Church Farm, Restoration, Kingdom and Covenant.A study into how Together for Christ His Kingdom and His Church is developing their site to be an example of restored stewardship
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This paper reflects on the development of Church Farm, a twenty-seven-acre property in the Derbyshire Dales, acquired by Together for Christ, His Kingdom and His Church in August 2025. Exploring how the organisation is seeking to embody its theological vision of restoration through the stewardship of land, engagement with local communities, and the cultivation of practices that reflect the Kingdom of God.
The primary aim of this paper is to examine the theological foundations that underpin the Church Farm project and to evaluate how these beliefs are being expressed in practical ways. Particular attention will be given to the concept of restorative stewardship[1] and the ways in which this approach is shaping both the management of the land and the Trust’s relationships with the wider community. The paper will assess the progress made during the first year, while recognising that the project remains in its formative stages and many of its long-term aspirations are yet to be realised.
The study seeks to highlight areas of positive engagement, whiling identifying opportunities for future growth. Considering how the Trust is demonstrating the restoration of all things through an integrated vision of people, place, and creation. It is necessary to provide a brief overview of the history of The Trust and the theological journey that led to the acquisition of Church Farm.
Historical Background
Together emerged from the house church movement of the 1960s and has developed over several decades into a network of church families across the United Kingdom and beyond. Throughout its history, the movement has been committed to proclaiming Christ, serving the poor, and seeking to demonstrate the reality of God's Kingdom through lives shaped by the Spirit and grounded in truth.
As the ministry matured, so too did its understanding of the relationship between God, humanity, and creation. Increasingly, the Trust recognised that Christian discipleship involves not only relationships between people and God but also responsible participation within the wider created order.
This developing theology emphasised humanity's vocation to bear the image of God through acts of love, care, and restoration to the community of creation[2]. Resonating with ecological theologian Richard Bauckham who describe humanity as part of “community of creation,” where all living things participate in God's divine dance.[3]
The leadership of Together concluded that obtaining land would provide an opportunity to express these convictions in practice. Consequently, they purchased Church Farm in the Derbyshire Dales.
The property consists of two distinct areas: a five-acre site surrounding the farm buildings and a further twenty-two acres of agricultural land. The trust wishes to cultivate a place where theological reflection, environmental restoration, community engagement, and Christian mission are integrated into a lived expression of the Kingdom of God.
To evaluate the work, this paper adopts a framework based upon David Bookless's themes of restorative stewardship.[4] Four key areas will be examined:
Justice – How the Trust seeks to uphold and care for its neighbours, including both human communities and the wider biosphere.
Truthfulness – How the project reflects the character and purposes of God through faithful Christian witness and practice.
Sensitivity – How the Trust seeks to understand and respond appropriately to the needs of the land, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
Compassion – How the Trust demonstrates care and hospitality towards local communities, visitors, and those engaging with the project.
The methodology employed throughout this study includes, observations gathered during the first year, and ongoing evaluation of practical activities undertaken on the site. These sources provide a basis for assessing the extent to which Church Farm is a practical expression of restorative stewardship.
What is Restorative Stewardship for Together?
The concept of stewardship has long occupied an important place within both Christian theology and wider environmental discourse. In its broadest sense, stewardship refers to the responsible care and management of resources entrusted to an individual or community. Within Christian traditions, stewardship is often understood as humanity's response to God's gift of creation, recognising that the earth ultimately belongs to God and that human beings are called to act as faithful caretakers of what has been entrusted to them.
Traditionally, Christian stewardship has emphasised the responsible use of resources such as time, finances, talents, and the natural environment for the glory of God. Rooted in the belief that humanity has been commissioned to exercise responsibility within creation while reflecting the character and purposes of God.
Within secular environmental movements, stewardship has similarly been used to describe individuals, organisations, and communities that seek to protect and preserve the natural world. Playing a significant role in encouraging greater awareness of humanity's relationship with the environment and has prompted many to reconsider their impact upon ecosystems and biodiversity.
