Our experience

Rural Mission Solutions originally operated under the name of Sunrise Ministries which was founded in 1988, although it has roots that go back some 60 years.

Why we encourage local churches to participate in local mission

The task of being salt and light for a village is firstly the responsibility of the local Christians rather than an external agency.  But often that can seem too great and the resources seem too small.  We believe that is always true that God gives us the resources we need in order to do what he is calling us to do for him.  Our role is to inspire, encourage and help rural Christians and churches to discover and then confidently engage in mission in ways that are appropriate to who they are and where they are using what they have.

When we are invited to partner with a village church, we always start with careful and prayerful listening and learning.  We do not impose any particular programme, but we can lead the members or congregation of a proven process to discover God's particular purpose for them and to enable them to design their own strategies and mission agenda.   This not only ensures commitment to an 'owned' range of activities, it is an exciting and liberating experience for each person.  Faith and joy grow through the process.

Our services are free

The quality of the processes described above would normally be expensive, but because we realise that village churches have limited financial resources, our services cost nothing. Churches may wish to make a donation but we have no expectations in this regard.  Instead our costs are covered through donations, grants and legacies provided by those who share our vision and ethos.

It only takes a phone call, email or letter to start a conversation that is without obligation. Where that leads remains in the hands of those who would like to know more about developing appropriate, effective and bespoke mission to fit and suit their particular circumstances.

We help your church to grow and be fruitful

Other than providing a strong witness to your local community through the provision of local mission, some of the benefits we have seen is that existing church members are encouraged and built up, and the church has expanded numerically. Our considerable experience enables us to tailor what we can offer to meet the needs of every local church.

Flexibility

We recognise that flexibility can be important, so we can offer short term support or, if requested, we are happy to 'walk with you' over a period of time until you are comfortable to manage on your own.

What people say about us

"Thank you very much for your time and valuable contribution with our Church and Countryside Conference. The whole day had a positive atmosphere." Diocesan Event Planning Group.

"By far and away the most helpful and inspiring session during my time here"  Theological College Student.

"This has helped me make sense of my experience in ministry. I now understand what has been happening" Anglican Rural Priest

"Barry Osborne was a valued member of the team leading our Rural Review - a consultation process which sought to find ways to work together more efficiently among the 14 parishes of 3 adjoining benefices.

He provided invaluable theological underpinning for our endeavours, together with inspiration and constant reminders that this was God’s work , not ours. His perspective , looking in from the outside, with long experience and deep understanding of rural ministry, was very helpful in framing our discussions. We all learnt a great deal from his contributions".   

The Lay Chair of the Wycombe Deanery

How we work

We support rural and village churches by offering tailored mission solutions for individual churches and larger rural missions consultations for rural church leaders.

Rural Church and Mission Forums

Several times a year we hold an open online forum to explore topical subjects that matter to village churches and those in leadership (lay and ordained).  These are interactive occasions with experience advisers on hand who are used to working in different denomination and tradition contexts. 

Good News in the Countryside

These are smaller and more intimate occasions that enable real engagement with what really matters to those in leadership of rural churches in the same geographical area, typically 10 miles radius.    The programme allows flexibility and usually includes two key talks.  One on simple steps that are easily implemented.  The second explains more about how mission can be fun.

Church Away-Days

This is where we explain to the members of a church, or a congregation, the process we call, "Mission Can Be Fun".  We offer a process for churches, that is simple, comfortable and contextually appropriate for your church. Typically these run from 10.00 to 3.30.

We provide the content.  The local church finds a suitable venue, and provides tea, coffee, fruit juice and a light buffet lunch. For many churches this proves a life-changing event.



1. Contact us, by completing the the form below, which asks for a little information and background for both your church and where you live
2. We will then contact you within a few days to arrange a mutually convenient time for an initial telephone consultation

We'd love to hear from you. Please do contact us, using the form below.