View from the pulpit

The Rev Scott J Brown reflects on the value of rural ministry.

NEARLY five years ago, I was inducted to two rural parishes (Buchlyvie and Gartmore) in what was then the Presbytery of Stirling.

Having been ordained 26 years before, I found myself for the first time in parish ministry.

I remember being asked what I wanted as a gift. I did not need robes or books, so it was suggested that I opt for a posh pair of wellies. Well, that advice was to prove invaluable.

I came from an urban background, and this new world of farms, farmyards, lambing, tups and silage was all new. It was a steep learning curve but it was an enjoyable one too. It has made me appreciate far more the cycle of the seasons and the importance of our farming communities to the cohesion of rural Scotland.

More recently, with Presbytery Mission Planning and its implementation, I have had time to ponder what the future will look like for the work and mission of the church in the rural setting, and for small village communities. I think it is fair to say that they feel vulnerable, with falling numbers at worship, and as the church potentially retreats back to the urban areas. If I need to go grocery shopping then I go to Stirling, if I need new tyres then I go to Stirling. Will it be the same for the church, if I want to worship will I need to travel? I think there is much for the church to consider in how it carries out its mission to the farming and rural communities of our land.

I was told just after the Covid-19 pandemic in Buchlyvie, by someone who did not attend church, that the church was more visible in the community when our building was closed. It truly was church without walls, because we were all on the outside, just doing ministry differently. We started a food bank, we delivered soup, we established a ‘by phone’ pastoral care group, we did everything by Zoom! We applied for grants, developed a community garden and seating area, we gave away monies to those who were struggling with utility bills.

Worship online started by someone filming me with a mobile phone, if I remember on Palm Sunday 2020.

We now have wall mounted cameras in both churches, we have worshippers in Hampshire and Devon, and elsewhere. We became proficient in video editing. We were able to continue the worship of God from the safety of home.

And it may be as congregations grow smaller, and the average age increases, we may need to be visionary again in how we ‘do church’ in the future. Maybe we don’t need the tie, and costs, of our buildings, but can use village halls, the local school or even just meet in our homes, as the early church did.

I’ve had the privilege of leading these two congregations, and being led by them. As they enter vacancy, I hope that they are as well equipped as I can make them to carry on what they have been doing, building the Kingdom and being focussed on the mission of the church.

They are amazing folk, and my prayer is that there is someone out there who is being nagged by the Spirit, and who is only looking for a 0.5 / half time ministry. I wish them well.