However, stewardship as traditionally understood has not been without its limitations. In some expressions of Western Christianity, stewardship has become closely associated with the idea that humanity exists above or apart from the rest of creation. This perspective can reinforce an understanding of the earth primarily as a resource to be managed for human benefit rather than a living community in which humanity participates. Such interpretations have often been supported by readings of Scripture that emphasise dominion while neglecting the responsibilities of care, humility, and mutual flourishing that accompany humanity's vocation.
This anthropocentric approach has contributed to a separation between humanity and the wider created order, encouraging a view of nature as something external to human identity rather than a community to which humanity belongs. Furthermore, theological perspectives that view the earth as temporary, or destined solely for destruction, can weaken the sense of responsibility towards creation in the present.
In response to these concerns, the concept of restorative stewardship offers a broader vision, which seeks actively to participate in the healing and renewal of creation. It recognises that humanity is not positioned above creation but exists within an interconnected community of life, sharing responsibility for its flourishing.
Restorative stewardship understands human beings as participants in God's ongoing work of reconciliation and restoration. It seeks not merely to prevent environmental decline but to contribute positively to the recovery of damaged ecosystems, the strengthening of communities, and the renewal of relationships between people, land, and God. In this sense, stewardship becomes a dynamic and transformative action.
Deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, the opening chapters of Genesis present humanity as created in the image of God and entrusted with responsibility for the earth. Yet this responsibility is not one of domination or exploitation; rather, it reflects God's own pattern of sustaining, nurturing, and affirming life. Throughout Scripture, God is as one who delights in creation, provides for its needs, and remains committed to its ultimate restoration.
Restorative stewardship is therefore grounded in the conviction that God's redemptive purposes extend beyond humanity alone and encompass the whole created order. Passages such as Romans 8 portray creation as longing for liberation and renewal, while the biblical narrative culminates not in the abandonment of the earth but in the reconciliation of all things in Christ. Humanity is invited to participate in this work through lives characterised by prayer, worship, justice, compassion, and practical action.
For the Trust restorative stewardship provides the theological foundation for the Church Farm project. The acquisition of the land was not motivated simply by a desire to own property or pursue environmental objectives. Rather, it emerged from a growing conviction that Christian mission must engage with the whole of creation and that theological beliefs should be embodied through practical action.
Church Farm is envisioned as a living expression of Kingdom theology. The site serves as a place where ecological restoration, community engagement, discipleship, hospitality, and worship can be integrated within a single framework. The Trust seeks to demonstrate that care for creation is not an optional addition to Christian mission but an essential aspect of participating in God's purposes for the world. Ultimately, the aim is to reflect the character of God by sustaining and affirming life, nurturing healthy relationships, and contributing to the restoration of all things in Christ.
The following sections will evaluate how this vision is being expressed through the work of Church Farm by considering the themes of justice, truthfulness, sensitivity, and compassion.
1. Justice
Within the framework of restorative stewardship, justice extends beyond human relationships to include the wider community of creation. Justice involves recognising the interconnectedness of people, land, animals, ecosystems, whilst seeking the flourishing of all. As David Bookless suggests, restorative stewardship requires Christians to affirm creation, sustain ecological communities, and participate in God's work of renewal. This section evaluates how the Trust has sought to express justice during its first year by developing relationships with both human and ecological neighbours.
Given the relatively short period under review—from August 2025 to June 2026—it is important to acknowledge that the project remains in its establishment phase. Consequently, much of the Trust's activity has focused on observation, relationship-building, and strategic planning rather than large-scale implementation. Nevertheless, these foundational activities represent important expressions of restorative stewardship, seeking to understand the needs of the local community/landscape before introducing significant changes.
The Trust identified three key objectives that would guide its initial engagement with the land and surrounding communities:
To establish a market garden capable of supplying fresh produce to local food banks and community initiatives.
To assess the biodiversity of the site and identify opportunities for ecological restoration and habitat enhancement.
To build meaningful relationships with local farmers, churches, residents, and community organisations.
These objectives demonstrate an understanding of justice incorporating both social and environmental concerns. Rather than viewing ecological restoration and community outreach as separate activities, the Trust seeks to integrate them within a broader vision of Kingdom mission. The Trust's as drawn upon principles of permaculture, particularly the practice of "observe and interact,”. The team delayed developments to understand the site's natural rhythms, and wildlife. Recoginsing the intrinsic value of creation, seeking to work with the land rather than impose predetermined solutions upon it.
