Rural Mission in Yorkshire West Methodist District

What do we mean by ‘rural’?

The government defines ‘English rural’ as being outside of settlements with more than 10,000 resident population.
It is not necessarily as straightforward as that and every rural community is different. Common themes for rural areas would be:

• low population density
• distance between residential and commercial centres
• dependence on agriculture and farming
• isolation through lack of public transport, networks of people or available resources

How much of the District is rural?

There are large rural areas within the District which include parts of the Yorkshire Dales. These rural areas have outstanding beauty and face the balance of sustaining farming and tourism which are both key to their economy. In terms of churches, 59 of our District churches are located in rural or semi-rural communities which is over a quarter of the District churches. These range in membership from 1 to over 100. The total membership of these churches is 1868 which is 17% of the District membership.

What are the issues facing rural communities?

• Due to various factors like rising housing costs, low paid work and lack of employment, many younger people are leaving rural communities. This means that rural communities have an average age 5 years older than urban areas.
• Rural areas face isolation with poor public transport, internet links, mobile phone coverage, fuel poverty and limited access to health and social care.
• There is often inequality with some areas of significant wealth and yet poverty is also a key issue within many rural communities.
• Within the farming community there is significant uncertainly due to issues like the impact of Brexit, climate change and more extreme weather patterns and a shortage of labour.

What is going on in the District to support rural communities and the mission of rural churches?

• We have a Rural Lead who is Revd Andrew Webb based in the Skipton & Grassington Circuit. Andrew works one day a week for the District alongside being a circuit minister.
• There is a Rural Strategy Group which meets regularly to reflect on rural issues.
• There is much work going on through local churches to be a positive and supportive presence in rural communities and respond to local needs and opportunities.
• There are a number of auction mart chaplaincies within the District some of which have Methodist chaplains.
• Andrew’s contact details are 01756 691057 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Do get in touch with him if you have any questions or would like to get involved in rural mission.
• For further information please click here.