‘The road ahead is not going to be easy’
In his first column the Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields outlines some of the challenges facing churches.
THE Christian author Philip Yancey decided to go on a tour of all of the churches that were in his local community – after all, if he did not know what they were about, how could he pray for them?
He was very impressed with many of the churches that he visited, even although the services were not always to his taste but was inspired by what many of these churches were doing both internationally, and in their own communities.
Then he makes this telling remark: “In my church tour, the saddest groups were those whose vision did not extend beyond their own building and car park!”
I found this very challenging as it is now becoming obvious that as we come out of lockdown, we are facing a very different future as the Church of Scotland than we imagined.
Christendom has gone! What do I mean by that? There was a time when we believed we belonged to a Christian nation, living in a Christian UK and indeed Europe. That day has gone. We live in a secular culture and Scotland is one of the most secular countries in Europe!
The Church of Scotland that at least nominally had over 27% of the country as members now only boasts 7% – and that is members, when most churches are lucky if one third of that number have any serious commitment to the Church.
What has caused this quantum shift?
We live in a culture that feels little need for God and where now the average member of the Church is middle class and over 55.
This is not common throughout the world where Christianity is thriving in Africa, Asia and South America and where the average member of the church is age 30 and under and often from poorer communities. Linda (my wife) and I have seen this first hand in China.
The General Assembly brought to us the facts and figures, in terms of ministries and buildings, and we need to face up to a new reality – the road ahead is not going to be easy, it will call for hard work, innovation, faith and a renewed commitment to the Gospel.
But! But! This is God’s Church of which we are a living part. What then are the priorities that he always sets before us?
• Make caring for and relating to the poor a priority.
• Always be reaching out to people, embracing them, caring for them, loving them.
• Be evangelical – find innovative and true ways to share our faith. Raise funds locally to be intentionally missional and share the Gospel – there is no other way.
• Internally, love one another in the Church and be supportive of one another.
• Care for the Church building because how it looks, and its grounds, will be a reflection of how we value God.
“There was a time when we believed we belonged to a Christian nation, living in a Christian UK and indeed Europe. That day has gone.
Do all these things and keep on doing them with commitment, imagination, faith and hope. Remember who we serve and the resources He has and these words from Ephesians:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
The Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2022/23 and minister at Dunfermline: St Margaret’s.