Trustees' Perspective: God is with us

In a season of change, the Rev David Cameron explains why the journey of renewal must return to its roots.

Rev David S Cameron
At this year's General Assembly, the Assembly Trustees, acting as Charity Trustees for the Church of Scotland, articulated the challenges faced over the last five years due to significant changes in external and internal Church environments.

The Trustees emphasised the need for further actions because our current model is still not sustainable, attributed to the Church's historical rigidity and fragmented approach to change. What we see is a Church facing multiple challenges while the problem of an ageing and declining membership remains. With diminishing congregations and financial strains, the centralised financial and deployment model hampers local flourishing, with only 29% of charges self-sustaining. Our reserves are depleting in supporting the remaining 71%, leading to predictions of exhausting the available unrestricted finances by 2032 unless mitigating action is taken.

Our Church is at a critical juncture, necessitating renewal, reform, and a redefined mission to serve Scotland and beyond. The Trustees outlined areas requiring fundamental change to ensure the Church's ongoing ability to provide worship and witness.

An enormous amount has been written about the role of the whole people of God in mission, and about structure to deliver that mission. However not nearly so much has been delivered. Human nature is such that we can more easily see problems than opportunities and if the work to create the conditions for renewal of the Church is to be of value then we require a more positive approach to develop the process. The following headline principles have emerged to map out the practicalities of the change agenda interpreting our agreed priorities from 2023.

• The need to transfer responsibility and accountability for regional decision making and resources to Presbyteries.
• The National Office to only provide what is absolutely necessary in terms of support to the local and that required to meet our statutory and regulatory requirements
• The imperative to work ecumenically in enacting our Presbytery Mission Plans – to meet our objective of covering all of Scotland.
• Focus primarily on the Church in Scotland – we need to acknowledge that we can no longer be all things to all people in all places. With the stretch of our resources, we need to prioritise and re-focus.
• Don't do what others can do more effectively – re-examine all areas of our work and financial support arrangements to establish what is better done by other organisations and work in partnership with them.

The importance of collaboration and mutual support underscores the need for the Church to work together across different levels and contexts, recognising that its mission is a collective endeavour. Rooted in the Gospel, this journey of renewal, must return to its roots —a movement inspired by the disruptive spirit of God. In this pivotal moment, the heart of the Church beats within its congregations and presbyteries. Together, they carry the mantle of mission, forging a path forward in unity and purpose. As the Church grapples with uncertainty, one truth remains steadfast: its mission is the collective responsibility of all believers, in every place and at every level.

Change is inevitable, as is evidenced throughout the Bible, both in the Church and in the world around us. Yet, as followers of Christ, we can take comfort in the assurance that God is with us in this season. Let us approach it with faith, courage and a heart for innovation, trusting in God's providence and guidance. Let us remember that He who calls us to ministry and mission is faithful, and He will equip us for every challenge that lies ahead.

Rev David S Cameron

Convener, Assembly Trustees