Since arriving at Church Farm, the Trust has cultivated a positive relationship with Matthew, a local sheep farmer whose livestock graze part of the five-acre site.
This arrangement has benefited both parties. The sheep help manage vegetation naturally while simultaneously providing grazing opportunities for the neighbouring farm. Importantly, the relationship has developed without a commercial emphasis, reflecting mutual trust, cooperation, and shared benefit.
The Trust's engagement with Matthew has extended beyond practical arrangements. Visits during lambing season and ongoing conversations about the history and management of the land have enabled valuable knowledge exchange and the development of friendship. Such relationships are essential within rural communities; trust is often built slowly through consistent presence and shared experience.
Similarly, the Trust has begun engaging with another local farmer who currently holds grazing rights on the twenty-two-acre field. These relationships provide opportunities for future collaboration and demonstrate a commitment to working alongside existing rural communities rather than independently of them.
The Trust has also sought to establish itself within the social and spiritual life of the local area. Members of the trust have become active participants within the Church community in Ashbourne. Their involvement in worship, children's ministry, communion, and wider church activities has created opportunities for relationship-building and service.
This engagement is particularly significant because restorative stewardship understands justice not simply as environmental responsibility but as participation in life-giving communities. Through volunteering, the Trust is embedding itself within existing networks rather than creating parallel structures. Such as The Church's food hub, provides a potential future partnership for the distribution of produce from the planned market garden, creating a practical link between ecological restoration and social action.
Beyond church involvement, the Trust has joined a local rural Christian network comprising members from various denominations. Participation in days such as community planting has expanded the Trust's understanding of local concerns while creating opportunities for future partnership. Such activities demonstrate a commitment to justice that values cooperation, shared learning, and collective action.
Restorative stewardship recognises that justice applies not only to humanity but also to the wider ecological community. Throughout its first year, the Trust has demonstrated a willingness to listen to the land before attempting to transform it.
The team has undertaken ecological assessments, consulted conservation experts, observed seasonal changes, and spent significant time walking and praying across the site. This posture reflects humility and respect for the existing landscape.They have gained a fuller understanding of water movement, soil conditions, biodiversity, and habitat patterns demonstrating a commitment to ecological justice. It recognises that effective restoration requires careful attention to the needs of existing ecosystems and sustainable change emerges through partnership with the natural environment rather than domination over it.
In this sense, the Trust's willingness to slow down and learn from the land may be viewed as one of the most significant achievements of its first year. In a culture that often prioritises rapid results, the decision to observe, listen, and understand represents a practical
expression of Micah 6:8: "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."[5]
Although significant progress has been made, the Trust recognises that it’s contribution to local communities remains at an early stage and further opportunities have emerged throughout the year.
1. Greater engagement with the Church of England congregation meeting adjacent to the property could strengthen local relationships and create opportunities for collaboration.
2. Further connections with local farmers, residents, and community groups within Parwich and the surrounding villages would deepen the Trust's understanding of local needs and strengthen its contribution to rural life.
2. Truthfulness
Truthfulness, within the framework of restorative stewardship, concerns the faithful expression of God's character and purposes in the world. It asks whether Christian practice accurately reflects the nature of God and whether the Church's mission embodies the truths revealed in Scripture. For Together, Church Farm is not simply an environmental project, it represents a theological conviction: that the restoration of creation is an integral part of God's redemptive purposes and therefore an essential aspect of Christian mission.
This conviction has emerged through a period of theological development within the Trust. Historically, much of evangelical Christianity has focused its understanding of mission on personal salvation, discipleship, and the proclamation of the gospel. These priorities remain central to the Christian faith; however, they have often been pursued with limited consideration of humanity's relationship with the wider created order.
