Believers urged to 'work collaboratively' to move the Church into a new age

The Church of Scotland must adapt to meet people where they are and "experiment" with doing things differently.

Rev David Cameron, convener of the Assembly Trustees, said we "must all be congregations who are eager to bring the Gospel to the young and old alike".

He told commissioners to the General Assembly: "Our reformed heritage gives us the freedom to change how we organise ourselves within our Presbyterian polity in pursuit of Christ's mission through His church.

"What is difficult, and yet what we need to do, is discern the direction of travel while holding close the five marks of mission and look out for unexpected consequences."

The Assembly Trustees remain committed to a target of the Church having 600 ministry posts and 60 vacancies.

There are currently 526 full-time ministers in a parish and 84 full-time Ministries Development staff employed, as of 31 January 2024.

Caring for people

Mr Cameron thanked people at all levels of the Church for "working relentlessly" with patience, perseverance and endurance to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

He said day-to-day work of the Church extends far beyond Sunday worship and takes a wide variety of forms including pastoral care, supporting the sick and bereaved, raising money for worthwhile charitable causes, providing fellowship for the lonely and the vulnerable and running youth groups, lunch clubs, recovery cafes and food banks.

Mr Cameron said it is a "wonderful example of caring for people", often with limited resources, and the challenge the Church faces is an ageing and diminishing membership.

He told commissioners that the situation intensifies the burden on those who serve and results in decreasing income streams to support the Church's endeavors.

"The hard truth is limited resources are becoming ever scarcer and readily accessible reserves are dwindling " said the convener.

Mr Cameron urged the General Assembly to take seriously the Church's financial position because 71% of charges do not contribute enough to ‘the centre' to cover what their ministry costs actually are.

"As we put it in our report, only 29% of charges currently meet the full cost of the ministry they receive," he said.

"This is a key illustration of the challenge we face as a Church - costs outstrip income.

"We ask that you respond to the call to ‘live generously'".

The Assembly Trustees report shows that the budget deficit for 2024 is £8.1 million.

Mr Cameron said that while the Assembly Trustees report made sombre reading, he asked if the Kirk, which has 259,200 members and 925 charges, is starting to see the potential for a different, hope filled future?

"Seeds for Growth has started well providing financial support to those that are embarking on new church plants, experimental new communities of faith, and new models of ministry formation," he added.

"Encouragement is required to both new initiatives and innovation within our traditional models, promoting good examples of life, creativity, and adaptation.

"These are emerging across the Church."

Disruptive spirit of God

Mr Cameron said the Assembly Trustees and the General Trustees are working closely together with shared goals.

"The General Trustees are increasing flexibility in use of the consolidated fabric fund," he added.

"The Housing and Loan Fund is releasing surplus funds for which we are grateful.

"In encouragement of us all in local congregations, the Stewardship Team remind us Living Generously is at the heart of our faith.

"God's generosity towards us gives rise to thankfulness which is expressed through our generosity towards others.

"There are signs of encouragement but here is more to do."

Mr Cameron said the Assembly Trustees are committed to trying to bring the Church's budgets back into balance.

"At the same time, we seek to prioritise investing in mission and evangelism with a vision for revitalised existing congregations and forming new worshipping communities.

Call for unity

The convener said the path ahead demands accelerated action and central organisation needs to be streamlined and empowering local leadership by decentralising decision making wherever possible.

"Capacity, capability, responsibility and accountability are key themes," he added.

"What this will look like will be determined through every level working together and collaborating to find appropriate solutions.

"The heart of this Church beats within our congregations as they – you – we - carry the mantle of mission, forging a path forward in unity and purpose.

"Our collective mission and proclamation are the responsibility of all believers, in every place and at every level."

"We ask that you respect our earnest desire to do what the Church has asked of us - responsibility for the development of vision, strategy and overarching policy as guided by General Assembly decisions.

"We ask that you recognise our understanding that the heart of the matter is about seeing the Good News of Jesus Christ shared and changing lives and communities for the better.

"We ask that you play a part in the collaborative working that is needed.

"The solutions to the challenges that we face lie primarily where you worship and serve.

"As we navigate a fundamental shift in the Church's place in society, may we heed the disruptive spirit of God, working in unity on a shared journey among the people of our parishes."

Mr Cameron said the Book of Acts describes this as an exciting and dynamic process of experimentation, discerning and discovery.

"We must return to the simple call of living out the gospel, presenting a different perspective to the world through enthusiastic worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and serving communities," he added.

"Acknowledging the blessings God has given and responding by using these gifts and resources to live out the Good News and bring glory to God."