Richard Begg is the Minister of Strathblane Parish Church of Scotland in rural Stirling, about 30 minutes drive north of Glasgow. He has been to every Fresh Expressions rural conference so far and wouldn't miss it.
He says,
it's really important because it gives rural practitioners time to come together and explore common issues.
Richard believes that those issues are fundamentally the same wherever you live or work in the UK's countryside. And he also values the chance to hear what others are getting up to.
I appreciate hearing realistic stories about ministry and mission in rural areas,
he added.
he conference has always encouraged and motivated me and is an antidote to the isolation many who minister in remote areas feel.
Making and Growing Disciples in the Countryside has introduced him to useful leadership courses and encouraged him to start a form of messy church, not in a suburban church hall, but in a rural nursing home!
Richard is keenly looking forward to the 280 mile journey south to The Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire for this year's conference, which begins on 15th June.