Drawing people to faith

In the continuing series focussing on New Worshipping Communities, Thomas Baldwin learns about projects in the Borders and Moray.

Wanderings, Upper Tweeddale Church of Scotland

‘Wanderings: gathering to connect life and faith’ covers several rural villages in an area of the south of Scotland that crosses presbytery and county boundaries. Centred on a local woodland, it involves a contemplative forest walk with scripture, reflection, engaging with nature, and links to community lunches.

The project was set up by Nicola Campbell, the leader of the local Church of Scotland youth group, which has met outdoors in the forest since the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s been fascinating to see how young people engage outdoors and the group has continued to grow in numbers throughout this time,” she says.

“I am passionate about the local church and would love to discover all that church could be in rural areas. I first felt that God was calling me to get involved in this wider geographical area in February 2023. Having no theology background, I looked for training and I graduated in pioneer mission with Forge Scotland in June 2024. Through Forge, I gained tools, confidence and support to refine what I thought God was leading me into. They helped me to listen to God’s leading and foster a missional imagination that led to Wanderings taking shape.

“God has been gracious, leading me to this area between Tweeddale and Clydesdale where there is much opportunity and giving me a heart, skills and vision for doing something new here.”

Partnered with Upper Tweeddale Church of Scotland and supported by Cairn Movement and the Novum Trust, Wanderings began in 2023 with prayer meetings, a community survey and four pilot events. “People found that they connected with God, each other and nature in new, deep and unexpected ways,” says Nicola. “It has been encouraging that others have offered to lead Wanderings too, bringing a breadth of creativity to our walks.”

Formally launched to the public in December 2024, Nicola says that Wanderings is deliberately not labelled as ‘church’ – “Though for some, it might become that.”

“I would love to see Wanderings established as a new worshipping community, to be a place of connection for those who might not attend traditional church settings, and for people of all ages who want to engage with faith in new and creative ways. My hope is that it becomes a sustainable, living expression of faith where people can explore, connect, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. My deep desire is that the handful of people gathering weekly in the traditional local church will grow into a larger, more diverse and sustainable community of faith; with renewed hope for the future of the church.”

The format is open to adaptation, such as walks aimed at young families or an indoor wander for those less mobile.

Nicola adds: “Eventually, I’d like to share what I’ve learned through this journey, supporting others in creating their own Wanderings as missional expressions in their communities. It’s exciting to imagine how this project could inspire and shape faithfilled initiatives in other contexts too.” For more information, search for “Wanderings – Scotland” on Facebook

Forres Community Church

Forres Community Church (FCC) is a New Worshipping Community in the north east of Scotland, planted by Community Pioneer Minister the Rev Stuart Finlayson, and his wife, Siân.

The aspiration is to build a network of community-based discipleship groups. So far, four such groups have been established, two in local cafés, and one each for secondary and primary age children. Over the last year, the community has engaged with around 40 people mostly young families.

Stuart says: “Our mission is to keep establishing these small groups – called Discovery Groups – so curious people have a safe place to explore the Bible, learn its truth, and live out what they discover. We hope that folks from all backgrounds give these groups a try and become lifelong followers of Jesus.

“We also plan Kingdom Breakthrough events which give us the opportunity to engage with the community in a wider scale. We meet lots of people and communities and share the love that Jesus commands.”

Stuart said it become clear after his ordination that he and Siân, a guidance teacher at Forres Academy, were called to this work, particularly among young families and people on the margins. “We just want to share Jesus with these people. “We are also founder trustees of the Forres Youth Space Project SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). The Gaff!, as it’s known, is a place for 11-16-year-olds from the Forres area to socialise safely and make friends. It’s not a church project, but the kids know Siân and I are Christians and the kids often ask us questions about our faith.

“We believe that meeting and engaging with people in different settings makes for stronger relationships and gives opportunity to share Jesus. We have a wonderful Core Leadership Team who with us take this project seriously and pray for its growth.

“Since starting, we have learned so much about the community and this has helped us to plan ahead for 2025. We are now at a point where we need to consider what a ‘gathered’ meeting of FCC folks would look like and are considering options that are welcoming and sustainable. We don’t necessarily believe that FCC will meet in a traditional church building, but wherever it is we need to ensure that we don’t lose the feeling of family and journeying together. Our hope is to meet and welcome more people and help them take their early steps towards becoming a follower of Jesus.” www.forrescommunitychurch.com¤