KEY FINDINGS
1. In rural areas local-level delivery of training and provision of resources is essential for significant lay participation and uptake. It also benefits ministers in their involvement with training for local churches, especially where these ministers cover a wide geographical area. In addition it is recognised that ongoing ministerial development and training is greatly facilitated by locally-provided opportunities.
2. Many denominational structures (regionally and nationally) are poor at affirming and supporting rural ministers, rural churches and rural congregations; and the wider church often fails to recognise the unique strengths and needs of rural churches. The general provision of training and resources seldom bears rural in mind. Evidence indicates that in some areas such circumstances lead to a greater marginalization of rural ministry and mission, and further isolation of rural ministers and churches from the wider church.
3. Ministers, lay people and training providers require effective signposting and evaluation for a wide range of important resources and training relevant for rural mission and ministry. This should be supplemented by a library of case studies and examples of good practice in key areas of rural church mission.
4. Recognition and uptake of several essential rural resources is very patchy. There is also considerable uncertainty about how these are best used. In particular, many regional training providers are unfamiliar with such materials; which means that opportunities for training and development are often missed.
5. The role of local denominational Rural Officers is crucial in affirming, supporting and enabling effective local rural ministry and mission, and in providing significant training for rural lay people and ministers. Their role, and the network they form, needs greater recognition and support from their denominational structures and the wider church.
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