By Bill Heaney
The Church of Scotland is on the “cusp of a transformation and revival” that demands bold decisions and genuine embrace of change.
The Rev David Cameron, convener of the Assembly Trustees, said it is poised for renewal and ready to “proclaim the Good News in ways that resonate with the needs of our time”.
Last year, the Church’s £25 million Seeds for Growth Fund was launched and is aimed at supporting local church projects that reach out to people who do not belong to an existing church.
Just under £1 million in grants have been awarded since last June.
Mr Cameron acknowledged that the Church, one of the biggest charities in Scotland, continues to navigate the “turbulent waters of financial challenges”, which necessitated major reforms to stimulate growth.
But he said mission activity extends far beyond the columns of a balance sheet and its ongoing story is a “narrative of resilience, compassion and commitment”.
The General Assembly opens in Edinburgh on 18 May and commissioners are encouraged to read all the reports that are now available online.
Valiant leadership
They will determine the direction of the Kirk for the coming year as well as making Church law and reviewing its work.
The theme of the General Assembly this year is “Building Together” and the first act will be to officially install the Moderator Designate 2024-25, the Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who will succeed the Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton.
HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, will represent King Charles III as Lord High Commissioner at the event, which runs until 23 May and will be streamed live on the Kirk website.
Mr Cameron said the Church continued to stand at the forefront of communities, grappling with the profound impact of the ongoing complexities of our time.
Praising the valiant leadership shown by people at all levels, he added: “The Church is in the midst of necessary transformation.
“Limited resources challenge us, yet they also serve as a catalyst for innovation.
“Our commitment to future mission and evangelism stands undeterred.
“The Church shoulders the responsibility of supporting, resourcing, and serving our communities.
“The multifaceted nature of our work, from worship and prayer to engagement with society and the world church, and social care through CrossReach requires financial stewardship.
“It is not merely about meeting minimum obligations but embracing a narrative of generosity that transcends time, talent, and money.
“Our buildings, though cherished, must not hinder progress.
“Instead, they should become spaces that resonate with our evolving mission.”
Mr Cameron, minister of New Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, said the challenges the Church faces are formidable but they also present opportunities for everyone to “play a role in sustaining our inspirational ministry”.
According to a report to the General Assembly, there are 305 new worshipping groups within congregations – the majority are described as Messy Church, Café Church, Youth Church, Older People’s Church, Forest Church and activities for special interest groups.
There were 1,309 congregations operating in 2023 and the primary type of mission outreach exercised was alleviating food poverty and school chaplaincy.
Mr Cameron said: “Our Seeds for Growth initiative, coupled with a proposed new training and recruitment programme, positions us to navigate challenges and invest in the future.
“The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, yet it is imbued with hope and potential.
“Christ is already in our future, beckoning the church to follow.
“Let the church be attuned to the calling of the Holy Spirit, utilising the resources bestowed upon us with courage and faith.”
Passionate about people
The Rev Neil Glover, convener of the Seeds for Growth committee, said the fund demonstrates the Church’s commitment to investing in local church initiatives.
“We have allocated grants of just under £1 million and we anticipate that is going to go over £1 million very soon,” he added.
“We have seen some really exciting projects from cafe church, people really building on Messy Church, some brilliant youth work and work to develop churches with people from the additional support needs community.
“Where people are passionate about a group of people, they are asking the question ‘how can we form a new way of being church that will really connect with them?’.
“Perhaps the most significant development is people want to connect with areas in new ways.
“Research has shown new communities are far more effective at connecting with people who do not go to church and it is great to see new ideas coming forward for that.”
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland opens in Edinburgh next month.