# data[].attributes.body
20 years old & still relevant

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This project is looking at rural hidden hardship - it aims to understand the experiences of people in hardship in the rural North Cotswolds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Click to view: Executive Summary Rural Lives Final Report Covid-19, Lockdowns and Financial Hardship in Rural Areas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A shocking new report has uncovered a devastating, yet hidden, wave of homelessness sweeping through our rural areas. This alarming surge in countryside rough sleeping, intensified by the cost-of-living crisis, is tearing at the fabric of our rural communities.
BREAKING: Rural Rough Sleeping Skyrockets by 24% in One Year
Housing costs in affluent rural areas are driving an unseen crisis, where the "shame and stigma" of homelessness keep countless vulnerable individuals out of official statistics. This eye-opening study brings to light the true scale of the problem, which is far worse than anyone could have imagined.

Conducted by researchers at the University of Kent and the University of Southampton on behalf of a coalition of rural advocates and housing associations, the independent study exposes a "hidden homelessness" epidemic, fuelled by skyrocketing housing costs and inadequate funding.

Key Findings: A Bleak Picture of the Countryside

> A staggering 91% of rural respondents witnessed a rise in homelessness over the past five years> 83% reported their job has become more difficult in the same period> 81% believe rough sleeping experiences in rural areas differ significantly from those in urban settings

Isolation exacerbates the issue in rural areas, where limited transportation options and lack of support put homeless individuals at even greater risk. Those with physical or mental health needs are most vulnerable.

Farmers are often cited as heroes, allowing people to pitch tents on their land and providing clean water and hot tea. But some are frustrated by regulations that prevent them from helping people sleeping rough, fearing criminalisation by local authorities.

Urgent Call to Action: "Rural Homelessness Counts"

The coalition demands local and national leaders address the dire situation, with recommendations including:

> Factoring the needs of rural communities into all future homelessness strategies> Improved processes for counting and identifying rural homelessness> New support services addressing mental health and social and physical isolation> Dedicated investment for rural social housing and increased welfare funding to cover rent costs

This research uncovers a harrowing reality: countless individuals in our countryside are struggling to maintain a basic standard of living, often hidden in agricultural buildings, outhouses, farmland, or sofa-surfing. Inadequate funding is forcing many to seek help in urban centres. It's in everyone's best interest to address this crisis head-on.

Our coalition of charities and housing associations has published a concise briefing, complete with policy recommendations to combat the rural homelessness crisis. Access the briefing here (pdf).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shocking Report Reveals a Growing, Invisible Homelessness Crisis in Our Countryside

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A shocking new report has uncovered a devastating, yet hidden, wave of homelessness sweeping through our rural areas. This alarming surge in countryside rough sleeping, intensified by the cost-of-

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church Michael Beck

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church By Michael Beck. Our new books come with free delivery in the UK. ISBN: 9781791025793. ISBN-10: 179102579X

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Following on from his bestselling The Invisible Church, Steve Aisthorpe finds inspiration for his new book in the ecological concept of rewilding, an approach to the environment that allows nature to break free from the dulling effects of strategic control and bring wonder back into our lives.

Applying this thinking to the Church, Steve Aisthorpe imagines what might happen if we put less faith in our strategies and plans, which inevitably depend on our own capabilities and resources, and allow the Spirit to lead us beyond our capacity to imagine.

Rewilding the Church explores afresh the compelling invitation of Jesus to 'Follow me' and the call to 'throw off everything that hinders and entangles'. It poses provocative questions and issues a call to contribute to the great rewilding of the Church - and to be rewilded ourselves. The same human instincts that have disrupted our natural environment have also constrained and domesticated the Church and Rewilding the Church commends a rediscovery of the adventure of faith.

Steve Aisthorpe is one the freshest and most original voices in the church today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rewilding the Church: Free Delivery at Eden.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rewilding the Church: Aisthorpe, Steve (9780715209813): Free Delivery at Eden.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Using a compelling mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, real-life case studies and personal experience this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church. This insightful book looks at current issues in rural England and explores: The nature of mission with special reference to the rural situation; Ways for the Church to engage with rural culture; Examples of rural fresh expressions of church; Identifying and pruning the things which inhibit mission in the countryside; How all forms of church can work together for the glory of God. This compelling book is an essential read for all who seek to minister in a rural context - whether at a local, diocesan or national level.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mission-shaped and Rural Growing Churches in the Countryside by Sally Gaze, Graham James - Paperback - 9780715142806

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Mission-shaped and Rural Growing Churches in the Countryside by Sally Gaze, Graham James Paperback from Church House Publishing - ISBN: 9780715142806

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
“Looking out for the small things” - Church Mission Society (CMS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Clare Watkins highlights the many ways in which rural churches, though small and fragile, have much to offer.

# data[].attributes.body
Free resource to inspire you to give it a go!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pilgrimage: A missional guide for rural churches - The Arthur Rank Centre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pilgrimage is enjoying a resurgence, with people from all walks of life seeking space to reflect, reconnect with the land, and encounter God. Whether it’s a few quiet steps through the local countryside or a well-planned journey between churches, pilgrimage can offer stillness, insight, and transformation.

# data[].attributes.body
hear stories from those who gather outdoors, find resources & recommendations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hosted by Dreaming Beyond (a Methodist Church rural & small pioneering online learning community) and Fresh Expressions, this online space was created to inspire & support those looking to gather […]

# data[].attributes.body
Celebrate harvest with all ages & your wider community. Plenty of stories, resources & practical suggestions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Harvest: A missional guide for rural churches - The Arthur Rank Centre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Harvest remains one of the most recognisable and widely celebrated moments in the rural year. Rooted in gratitude and community, it invites us to pause — to give thanks for the land and those who tend it, and to share abundance with others. Whether simple or elaborate, Harvest offers a natural opportunity to connect faith, food, and the wider community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Using a compelling mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, real-life case studies and personal experience this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church. This insightful book looks at current issues in rural England and explores: The nature of mission with special reference to the rural situation; Ways for the Church to engage with rural culture; Examples of rural fresh expressions of church; Identifying and pruning the things which inhibit mission in the countryside; How all forms of church can work together for the glory of God. This compelling book is an essential read for all who seek to minister in a rural context - whether at a local, diocesan or national level.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mission-shaped and Rural Growing Churches in the Countryside by Sally Gaze, Graham James - Paperback - 9780715142806

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Mission-shaped and Rural Growing Churches in the Countryside by Sally Gaze, Graham James Paperback from Church House Publishing - ISBN: 9780715142806

# data[].attributes.body
available secondhand from a variety of retailers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Toolbox for Small Churches by Hilary Taylor: Very Good (2007) 1748908894., 6/3/2025 12:01:34 AM | MusicMagpie

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Everybody Welcome is the complete course to transform your church by improving your approach to newcomers. In five teaching sessions, it will help you review your attitudes to newcomers, learn new approaches and identify areas of improvement and change.

The course comes in three different parts, all designed to complement each other and ensure that everybody feels welcome in your church:

The Leaders' Manual - contains four sessions of material, with leaders' notes, background notes and checklists to help you identify areas for change in your church.
The Members' Manual - provides preparatory material for the course, as well as summaries of each session. Designed to be used by each individual participant.
The DVD - essential video content to enhance the course, designed to be used in conjunction with the leaders' manual.

Want to run Everybody Welcome with every member of your church? We're offering a 35% discount on orders of 100 or more copies of the Members' Manual. Please email admin@norwichbooksandmusic.co.uk for more details.

Captain Jim Currin, Church Army

" Many churches will benefit enormously from this straightforward course ... A practical tool that will help churches grow." (5 stars)

Christianity magazine
Supporting Downloads
The Worship Event - for use with the member's manual, p. 34, and the leaders' manual, p. 59.

Nurture Courses - a revised version of the table found on p.93 of the leaders' manual.

Checklists - as featured in each session of the leaders' manual.

Sermon ideas - suggested readings for sermons on welcome and possible structures for sermon series

Resources to aid you in being a 'mystery worshipper':

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everybody Welcome is the complete course to transform your church by improving your approach to newcomers. In five teaching sessions, it will help you review your attitudes to newcomers, learn new approaches and identify areas of improvement and change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Faith and the Future of the Countryside Pastoral and theological perspectives on rural sustainability by Jill Hopkinson, Alan Smith, Rowan Williams - Paperback / softback - 9781848251175

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Faith and the Future of the Countryside Pastoral and theological perspectives on rural sustainability by Jill Hopkinson, Alan Smith, Rowan Williams Paperback / softback from Canterbury Press - ISBN: 9781848251175

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resourcing Rural Ministry Practical insights for mission by Simon Martin, Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme - Paperback / softback - 9780857462626

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Resourcing Rural Ministry Practical insights for mission by Simon Martin, Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme Paperback / softback from Church House Bookshop - ISBN: 9780857462626

# data[].attributes.body
free online booklets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fit For Farming Booklets are guides for both men and women to help them build and keep up personal care on the farm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Honey and Thistles. Biblical wisdom for the renewal of farming. | ACF COM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From the Agriculture and Theology Project - Honey and Thistles.Biblical wisdom for the renewal of farming.Christopher Jones & John Martin, Agriculture and Theology Project, 2015.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Village Churches Thrive A Practical Guide by Robert Atwell, Gill Ambrose, Helen Bent - Paperback / softback - 9781781402191

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy How Village Churches Thrive A Practical Guide by Robert Atwell, Gill Ambrose, Helen Bent Paperback / softback from Church House Publishing - ISBN: 9781781402191