Skye and Wester Ross Presbytery is launching an exciting new project to establish a Centre for Rural Ministry. The centre’s aim is to support the revitalisation of rural congregations and foster contemporary rural ministry across the nation.
Funding is needed is help bring the vision to fruition. A total of £12,00 has been raised since Thursday 1st August!
The centre, led by the Skye and Wester Ross Presbytery, will help congregations across all Presbyteries.
Free Church Mission Director Rev David Meredith, explains more in this video about how you can get involved.
David said: “Rural areas make up 97 % of landmass of Scotland and about 20 per cent of the population. We, in the Free Church of Scotland, aim to bring a healthy gospel church to every community in Scotland and that includes that 20 % which is so important to us. We believe that there is a vital place for the country church in bringing that gospel to the 20%.”
The aim is to employ a minister who is passionate and knowledgeable about rural life. He will be coming alongside rural congregations – across all Presbyteries – to coach and champion local leaders. He will also walk beside young ministers recruiting and training them for the gospel work in smaller communities and pastors the pastors in an area where there are significant changes.
Our Strategy for Rural Ministry
What Will Our Rural Church Development Officer Be Doing?
Reflecting
Our Development Officer will be engaging in research and idea-sharing from other contexts, producing online content and manuals to support rural ministry. This approach has proven valuable in our recent church planting efforts.
Resourcing
With the increasing demands on our Mission Director, our Development Officer will provide essential consultancy to rural congregations, helping with development plans, coaching leaders, and expanding conferences and training programs like “In a Big Country” and “The Gathering.”
Recruiting
To address the shortage of leaders and lay workers in rural churches, we are establishing internships for ministers-in-training and advocating for rural ministry in the broader church community.
Where Will They Be Based?
Location
The Rural Church Development Officer is based on the Isle of Skye, working under the governance of the Presbytery of Skye and Wester Ross. This strategic location allows for close interaction with rural congregations and effective implementation of our rural ministry initiatives.
How Can You Help?
The cost to support the Centre over the first three years will be £82,640, with the denomination contributing £30,000. We are looking for 100 people to donate £200 per year for three years to support this new initiative—roughly the cost of one caffeinated beverage per week from your favourite coffee shop!
To make a donation, go to Donate & Pay – Free Church of Scotland Use the reference RURAL
Please also email us so we can keep you updated as the Centre progresses: [email protected]
David added: “Tell us who you are and that you’ve signed up to become one of that mighty army of 100 people who set out to change rural Scotland by the all-powerful gospel!”
Keep an eye on social media throughout the month for more updates on plans and how a centre will impact rural communities across Scotland.