Reshaping Rural Ministry: A Theological and Practical Handbook

Rural churches are an abiding presence and sign of continuity in local communities, yet they face radical social, economic and community change in the 21st century.

This has prompted renewed reflection on the meaning of mission, evangelism, vocation and ministry as rural churches seek the ways in which they can share most fruitfully in the mission of God for his world.

Reshaping Rural Ministry explores the imaginative responses of many rural churches to decades of challenges and changes, and offers practical and theological reflection from leading writers on the questions it is addressing today:

finding what 'shape' today's rural churches need to be

the value of building and place

discovering different models of leadership

developing lay ministry

providing pastoral ministry in the countryside

raising awareness of vocation across a wider range of ministries

being faithful to God in engagement with the life and issues of the world and more.

Illustrated with stories and examples from rural churches, and including questions to enable local churches to discern how they might best respond to particular challenges they face, Reshaping Rural Ministry is essential reading for all engaged in rural ministry, those considering it, and all involved in ministerial selection and training.