‘God is alive’

The Rev Ruth Kennedy and the Rev Trish Archibald consider how digital ministry can play its part in mission.

PEOPLE are one of the richest blessings from God in our Church, aren’t they?

I am always delighted when others are interested in digital ministry exploring placements and creative ways of working with this ministry. For a couple of months, Christine Colliar, Reader and OLM (Ordained Local Minister) in training has been part of a three-person digital ministry team exploring what digital ministry and mission can look like with the Scots Kirk Lausanne, Switzerland. Maybe you have noticed weekly encouraging posts on their Facebook page?

The Rev Trish Archibald is the third cog in the team while she is serving as part of the Assistant Minister Scheme, with most of her time working also with Stirling North Parish Church in the presbytery of Perth. Trish is pioneering a project we really hope might inspire and encourage you to do something similar and ‘keep on keeping on’! We hear from Trish this month:

“God is alive and very much at work in the communities, streets and homes of Scotland. The forgiveness and grace of Jesus remains so relevant for each and every one of us, no matter our age or stage of life. God cares about all of us. Including the younger generations.

In 2025, there are 35 million people in the UK regularly using Instagram. That’s a lot of people who matter to Jesus!

Generation Z in particular are turning to the online world for answers to the big questions of life. Online platforms are filling up with spiritual questions. And the local church is responding.

As people sit with their phone in their hand and scroll through hours of online content, we, as the church, can be visible, present and real, meeting people literally where they are. This is a huge opportunity for sharing the love of Jesus that previous generations of Christians never had. An opportunity which is filled with hope for the young adults of Scotland, and for the future of our churches.

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Many churches like Baljaffray Parish Church (#baljaffraychurch) and Lyle Kirk Greenock (#lylekirkgreenock) are already engaging with social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Up and down the country churches are working to reach younger generations with the love of Jesus in ways that are relevant to their lives.

Our presence online has a significant role to play in our ministry to the communities God has called us to serve.’

Whether it is sharing inspirational messages, sermon clips, or personal stories, churches can create content that resonates with young adults. Personal stories and short testimonies of the difference Jesus makes in our daily lives are powerful. Using very short video clips of what coming to your church will look like helps people to know what to expect if they are to walk through the door on a Sunday morning.

“ Whether it’s sharing inspirational messages, sermon clips, or personal stories, churches can create content that resonates with young adults.

Social media is giving us an opportunity unlike anything we have ever seen, to reach the young people of Scotland with the love of Jesus.

Perhaps being more visible online is something your church would like to begin. The best advice is…start. Get a small team together, if you are blessed with young people in the congregation (or young people associated with your church) get them involved. They are the real teachers here! Don’t worry about it being perfect, being real and accessible is what matters.

By speaking the language of young adults and engaging with them on platforms they already use, we can ensure that church remains relevant and approachable. Keep going with your social media account, keep it up to date, relevant and fun. God is very much at work in the lives of our younger generations and is not finished with Scotland!”