Within many evangelical traditions, mission has primarily been understood as the saving of souls and the nurturing of personal relationships with Jesus Christ. While these aims are foundational, they can unintentionally lead to a view of salvation that is largely individualistic and disconnected from the material world. Furthermore, theological perspectives that anticipate the destruction of the present earth can encourage a diminished sense of responsibility towards creation in the present age.[6]
The Trust questions whether such interpretations fully reflect the biblical narrative. Rather than viewing creation as a temporary backdrop to human salvation, Together, has come to understand the earth as an active participant in God's story. Genesis reveal humanity as being created in the image and likeness of God. Humanity is entrusted with the care of creation, not as an owner or exploiter, but as a representative of God's character.
The biblical understanding of dominion is therefore best interpreted through the nature of God. God's rule is characterised by love, generosity, justice, and sustaining care. If humanity is called to reflect God’s image, then our relationship with creation should likewise be marked by service, protection, and flourishing rather than domination or exploitation.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates concern for the whole of creation. The covenant established after the flood extends not only to humanity but also to every living creature (Genesis 9). The Psalms celebrate creation as an expression of God's glory, while the prophets envision a future in which harmony is restored between humanity, animals, and the land. In Romans 8, Paul describes creation as "groaning" in anticipation of redemption. Creation is not portrayed as disposable or irrelevant but as awaiting liberation alongside humanity. The redemption through Christ therefore extends beyond individual salvation and points towards the renewal of all things.
This understanding is reinforced in passages such as Colossians 1:20, where Paul speaks of God reconciling "all things" through Christ, and Revelation 21, which presents the culmination of time not as humanity escaping the earth but as the coming together of heaven and earth under God's reign.
For Together, these passages shape an understanding of Christian mission that embraces both people and place. Church Farm project is seeking to be a practical demonstration of what it means to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration.
The Trust's theology is rooted in; the Kingdom of God is not merely a future reality but a present invitation to participate in God's restorative work. The Lord's Prayer expresses this clearly: "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."[7]
From this perspective, Christian mission cannot be limited to verbal proclamation alone. While the proclamation remains central, participating in the transformation of communities, relationships, and ecosystems is pivotal and the restoration of creation is not secondary but is a visible expression of the Kingdom of God.
An important theological insight that has shaped the vision is the Hebrew understanding of work and worship. In modern Western thought, these concepts are often treated as distinct activities. Worship is associated with church services and spiritual practices, while work is considered part of ordinary daily life.
However, within the biblical tradition, the Hebrew concept of Avodah[8] encompasses both work and worship. The same language used to describe the service of priests in the Temple is also used to describe the cultivation of land and the responsibilities of daily labour. This reflects a worldview in which all faithful work is an act of worship.[9]
For Together, this understanding has profound implications. Caring for soil, planting trees, restoring habitats, welcoming guests, cultivating food, and serving local communities are all viewed as expressions of worship when undertaken in partnership with God and for the flourishing of creation.
This perspective challenges the separation between sacred and secular activity and invites Christians to recognise the presence of God within the ordinary work of restoration and stewardship.
Church Farm serves not only as a place of practical activity but also as a theological statement: that the restoration of creation is inseparable from the restoration of humanity and that both find their fulfilment in Christ.
3. Sensitivity
Sensitivity, within the framework of restorative stewardship, refers to the ability to remain faithful to a vision while responding attentively to the needs of the land, its ecosystems, and the communities depending upon it. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to learn from creation rather than imposing predetermined solutions.
The trust has prioritised observation, listening, and ecological assessment. This approach reflects the belief that restoration begins with understanding. The Trust has sought to learn how the land functions, how water moves through the landscape, what species are present, and where opportunities for ecological enhancement exists.
This process has enabled the Trust to develop plans that are informed by the character and needs of the site itself, demonstrating a practical commitment to restorative stewardship.
The first months were devoted primarily to observation. Regular walks across both the five-acre and the twenty-two-acre agricultural field enabled the Trust to identify key characteristics of the landscape to understanding of its ecological potential.
Initial observations revealed a site with significant environmental opportunities. The land displayed a mixture of pasture, established stone walls, wet areas, streams, and varied topography. Although some fields appeared species-poor due to historical grazing practices, there were encouraging signs of ecological health, including functioning watercourses, areas of rough grassland, and evidence of limited chemical intervention.
