Welsh Churches Consult on Rural Evangelism

The Rural Evangelism Network recently hosted a consultation for leaders of various Churches in Wales to explore the challenges for rural evangelism within the country.  A large part of Wales is rural and there are many churches and chapels in small communities.  Some church buildings are large, erected following the Welsh Revival early in the 20th Century.

The consultation held at Brecon Cathedral on 24th April 2008 was well represented and, while there was an awareness of many of the challenges they had in common, there was also a real sense of hope.

Barry Osborne, REN Executive Secretary, said "Our aim was to listen to the Church leaders and hear from them what are the challenges and opportunities they face in sharing the gospel within Wales.  We are conscious that the Welsh language adds a special dimension but there is much more to learn.  The event also helped to raise awareness of the knowledge bank and resources within REN that might be helpful to the churches there."

The consultation concluded with a request for a repeat event, the date of which has yet to be arranged.  This is part of an exercise to explore how REN and its members can help and serve the churches in rural UK.