Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

Offering spiritual and pastoral support to the agricultural and rural community

Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

About DRC

The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is a Christian organisation and its chaplains are drawn from a variety of denominations, helping people see God at work in their daily lives. The DRC chaplains offer support to those working in agricultural and rural settings which mostly means farmers, farm workers and their families, regardless of whether or not they have a Christian faith, or indeed any faith.

The Rev’d Alan Griggs took on the role as Lead Agricultural Chaplain in July 2015 and has since been licensed as an Agricultural Chaplain in Derby Diocese. Alan works with a team of committed volunteers who are passionate about supporting the agricultural and rural community through both the joys and challenges of farming in Derbyshire.

Chaplaincy Derbyshire

Charity Number 1172198

The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is hosted by Chaplaincy Derbyshire, an independent Christian organisation and registered charity, operating throughout the county. Chaplaincy Derbyshire provides training, support and oversight to over 100 chaplains from police and fire chaplains to retail, industry, GP surgeries, sport, transport, education and social care.

What We Do

Agricultural chaplains assist in various ways from a one-off phone call to ongoing face to face pastoral and spiritual care. Get in touch to book a visit
The DRC is a consistent and trusted Christian presence in Bakewell Livestock Market every week and at agricultural shows and other events inspiring mission, worship and faith
We take weddings, baptisms, and funerals by invitation, in partnership with local rural churches
We support special acts of worship across Derbyshire including a Carol Service in the main store ring in Bakewell Livestock Market
We host a short service of worship and prayer in the livestock market every month with our farmers. Click here for dates. You are welcome to join us!
We send out the DRC magazine to farmers across the county. Click here to read the latest copy
We support a number of farming related services throughout the year such as Plough Sunday, Rogation, Lammas, Harvest Festivals and Young Farmers’ Club services
We also hold our own Harvest Supper each autumn to celebrate the farming year with stories of faith and hymns, and every summer we organise a farm visit which usually includes a walk or a fun stock judging event and a free supper. Click here for more information about events
We host theological students on placement and we love telling groups about what we do, so if you would like to book a Chaplain to come and speak about our work, please get in touch

Community Outreach

The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy assist in various ways from a one-off phone call to on-going face to face pastoral and spiritual care.

We visit Bakewell Livestock Market every week and attend agricultural shows and the team work closely with a range of other local and national farming help organisations.

The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is also available to support special acts of worship across Derbyshire including a Harvest and Carol Service in the main store ring in Bakewell Livestock Market every year, and by invitation we often take weddings and funerals in partnership with the rural church.

We host theological students on placement and we love telling groups about what we do, so if you would like to book a Chaplain to come and speak about our work, please get in touch.

DRC Cards to Order

Local artist, Lesley Griggs, has produced some beautiful paintings from Derbyshire landscapes which have been made into cards and are available to order in support of the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy.