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Rural mission

The Arthur Rank Centre

Much of the URC’s work within rural communities is supported and coordinated through the Arthur Rank Centre, where the National Rural Officer, the Revd Graham Jones, is based.  To access a wide range of resources, downloadable materials and helpful information please visit The Arthur Rank Centre's website.

Rural Officers

The mission of the URC churches in rural communities is supported by the National Rural Officer and by a dynamic and experienced network of Synod Rural Officers.  If you would like the contact details of your Synod's Rural Officer please contact your Synod Clerk, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The following research pages highlight many of the roles, responsibilities and resources for Rural Officers.

Country Way Magazine

Informing, inspiring and focused on rural Britain, Country Way magazine is written for real people in today's countryside, tackling real issues and providing real solutions.  Published three times a year, to subscribe by post please send your name and address with a cheque for £9.00 (payable to the Arthur Rank Centre) to: Country Way, The Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ.  Click here to subscribe on-line or read past articles.

Rural Support and Farming Help

  • Rural Stress Helpline is a project of the ARC offering a totally confidential, non judgmental listening service to anyone in a rural area feeling troubled, stressed or anxious.  When necessary, ongoing support is provided until the difficulty is resolved or other help is in place.  The helpline is open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0845 094 8286 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Farm Crisis Network is a UK network of volunteers from the farming community and rural churches, providing a national helpline and visiting service to farming people and families face difficulties.  They provide pastoral and practical support for as long as it is needed, helping people to find a positive way forward.  The helpline is open from 7am-11pm daily. Call 0845 367 9990 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New Initiatives

New areas of work appearing on the Arthur Rank Centre work programme which may be of particular interest to the URC are:

  • Rural Church Entrepreneurs (RCE) In partnership with the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber, the ARC is seeking to promote entrepreneurial skills amongst the leadership in rural churches.  This has been prompted by the findings of The Effective Christian Presence and Enterprise Project.
  • Local Shared/Collaborative Ministry (LSM/LCM) LSM or LCM are different names given to a radical approach to ministry which espouses 'the ministry of the baptized' and lets go of the traditional model of churches being serviced by ordained professionals.  Examples of LSM/LCM can be found in New Zealand, Australia, North America and Scotland.

ARC-Addington Fund

Runs a Strategic Rural Housing Scheme for those leaving a non-viable rural business, to allow people to exit their business with dignity and to enable them to remain living in their community.  In times of particular crisis, the Fund may provide financial aid to help towards business costs. Call 024 7669 0587 during office hours for more information, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Training & Worship resources

The ARC seeks to provide a broad range of training materials and opportunities for those living and working in rural communities and has an extensive range of worship resources for use within the rural context. Further study opportunities are available.  Click here for more information about the Rural Mission and Ministry MA.