TN51 A fresh approach to rural ministry

First published on this website in December 2009 and last updated in October 2023

Synopsis

This is a joint output from John Truscott and Jim Mynors. They are convinced that traditional models of staffing rural churches are no longer workable and that something completely new is urgently required. They propose a ten-point way forward.

1. Episcopal ministry - a new function for the Minister
2. Local presence - a reversal of suburban wisdom
3. Shared specialisms - the value of an Anglican deanery model
4. Understanding 'church' - the value of allowing variety
5. Authorisation and training - national criteria for lay accreditation
6. Apostolic ministry - Ministers released to inaugurate new outreach ministries
7. Central hub - the possible idea of an office as focus
8. Ancient buildings - we do not always have to use them
9. Community focus - putting the Church back at the centre of the village
10. Central celebrations - special gatherings for larger numbers

You might like to compare these points with more recent writing on focal ministry.

These notes have been updated in October 2023 with minor amendments to the layout.