26 February 2026

It is deeply concerning to hear about formerly strong congregations diminishing in size and, more significantly, vitality as time passes. One I know well used to have large numbers of children and young people but now  counts few  amongst their membership. The nearby Baptist Church still attracts families etc. Why is this?

There are five things which could be considered. Firstly, conservative evangelical denominations seem to attract more young people. Surveys confirm that young men are turning to Christianity in larger numbers. Perhaps the espousal of more traditional male/female roles and more theological certainty is attracting them?

Secondly, it is obvious (but not so obvious that congregations act on it) that making provision for specialist ministries to work with children, young people and their families will highlight their importance and nurture growth. Children don’t come alone. This ministry reaches adults too but it all needs to be financed!

Thirdly, some ministers seem to have lost confidence in preaching.  The Reformers saw this as the first  of three marks of the Church – ‘the true preaching of the Word of God, in which God has revealed Himself to us, as the writings of the prophets and apostles declare’. The sermon  requires academic rigour, spiritual reflection and personal conviction.

Fourthly, if the provision of youth ministries is lacking in the Kirk, the educational and spiritual nurture of our members has been sorely neglected for at least half a century. The denominations which attract young people provide programmes for intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.

Fifthly, the threshold which requires to be crossed needs careful management. How do people feel when they enter a church? Emotion speaks more clearly and more quickly than any rational assessment of liturgical form or theological bias etc. Is this a place where people may encounter the living God?