6 April 2025

‘The present situation is not a disaster for the church but a God-given opportunity to discard the non-essentials and concentrate on the vital things by which alone any church really lives: the power of the risen Christ bringing life out of death and, in material terms, the water, the bread, the wine and the book, which cost us little and give us everything we need.’

When do you think these words were written?  Over fifty years ago! I read them in a booklet entitled, ‘People with a Purpose’ which remains on my  bookshelf. It was the summary report for the Committee of Forty set up by the General Assembly in 1972 to clarify our calling, our available resources and the reshaping of the church.

‘Many of our congregations seem more concerned just to keep going, (ie to pay the bills) or to care for their own members, rather than to reach out to others near and far in Christ’s name.’ That could have been written  yesterday for it is a great temptation to us all.

The report was longing for three things. Firstly, a new  flexibility within the kirk and a readiness to experiment.  Secondly, fewer spectators in the pews and a refocusing on the ministries which members are called to fulfil. Thirdly, a new  spirit of co-operation between congregations and across denominations.

There were three surprises. Firstly, the centrality of the Sacrament.  It was their contention ‘that spiritual renewal comes from the Sacrament of Holy Communion’. So much energy is spent on creating fresh expressions of the Church’s worship and witness when the command of Jesus is ignored, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ he says and for good purpose!

Secondly, the  creation of new forms of ministry and new ways of ministering. The report gave birth to a part-time auxiliary ministry which has now developed into Ordained Local Ministry.  The importance of maintaining dedicated worship centres in each community and sharing resources with other denominations was affirmed.

Thirdly, and most controversially, devolution of  power and responsibilities from General   Assembly committees to the Presbyteries. This one has been a long time in coming. It is not easy to get the balance between the local and the global. But it is important to ensure that the legal structures do not inhibit growth in our parishes.