Building on Christ’s foundations

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson reflects on the need to continue reaching out.

I’M not often lost for words. I am very seldom stunned into silence.

However, sitting up front on a journey through Paris, while driving on the ‘other’ side of the road, gives the passenger the perspective of being in the driving seat without a steering wheel or, more importantly, a brake pedal. That was a journey that stunned me into silence and left me feeling like I had stepped off a theme park rollercoaster.

Perhaps my reaction to that journey says more about me as a passenger than anything else! The taxi driver in question got us through the city centre to the airport promptly and safely. However, in my defence, I was not the only one relieved when we arrived.

Life, as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, can be described as being on a rollercoaster. Apart from a week in Argyll (my go-to place to switch off), my diary has been full, it has been fast-paced but, unlike that taxi journey, it has been exciting and thrilling. I have had some wonderful experiences and been part of events and occasions that will stay with me forever.

However, the overwhelming privilege of my time thus far has been meeting so many wonderful people.

It has been refreshing to be out and about, visiting churches and communities all across the country. At a time when there is so much negativity around the church it is refreshing to encounter so much positivity. Individuals who give of their energies and expertise as an expression of faith, working together to serve Christ’s Church, whether that be leading worship, supporting local schools, resourcing foodbanks, developing youth outreach, caring for others with memory issues – the list is endless.

“ It has been a joy to share in so many good news stories and to be reminded that despite the challenges that face us, the church is still reaching out in the Name of Jesus Christ.

It has been a joy to share in so many good news stories and to be reminded that despite the challenges that face us, the church is still reaching out in the Name of Jesus Christ. My plea is that we do not lose sight of all that we do in Christ’s Name… for whenever we do this for the least important, we do it for Christ (Matthew 25).

I would like to say thank you to all those whose contribution to the life and witness of the church often goes unnoticed and yet it is at the heart of the church’s mission.

I would also like to acknowledge the ways you have encouraged and inspired me.

It has been a real blessing to witness the strength of faith and passion for the Gospel in the individuals who, together, are the church. This is without doubt the real privilege of being Moderator!

During General Assembly week, I used a simple prayer as a reminder of the gifts with which we have been blessed, that we might use them to continue to build the church on Christ’s foundations.

Let us pray together saying… Lord God. Keep us true to who we are. Enable us to use the gifts you have given. Bless us with your Spirit that we might build upon the foundations of Christ as we seek to be your church at work in the world. Amen.

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2024/25 and minister of Strathaven: Trinity.