2 March 2026

In every vacancy with the right to call a minister, the Kirk Session is charged with producing a Parish Profile. This is the document which applicants for the post of minister will receive.

Perhaps they have visited the parish and know something of its  geography and history but receipt of the Parish Profile will be the first time they will hear the voice of the Kirk Session.

When the Advisory Panel reviewed the Parish Profile, they thought it too present focused. It should be future focused. We need to  look into the future and see how things could be developed or initiated.

There are two problems with this. Firstly, it requires us to think more deeply about the development of the congregation – its work with young people, its ministry to the community, its pastoral care and so on.

Secondly, it leads us inevitably into an unknown future – and this is scary. For this is a future inhabited by an unknown minister and all the changes which may or may not be helpful to our life together. It is a risky business!

As Christians we are well-equipped to do this for we have faith in the promises of God, trusting him without any guarantees save the witness of the Gospel and the life which forgets self, takes up the cross and follows Jesus.

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