Particularly significant was the discovery that parts of the land remained wetter than initially expected. While surface conditions during the summer suggested relatively dry ground, observations throughout autumn and winter revealed extensive drainage patterns and a landscape strongly influenced by seasonal water movement.
This commitment to observing seasonal change reflects an important principle of ecological restoration: landscapes cannot be fully understood through a single survey or brief inspection. Instead, meaningful stewardship requires long-term attention to natural processes and environmental rhythms.
A key component of the Trust's efforts to understand the land involved commissioning soil analysis across the working areas of the property. The results provided valuable insights into soil composition, pH levels, and nutrient status.
The survey identified a predominance of clay loams and sandy loams across both Church Farm and Dam Dale fields. These soil types provide a strong foundation for future habitat restoration, food production, and tree planting initiatives. Although some areas exhibited lower pH levels requiring lime applications, the overall condition of the soils was encouraging.
The assessment also revealed significant variation across the site, highlighting the need for management approaches tailored to individual fields rather than a uniform strategy across the entire property.
As understanding of the land has increased, the Trust's vision has evolved accordingly. Early concept plans included a market garden, community gathering spaces, outdoor worship areas, restored ponds, wildflower meadows, tree planting schemes, and opportunities for environmental education.
Importantly, these plans have not remained fixed. Instead, they have developed in response to ongoing observation, and learning. This flexibility reflects a sensitive approach to stewardship that prioritises the needs of the landscape rather than the implementation of predetermined objectives.
A significant strength of the project has been the willingness of the Trust to seek guidance from external specialists. The team has actively engaged with conservation practitioners, planners, architects, and creation-care organisations.
Partnerships with A Rocha UK have been particularly influential. Through site visits, ecological discussions, and landscape assessments, conservation specialists have helped identify practical opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration.
Several recommendations emerged from these consultations, including:
Establishing areas of low scrub habitat to support nesting birds.
Creating clusters of woodland interspersed with open spaces for pollinating insects and butterflies.
Restoring species-rich hay meadows.
Creating and restoring ponds to improve water retention and aquatic biodiversity.
Enhancing existing watercourses through natural flood management techniques.
Developing contemplative walking routes and wildlife trails.
Planting hedgerows alongside existing stone walls to increase habitat connectivity.
These recommendations have provided a coherent ecological framework that aligns closely with the Trust's theological vision of restoration.
Particularly significant was the observation that many interventions would represent a clear ecological improvement compared to the current condition of the site. This assessment provided encouragement that Church Farm has genuine potential to become a model of landscape-scale restoration within the local area.
One of the most encouraging developments during the reporting period has been the successful engagement with Farming in Protected Landscapes, which has expressed support for a number of restoration initiatives.
Potential funding has been identified for:
Pond restoration and watercourse enhancement.
Fruit tree planting and protection measures.
New public footpaths and improved access.
Woodland creation and tree establishment.
Hay meadow restoration.
Stream improvements and habitat enhancement.
These opportunities represent a significant step forward, enabling the Trust to move from observation and planning towards implementation while remaining faithful to the ecological character of the site.
4. Compassion
Compassion is a central characteristic of Christian discipleship and a key of restorative stewardship. The compassion demonstrated by Christ throughout the Gospels extends beyond acts of charity and shows a way of living that seeks the flourishing of others through presence, service, and relationship. Within this context Church Farm, compassion involves caring for those who encounter the project, residents, visitors, church members, neighbouring farmers, or members of the wider community.
For Together, compassion is not viewed as a separate activity from environmental restoration but as an essential expression of the same theological vision. Just as restorative stewardship seeks the flourishing of ecosystems, it also seeks the flourishing of people. The first year has therefore involved intentional efforts to build relationships, create opportunities for community engagement, and establish a culture of hospitality that reflects the Kingdom of God.
One of the significant insights that has emerged during the first year is that community exists at multiple levels. The Trust has recognised that Church Farm is connected to a variety of overlapping communities. These include:
Visitors staying in the holiday accommodation.
Family members and friends connected to those living and working on the farm.
Residents and volunteers directly involved in the Church Farm project.
