Growing the Rural Church works to resource rural Mission Communities to creatively use their talents and buildings, and to connect with their unique communities and landscapes to develop sustainable futures.
In this video The Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter, reflects on rural life and ministry, and introduces the vision of the Growing the Rural Church team in the Diocese of Exeter.
The Diocese of Exeter’s vision for growth includes the Growing the Rural Church Project. The Project runs for seven years (2017-2023) and is backed by a £1 million grant from the Church Commissioners Strategic Development Fund with additional funding from our Diocesan Synod.
From discerning a vision, through support for making changes to structures and governance, to advice for starting new community initiatives, our resource toolkits and guidance can help churches develop plans for a sustainable future.
The Bishop of Exeter is the driving force behind a new book about village churches which aims to help them flourish and thrive as the beating heart of their communities.
How Village Churches Thrive has been published by the Church of England with a foreword by the Comedian Hugh Dennis, whose father was a vicar and a bishop.
It is aimed at church members and is packed with practical advice and examples of good practice from across England.
From towering granite tors to breathtaking rivers, Devon’s is an ancient landscape that has drawn and inspired our ancestors. The ancient idea of pilgrimage is as much about the personal inner journey as the destination. Devon Pilgrim follows this living tradition.
We invite you to walk these pilgrim routes, some ancient, some new, which connect tors, stone crosses, holy wells and tiny churches, standing stones and cathedral.
Re-root yourself in Devon’s landscape and the spiritual traditions which run like a thread through it. Whatever your journey, we invite you to wander with us.
Toolkits and guidance to help churches develop plans for a sustainable future
Resources for churches who want to use their building creatively
Information for people in the community who may be interested in using a church building
