More than 170 lay and ordained delegates from a wide spectrum of denominations gathered at St Edmundsbury Cathedral for the LoveRural Conference, a dynamic 24-hour event dedicated to rural mission and discipleship.
Hosted by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the conference offered inspiration, strategy, and connection for those passionate about growing faith in the countryside.
Keynote speaker the Rt Revd Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter, opened the conference with reflections on 'Bringing out of the treasure what is new and old'. The Revd Simon Mattholie, former CEO of Rural Ministries, followed with a compelling address on 'Missional Listening' challenging delegates to embrace context-sensitive approaches to mission.
Breakout sessions covered a wide range of practical and visionary topics, including: rural schools ministry, ministering in areas of new housing and new evidence on why rural outreach is vital to sharing the gospel in the UK
The conference also spotlighted the Growing in God in the Countryside Project, including its Lightwave Community. In the session 'What’s in Our Hands?', researcher Richard Tiplady presented findings from eight rural dioceses, noting that this was the only rural Strategic Development Fund (SDF) project focused on making new disciples. The impact is profound: over 650 individuals have come to a life of faith through the project’s activities.
Bishop Richard Jackson, Church of England Lead on rural issues in the House of Lords, facilitated listening sessions on how local mission experiences can better inform national strategy. His call to bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and institutional frameworks resonated deeply with attendees.
From forest church to preschool outreach, from creative frameworks to quiet revivals, the LoveRural Conference affirmed that rural ministry is not only alive—it is leading the way in reimagining church for the future.