Neighbouring farmers and local residents.
The wider conservation and rural community.
Local church communities.
The broader global community that may engage with the project through teaching, networking, and future partnerships.
Recognising these multiple layers of community has helped shape the Trust's understanding of compassion as an ongoing practice of relationship-building rather than a series of isolated events.
An important aspect of the Trust's approach has been the decision to become embedded within existing local communities rather than operate independently from them. Compassion, in this sense, is expressed through presence, availability, and a willingness to participate in the life of the surrounding area.
The involvement within the local Church community in Ashbourne has been particularly significant. Similarly, engagement within local schools, community groups, and voluntary activities has created opportunities for connection with families and individuals who may otherwise have little contact with the Church Farm project.
These activities reflect an understanding of compassion that prioritises relationship over programme delivery. Rather than seeking immediate outcomes or measurable results, the Trust has focused on becoming a trusted and valued presence within the local community.
The Trust has also demonstrated compassion by seeking to support existing rural livelihoods. Rather than disrupting established practices, efforts have been made to work alongside local farmers and land managers wherever possible.The continuation of grazing arrangements established by previous owners provides an example of this approach. By allowing neighbouring sheep and cattle to continue grazing on the land, the Trust has maintained continuity while strengthening relationships with local farmers.
In rural contexts, where relationships are often built gradually over time, such decisions can have a significant impact on how new projects are received. The Trust's emphasis on cooperation rather than competition has therefore become an important expression of compassion.
Church Farm vision is to create spaces where people can encounter healing, restoration, and connection with God through creation. Although activities remain in the planning stage, they form the Trust's long-term understanding of compassion.
Future aspirations include:
Volunteer opportunities linked to conservation and food growing.
Educational workshops and creation-care events.
Outdoor worship and prayer spaces.
Community growing projects.
Nature-based wellbeing initiatives.
Opportunities for reflection and spiritual retreat.
These developments reflect the belief that human wellbeing is closely connected to healthy relationships with God, one another, and the natural world. Church Farm therefore seeks to become a place where ecological restoration and personal restoration are experienced together.
Conclusion and Future Recommendations
This study has explored the first year of development at Church Farm and examined how Together is seeking to embody a vision of restorative stewardship through the land, engagement with local communities, and participation in God's work of renewal. Although the project remains in its infancy, the evidence presented throughout this report demonstrates that significant foundations have been established for the long-term development of a holistic and integrated mission.
Using the framework of justice, truthfulness, sensitivity, and compassion, it has been possible to evaluate both the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Each of these themes has revealed important aspects of the Trust's developing understanding of restorative stewardship and its commitment to expressing that in practical ways.
In relation to justice, the Trust has prioritised relationship-building, community engagement, and ecological responsibility. Rather than imposing immediate changes upon the landscape, time has been invested in understanding both human and ecological neighbours. New relationships have been formed with local farmers, church communities, conservation organisations, and residents, providing a strong foundation for future collaboration. The planned development of a market garden further demonstrates a commitment to addressing social need while fostering environmental responsibility.
The theme of truthfulness has highlighted the theological foundations of the project. Church Farm represents more than an environmental initiative; it is an attempt to embody a vision of Christian mission that embraces the restoration of all creation. Through its developing theology of Kingdom, covenant, and restoration the Trust is seeking to demonstrate that care for the earth is not peripheral to the gospel but an expression of faithful discipleship. The project therefore stands as a practical witness to the belief that God's redemptive purposes encompass both humanity and the wider created order.
The theme of sensitivity has perhaps been the most visible expression of restorative stewardship during the first year. Through surveys, soil assessments, consultations with specialists, and sustained observation of the land, the Trust has adopted a posture of humility and attentiveness. Rather than rushing towards implementation, Church Farm has sought to understand the character and needs of the landscape. This patient approach has enabled restoration plans to emerge in partnership with the land itself and has laid a strong ecological foundation for future development.
Finally, compassion has been expressed through hospitality, service, and community participation. By becoming embedded within local networks, supporting existing relationships, welcoming visitors, and creating opportunities for connection, the Trust has begun to cultivate a culture of generosity and belonging. While many aspects of this work remain in development, the foundations established suggest significant potential for future community impact.
