You may be short of resources, but blessed in other ways. Being in a strong, cross-generational rural community means it’s easier to build relationships that lead to faith-related conversations. And there’s more opportunity to create a new expression of ‘church’ for nonchurch children through assemblies and clubs at local schools. Boost your volunteers – seek help from other churches in the area to help you introduce children to Jesus. Mission doesn’t require a special formula, skillset or training – God uses many ways and many types of people. Find out more at: www.missionstyles.org.

Being in a strong, cross-generational rural community means it’s easier to build relationships that lead to faith-related conversations.

Willing non-Christians can provide a supporting role, perhaps running crafts or helping with catering. They will also benefit from hearing the gospel message!

Value the young people in your church. Involve them in your missions: they have an important role to play. Take them to regional church events – it gives them a sense of being part of something much bigger and helps them build supportive relationships with their peers.

Non-Christians, both local and visiting, like to visit rural church buildings. They say they experience a sense of awe from being there. So offer a great welcome and generous hospitality, and make it ‘theirs’.

Do what you can with what you’ve got! It’s an opportunity to be creative.

• Offer tea and toast to parents and children, if the church is on a school run. Many children don’t get a proper breakfast in the morning. Those living alone might also appreciate the opportunity to meet with others and feel part of something.
   
• At the church or village fete, put a prayer shack next to other stalls and invite children along.
   
• Open a garden up, have a BBQ and invite neighbouring families for food and fellowship.
   
• Messy Church too hard? Have a oneoff Messy Church for Easter or Advent, or hold a Light Party at Halloween.
   
• Have a ‘name your favourite hymn’ competition, then invite families to sing them one evening. Miss out the sermon, and be generous with the refreshments!
   
• Be a light to those in need – visit the lonely and sick, give a lift to those who can’t get into town by other means, donate clothes, set up a selfservice food box in your church.
   
• Start a book or film club or do a prayer walk round your village.
   
• If God’s already been prompting you – do the one thing he’s asked!

*ideas from Mark Ingles, an Intergenerational Mission Priest in Tenbury

This story featured in our supporter magazine, Connecting You. To read more stories like this click here.