Church members encouraged to help chart the way forward

Church members, elders, deacons, and ministers are encouraged to apply to serve on Church of Scotland committees and groups.

Rev Dr Andrew Gardner, convener of the Nomination Committee, said their help is needed as the Church continues to go through a time of significant change, locally, regionally and nationally.

Click here to access the nominations form which has be submitted by the deadline of 6 January, 2025.

Dr Gardner said: "Maybe you, or someone you know, have the potential to rise to the occasion.

"We are looking for people with vision and determination, who are willing to help our Church in the years ahead as we work our way through the challenges and the necessary restructuring to make the Church of Scotland fit for the future."

Those who wish to serve are invited to complete an online nomination form on the Church website, with someone – from their local congregation or Presbytery – saying they support the nomination.

Christian service and witness

Dr Gardner said: "Serving nationally is a good way of getting to know the Church better, and engaging with others from across the country and beyond.

"While it needs commitment and can be time-consuming and demanding, it is a real opportunity to extend one's Christian service and witness."

Nominees must be members of the Church of Scotland but due to the high expectations placed on candidates in training, probationers and ministers in their first year following ordination are not normally invited to serve on committees.

The Nominations Committee will meet on 29- 30 January 2025 and those selected will then be contacted.

This is to seek permission from the individual for their name to go to the General Assembly in May 2025 for approval with appointments commencing afterwards.

Any queries on the nomination process should be sent to nominations@churchofscotland.org.uk