These are issues, especially in developing lay discipleship, that are equally relevant in rural, urban or suburban churches. Concerns about the source of potential discipleship material were highlighted by one Congregational training provider: A new discipleship resource from the Congregational Federation is very good, with additional resources online. One of my rural churches uses it. But it is very similar to resources from other denominations. Must we have Congregational branding before our churches can use it?
Two significant needs are apparent here: • Resources to guide lay people into fruitful yet simple theological reflection about their context in the light of the Bible.
• Signposting and evaluation concerning good lay discipleship resources available across all denominations or theological streams.
b. Rural-Specific Discipleship Concerns
There are far fewer rural-specific discipleship resources or training courses than generic ones. Some respondents feel that generic material produced for small churches may be appropriately adapted for rural churches; but these are fairly rare. A number of respondents feel that the lack of rural-specific material reflects a broader issue of rural marginalisation within the wider church.
Nurture, Faith Development and Discipleship: Rural-specific issues One rural Rector from Yorkshire and Humber suggests: There is a need for a rural-focused ‘nurture course’, which approaches growing into the Christian faith in a rural context. I am not sure entirely what this might contain, but it might focus more on creation, so-called ‘folk’ religion, the fatherhood of God, community and the evidence of the world around us; taking themes that resonate with people who are themselves deeply embedded in the rural. Much of what I see is either very generic, very individualistic, or deals with issues that are often not prominent in the countryside. A URC minister from the West Midlands wonders: Is it possible to develop a resource that helps ordinary people, inside and outside church, explore faith from a rural perspective? The closest I have seen to this was something from an Anglican bishop ... which asked what it was that attracted so many people to Harvest Festival services who don’t normally go to church. I started a discussion group in my own church by asking if living in the countryside brings people closer to God. Another Anglican clergyman, from the East of England, indicates: Several times I have wished there was a core resource of Bible Study material reflecting on rural issues … mostly ethical. The sorts of things that develop generalised thinking and give biblical meat and extra input on issues facing rural people today; e.g. migrant workers, GM crops, second homes and affordable housing. If we don’t think biblically about these things, then who will?
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