The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair urges readers to make the first step towards change at all levels within the Church of Scotland.

THE theme of this year’s Assembly was “Jesus said, Follow me.”. Woven into each day’s worship, emblazoned on the front of the blue book of reports, and often referenced to by conveners in their speeches, the words were central to the week. However it is one thing to quote them, a different thing to affirm them, and neither are substitutes to acting on them!

Back in 2001 the report of a Special Commission was enthusiastically received. It was popularised and widely circulated under the title “Church Without Walls.” As an aside they suggested that the lengthy and detailed report could be summarised in just two words, “Follow me.”

Perhaps in the intervening years the Church has dragged its feet, and, this year, the General Assembly was determined to try to catch up. Certainly some of the ideas raised in CWW came back on the table. We need to pray that now we will have the resolution and resilience to turn the words into action.

If all that was approved by the General Assembly comes into being, then we face significant changes in the next few years. Even when change is needed and wanted, it still is not easy to accept because, at first, change means loss and pain. It is only because we care about the future of the Church, and its mission in today’s world that the price is worth paying. It is better to accept the loss of even what is precious to us than refuse to face up to what needs to change to fit us for our mission.

What lies ahead is a programme of change at every level. The Kirk Session, Presbytery and General Assembly are all included. The central functions of the Church and the way it works will come under the spotlight and not remain the same.

However change must not just be out there, or done by “them”, whoever “they” are to others. The call “Follow me” starts with each of us personally. If the Church is to change then the change must begin with you and me. This is Christ’s Church and we need to commit it to God in prayer at every level. We need to show practical and supportive love to one another, not least those who are struggling or hurting. We do not need to wait passively for change to happen to us, but see where Christ would lead us whatever level of the Church we are involved.

We are called as Church to take the risk of faith, to demonstrate active love, and to hold on robustly to hope. Our faith believes that after death comes resurrection and after exile, return. However the death is real and so is exile, and while there, resurrection and return can seem a long way off.

The first words of Jesus in the gospels are “Follow me.” The final words in the fourth gospel are “Follow me.” We are all called to be disciples who follow Christ. Follow Jesus today and you will be faithful to him tomorrow.

Jesus started his mission with two words, “Follow me.” The rest, as they say, is history. The twelve found themselves meeting lepers and prostitutes, “wowing” at miracles, answering tough questions, going head to head with the religious establishment and being exposed to a new way of seeing the world. Jesus called it the Kingdom of God.

“We are called as Church to take the risk of faith, to demonstrate active love, and to hold on robustly to hope.

Are you ready for an adventure? Jesus called us to journey with him into an unknown future not to go on a ride on a carousel. Let’s take the first step together.

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair is minister at Edinburgh: Palmerston Place and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of