I lift up mine eyes to the Mound
The previous post envisaged a future Kirk without paid, full-time ministers. Instead a restructured bureaucracy would oversee the nationwide delivery of ‘the ordinances of religion’ by local volunteers. This did not necessarily reflect my preferred future or hopes for the Kirk. It was an attempt to imagine where our present path may lead. I was…
A Church Without Walls or Parish Ministers
For as long as I remember, the Kirk has been dying. This was made clear early in my ministry training, when a more experienced minister said “our job is to build life boats.” In conversations with colleagues from across the church the same refrain arises, “the Kirk is dying.” Sometimes the sentiment is stronger; “perhaps…
The search for relevance
Making the Gospel relevant is a favourite phrase in church circles. But perhaps it’s an unhelpful expression. The Gospel is always relevant. The Gospel is the truth that God wants us to know; it’s the real red pill, Truman’s epiphany, Millie kissing Guy. As God’s self-revelation, it’s impossible for the Gospel to be irrelevant. But…
Blessed are the Alternatives?
At a Cosen conference, years ago, Richard Tiplady suggested that the future of the Kirk depended on the message of artists and prophets rather than pugilistic theologians. Spirit filled creatives and visionary critics may be even more necessary today. But by their very nature, the nebula of creatives may be hard to find. Inhabiting the…
Happy Reformation Day
I was recently asked to return to thoughts shared at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. I am far from an expert on the Reformation but I have tried to consider its considerable benefit to the church in Scotland. It seems apt to share this on Reformation day. For example, one great benefit…
I will not forget your word
For the last few Sunday evenings we’ve been studying the book of Judges. There have been many head-scratching moments as we’ve navigated questions concerning the historicity, morality and significance of the text. It has sent me back to the books. One helpful source has been John Goldingay’s Fuller Lectures on the Torah which, although not…
A little less Eeyore
Today, while preparing to speak on Philippians, I realised that with all the angst about church decline and structural change, I have forgotten to rejoice in the Lord. In fact this blog has sometimes become a vortex of doom and despondency. So much that I’ve received both Facebook hugs and questions about my mental well-being…
It’s not going to be ok
I’ve heard suggestions that the Kirk will survive our current predicament because we’ve been through previous tough times. It’s true that the Lord always remains faithful but all situations are not equal. In our current situation, suggesting that past success indicates a similarly positive outcome resembles encouraging someone in palliative care that they’ve always made…
Lift up your heads
These are difficult days in the Kirk. Morale is low, anxiety high. We face uncertainty, change, loss and decay. Rapid restructuring is leading to significant and painful consequences. And we are being asked to make horrible decisions sometimes affecting those we love and respect. With this and other local concerns ringing in my ears, I…
Hand and Foot
“…because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body?1 Corinthians 12 In a recent post I noted that the current General Assembly approach to strategic planning may have the unintended effect of seriously demoralising ministers. Kenny Borthwick expressed it recently in a more visceral and insightful way, “I do feel though…
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The Foolishness of Preaching 