Earthed: A New Rural Church Community
Vision: Earthed aims to create new faith communities in rural areas experiencing social isolation and hardship. They will provide spaces for gathering, reflection, and connecting with nature.
Why?: Traditional church models are declining in rural areas. Earthed seeks to offer a fresh approach, focusing on presence, conversation, and shared experiences.
Team: Earthed is supported by the wider Flourish network, a group committed to innovative church initiatives. There is a core team offering guidance and a pioneer leading the local efforts.
How?: Earthed has engaged with communities through various methods, including local events, pop-up cafes, and conversations with residents and existing churches.
Discernment: The team recognises the decline in traditional church attendance and feels called to reach those outside these models. They believe a more flexible and welcoming approach is needed.
Nurturing Faith: Earthed's core values emphasize genuine care, inclusivity, and shared experiences. They believe intentional presence and open listening will foster a sense of the sacred.
Growing: Earthed will nurture faith development by building trust, sharing stories, offering opportunities for connection, and exploring different forms of worship.
Transformation: The first year's goals include experimenting with engagement methods, fostering emerging communities, and encouraging local leadership.
Evaluation: Earthed is committed to reflection and learning through regular meetings, journaling, and sharing stories with the wider network.
Sustaining: Earthed will explore various funding models, including social enterprise and external grants. They will also empower local leadership to ensure long-term sustainability.
Inspiring Others: Earthed hopes to inspire similar initiatives in other rural areas facing church closures and declining membership. They believe their learnings can be a model for a more adaptable and community-focused church presence.