This evaluation has highlighted several areas requiring continued attention and growth. As the project develops, there will be a need to communicate its vision more effectively, strengthen relationships with neighbouring communities, establish practical volunteer opportunities, and develop a comprehensive land management strategy that integrates ecological, educational, and spiritual objectives. The implementation of planned initiatives, including habitat restoration, market gardening, public access improvements, and educational programmes, will provide important opportunities to deepen the Trust's impact and demonstrate the practical outworking of its theology.
Several key recommendations emerge from this study:
Strengthen Community Engagement by developing closer relationships with local residents, neighbouring churches, schools, and community organisations.
Develop Educational Opportunities that enable visitors, volunteers, and church groups to engage with themes of creation care, restoration, and Kingdom theology.
Implement a Long-Term Ecological Management Plan to guide habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land use over the coming decades.
Expand Communication and Public Engagement through the development of online resources, events, publications, and networking opportunities.
Continue Theological Reflection to help communicate the biblical foundations of restorative stewardship and encourage wider participation within Christian communities.
Ultimately, Church Farm should be understood not as a completed project but as the beginning of a long-term journey. The first year has been characterised by listening, learning, planning, and relationship-building. These activities may appear modest when measured against the scale of the Trust's aspirations, yet they represent essential foundations for meaningful and lasting restoration.
The vision of Together is rooted in the belief that God's purpose is the restoration of all things in Christ. Church Farm provides an opportunity to be a tangible and practical way to embody the restoration of land, the strengthening of communities, and the faithful witness of a people seeking to live in partnership with God and creation.
While much work remains, the progress made during this first year offers encouraging evidence that Church Farm is beginning to fulfil its calling as a place where theology, ecology, mission, and community converge. As the project continues to develop, it has the potential to become a significant example of restorative stewardship and a living testimony to the hope of renewal that lies at the heart of the Christian faith.
Reference |
A Rocha UK (n.d.) Conservation and Creation Care Resources. Available at: https://arocha.org.uk Bauckham, R. (2010) Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press. |
Bookless, D. (2008) Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World. Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press. |
Bookless, D. (2020) The Bible and the Environment. London: SPCK. Church of England (n.d.) The Five Marks of Mission. Available at: https://www.churchofengland.org Hitchcock, M. (n.d.) The Pre-Tribulation Rapture: A Dispensational Understanding. Available at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1073&context=pretrib_arch |
McFague, S. (2008) A New Climate for Theology: God, the World, and Global Warming. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. |
Miller, D.Work and worship blend in one Hebrew word. Available at: https://darrowmillerandfriends.com/2018/07/23/work-worship-go-together/ |
Mollison, B. (1988) Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual. Tyalgum, NSW: Tagari Publications. |
Permaculture Association (Britain) (n.d.) Permaculture Principles. Available at: https://www.permaculture.org.uk
Solomon, Rabbi E. The many meanings of Avodah. Available at https://www.bethmeyer.org/editorials?post_id=1417241
[1] Bookless, D. (2008) Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World. PP61 Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press.
[2] Bauckham, R. (2010) Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation. PP53-81 Waco, TX: Baylor University Press.
[3] Rohr, R. and Morrell, M. (2016) The Divine Dance: The Trinity and your transformation. London: SPCK
[4] Bookless, D. (2008) Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World. PP61& 83 Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press.
[5] Bible Gateway passage: Micah 6:8 - New International Version
[6] Hitchcock, M. (n.d.) The Pre-Tribulation Rapture: A Dispensational Understanding. Available at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1073&context=pretrib_arch (Accessed: 12th January 2026)
[7] Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 6 : 9-13 - New International Version https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=lords%2Bprayer&version=NIV
[8] Solomon, Rabbi E. The many meanings of Avodah. Available at https://www.bethmeyer.org/editorials?post_id=1417241( Accessed on 20thFebruary 2026)
[9] Miller, D. Work and worship blend in one Hebrew word. Available at: https://darrowmillerandfriends.com/2018/07/23/work-worship-go-together/ ( Accessed December 18th 2025)
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