Room to share: finding encouragement together at Alcester Minster 

People serving rural churches have experience to offer one another. Making space to share it can be a valuable part of supporting local mission.

At Alcester Minster, Rural Missions joined with the established Ideas Share gathering led by the local ministers. Working with an existing initiative allowed us to contribute to a setting where relationships and participation were already taking shape.

Those attending engaged positively and found encouragement in being together. People valued the opportunity to meet others serving in rural contexts and connect through their shared experiences.

There was a sense of connection within the group and appreciation for being brought together to share their journeys.

A gathering can offer room to speak, listen and consider an idea with others who understand something of the setting in which it might be tried. It can also help people recognise the experience and encouragement they have to offer someone else.

Our role was to contribute to that exchange in partnership with those already leading locally. Supporting rural mission includes helping people learn from one another, alongside offering our own resources and practical guidance.

Following the gathering, the future shape of the relationship was still being explored, including opportunities to deepen the partnership and offer further support locally.

Alcester illustrates the value of recognising what is already happening locally and exploring how Rural Missions can strengthen it.

It’s only with your support that we can invest time in these relationships and opportunities for connection. Your generosity helps us encourage those serving rural churches and explore useful partnerships with them.

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