welcome to attend. The lecture will be hosted online from 7.30pm on Wednesday 31 May.