Are you a Methodist who takes part in your local rural festival or show?
Or maybe you're from a Methodist Community that longs to show up at local community events, join the celebration and sensitively proclaim the good news of a God for all and a Church for all.
This webpage seeks to support you and resource you in this calling.
Methodists attend local festival events because it’s a fabulous opportunity to celebrate with the wider rural community, meet new people, build relationships, offer hospitality, hold safe space for people to explore faith, and take our Methodist Church way beyond the walls of our buildings.
As ‘church’ we commit to joining the whole community as they gather to help celebrate the agricultural & rural community. The God for All strategy for evangelism and growth says:
We want to be known nationally as a Church that proclaims the saving Good News of God for all and a Church for all... with apologetic sensitivity, cultural relevance, and a Methodist distinctiveness.
Evangelistic engagement in such local events might mean hosting your own space, running a prayer tent, joining the stewards team to direct traffic, holding a stall, being present, offering chaplaincy during the event, supporting the show in prayer and worship - or more!
Download our Rural Festivals & Events resource
Resource
Considering engaging in your rural community event? This guidance pack is here to help Methodists seeking to engage in a meaningful way. It includes practical guidance as well as case studies, content for newsletters, and helpful links.