The Rural Forum is an annual gathering for rural clergy, lay leaders, and those involved in rural ministry . It provides an opportunity to share experiences, explore key challenges, and hear from expert speakers on topics relevant to rural churches and communities.
Rural Forum 2025
More than 150 people from all corners of the diocese attended the Rural Forum in Bagley. This year’s Forum considered “Where do I fit?” and was a day to look at our calling in the countryside
Matthew Frakum, Vocations Team Leader, reflected on the different types of calling. He said, “I truly believe that every single person here has a unique and wonderful call that God has for them……”
Bishop Michael, spoke to those gathered about prayer. He encouraged, “I think the first thing we have to get over when we think about prayer, is, ‘Oh, I should be doing it better’, and to accept that there is always something about which there is more to be learnt, where our efforts are going to be imperfect ……
“I think we have to approach prayer as the disciples did in Luke 11. Lord, teach us to pray.”
Attendees also heard from a wide variety of people in different rural settings about their calling and how that had led them into different roles within the Church.
He went on to say, “I want to tell you that God does have a calling, and therefore a vocation specifically for you, which is just as important as any of those individual callings to be a missionary or a leader or a priest.”
More videos from the day can be found on the diocesan YouTube channel.
Rural Forum 2024
The 2024 Rural Forum focused on "Discipleship in the Rural Church" and welcomed over 120 attendees at Bagley Baptist Church. Guest speakers included Jo Neary and Simon Butler, offering insights into growing faith and mission in rural settings.
Rural Forum 2026 – save the date
Rural Forum 2026 will take place on Monday 9 November 2026, with the provisional focus of Pilgrimage. Registration for the event will open later in the year, and will be linked on this page.
For more information, contact Rob Walrond, Rural Adviser.