They may also be called Agricultural Chaplains, Rural Advisors, Rural Synod Links, Rural Life Officers... amongst other things. Rural Officers work ecumenically on a regional or sub regional basis as well as at the most local level, supporting colleagues in ministry and working in partnership with other organisations. They represent the church on a wide range of bodies and organisations including local strategic partnerships, church governing structures and at local markets.
The Arthur Rank Centre is the home of the Rural Officers' Network, and supports the network through the denominational National Rural Officers, who are based at the Centre.
A Rural Officer is available for consultation on a wide range of issues and can offer locally relevant advice on topics such as:
- Food and farming issues
- Community partnerships
- Pastoral Care in rural communities
- Ministry and mission in rural areas
- Development of church buildings for community use
- Worship and the celebration of festivals such as Harvest, Rogation and Plough Sunday
- Relationships with organisations such as Rural Communiy Councils and National Farmers Union or others
Contact the Rural Officers' Network or find your local Rural Officer here.
