The Church of England Preservation Society?

I have kept quiet for too long! I am now a more experienced rural rector’s wife and I am learning to be ‘me’ now that we are settled. I am also learning that rural churches of England are incredibly difficult places to maintain...and my Rector has six! I am not just talking about the buildings - six beautiful historic buildings that need faculties in order to make any changes, maybe the approval from the Victorian society, historic churches, the Archdeacon, the farmer next door and anyone and his dog it seems! Is the Church of England a preservation society for historic buildings or a group of people who believe that Christ can make a difference in people’s lives? I also refer to maintaining and bringing the good news to a faithful group of people, maintaining their enthusiasm, interest and love as increasing demands are put upon them.

I read today that only 2% of young people identify as Church of England. I am not surprised. What are we able to offer them in our rural villages? Church leaders are faced with juggling the demands of the small, stalwart elderly congregation who faithfully give to the church collection each week and the lack of interest from the few young families who have managed to find housing in the villages. The regular share payments cripple the mission of rural churches. The upkeep of ancient buildings cripples the mission of the rural church. The constant need to spend time applying for grants, seeking  permissions and meetings - bureaucracy gone mad - cripples the mission of the rural church. The threats...yes threats, from church members that are issued if things are not done the way they want - cripples the mission of the rural church. The competition from community churches in nearby towns, that don’t have the buildings to maintain and do have  a greater surrounding population density, cripples the mission of the rural church. The lack of understanding by the hierarchy that one person cannot serve multiple parishes, without regular time off  to refresh, cripples the mission of the rural church. And so it goes on...and on! And yet my OH feels called to faithfully serve the rural communities. I ask...at what cost?