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WELCOME TO THE JUNE/JULY RECORD
This bumper issue follows T he 2025 general assembly — T he free church of sco T land ’ s highes T decision - making body , where minis T ers and elders gaT her each may T o discuss church business and se T policy . Yes, it is a week of business meetings but with a vision and a gospelmindedness.
This year, there were some additions to the usual format which brought a sense of unity and thankfulness. Following his address on the Uniqueness of Jesus, Moderator Rev Alasdair Macleod suggested that rather than the usual round of applause, the Assembly should instead sing Psalm 24 in praise to God. During the Board of Trustees report and the Board of Ministry report, the Assembly was asked to gather in small groups to pray for the denomination. These times were in addition to the usual prayer and praise during the week.
Look out for updates on pages 4 to 19, including the appointment of a new ETS Principal Designate, developments in the church’s vision of ‘A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland,’ and reflections on God at work across the nation.
And there was also an update on the future of The Record . The General Assembly approved the publication being brought to an end in Summer 2026 if a suitable Editor is not found before the end of 2025 (see page 8 for more details).
The edition also features news and Women for Mission updates, Mission Matters and the Post Tenebras Lux column. Enjoy!
If you would like to send in your church news or letters, email us at editor@freechurch.org •
Yours in Christ
Sarah Robinson
That in all things he might have the pre-eminence
Colossians 1:18
GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWS
Opening Session, Moderator's Address, Board of Trustees Report, Future of The Record, Lord High Commissioner Visit, Mission Board Report, Board of Ministry Report, Report, Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 150th Anniversary of Livingstonia, Public Engagement Coordinator Report, Assisted Suicide Response, Photos from the Assembly,
FREE CHURCH NEWS
THANKSGIVING & PRAYER 2025
Stornoway Free Church
ETS NEWS
Sudan, Nigeria, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia
JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD... REVISITING THE APOSTLES' CREED
David J Randall
PAGES FROM ADAM'S DIARY: THE 'TRAIN' IS ALWAYS ON TIME
WOMEN FOR MISSION
Fiona Macaskill
PRAYER DIARY
MISSION MATTERS
David Meredith
BOOK REVIEWS
CHILDREN'S PAGE
POST TENEBRAS LUX
Catriona Murray
OPENING SESSION –GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025
“
as we Think of a healThy gospel church we Think of The wisdom of god wiTh us in chrisT. He is the reason for our existence; he is the focus of all we do and in Paul’s words to the church in Colossi “your life is hidden in Christ in God”.’ – Rev Callum Macleod spoke these words on the opening session of the 2025 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.
The retiring moderator gave a thought-provoking sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 on the theme of 'A Healthy Gospel Church and the wisdom of God'. He spoke about the Church and the wisdom of God with us; the Church and the wisdom of God in us; and the Church and the wisdom of God practised by us.
Mr Macleod said: ‘Wisdom speaks to us of the glory that belongs to the everlasting kingdom of God. When we read through Paul’s letters, we see the glory that is part of the wisdom of God is a glory which leads us to the final and lasting transformation of the people of God into the everlasting kingdom of God.
‘In God’s great plan of salvation, he sent his son into this world,’ he said, adding that Paul preached Christ crucified to those in Corinth; Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Mr Macleod said: ‘There is a dynamic movement of the Holy Spirit coming from God in order to dwell in our hearts and for us to receive that Holy Spirit and through the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, the wisdom of God comes to dwell in our hearts. Through that, the secret wisdom of God is uncovered and disclosed and becomes living, real, visible, understandable and reachable in the hearts of those who are the people of God. As soon as that
takes places the spirit of God dwells within us. What was exclusively Christ Jesus’ and exclusively in God, now becomes part of the life and experience of the people of God and the Church of God in this world.’
He said God takes the initiative to share his thoughts with us so it dwells within our hearts.
Mr Macleod said: ‘It’s all about the work of the Holy Spirit building the Church at Christ’s command and that ministry ongoing as we proclaim the truth and the truths of the gospel. Because we have the wisdom of God we understand God’s organisational plan for his church. We understand what God’s vision is and God has equipped us to serve him in the gospel with the wisdom that now dwells in our hearts.’
He reminded Commissioners: ‘We are a Holy Spirit people. We come for Holy Spirit business. We come with a Holy Spirit-given vision. We come with Holy Spirit wisdom for a Holy Spirit-based Kingdom of God for the good of the Holy Spirit children of God under our care. We have a responsibility to ensure there is a manifestation of the Kingdom of God, not only in this Assembly Hall, but through the whole of our land where our people are gathered, that these are manifestations of the Kingdom of God and that they point to the final glory of God.’ He spoke about the dependence on the spirit of God for wisdom as decisions were made at the Assembly.
The session continued with items including approving the appointment of Rev Alasdair Macleod as Moderator for the 2025 General Assembly. He was presented with a Bible by Elaine Duncan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Bible Society. •
“ ”
God has equipped us to serve him in the gospel with the wisdom that now dwells in our hearts
THE MODERATOR'S ADDRESS
The uniqueness of jesus, based on john 14, was The Theme of rev alasdair macleod’s moderaTor’s address To The general assembly.
He said: ‘I want us to speak today and to think today about the uniqueness of Jesus. What a beautiful topic. If we think of world history, there is no-one like Jesus.’
He explained that Jesus’ impact is ‘unique, transformational, cross-generational and positive’, adding: ‘We can trace back education, healthcare, human rights, modern science and the arts — all gained traction through devotion to Jesus. He really does stand apart.’
Mr Macleod said Napoleon, the French military leader, commented that while others founded their empires on force, ‘Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love, and at this hour millions of men would die for him’. Later, he says that Jesus stands apart. In the words of the English writer HG Wells, ‘I am a historian, I am not a believer. But I must confess this penniless preacher from Nazareth is… easily the most dominant figure in all of history. Jesus is unique in world history.’
Speaking about religious history, Mr Macleod said others claim to know where knowledge, peace or life may be found. ‘Jesus doesn’t point elsewhere. He points to himself: he is truth, he is life, he is the way for us to understand who God is. He is in a different category on his own. Without Jesus, there’s no Christianity,’ he said.
He said we need to focus on the testimony of scripture. ‘We are in a moment that’s welcome with news of a renewed interest among Gen Z, who are abandoning the emptiness of atheism in a search for theism. They are abandoning no God for the search for what God is like and in this moment, the key compelling testimony that they need to be pointed to, as well as all the other generations, is what the Bible teaches us about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. The stakes could not be higher. No matter how long or short we live in this world, this is the pre-match warm-up for what happens next. Time will be replaced by eternity. And for our family, and our friends, and for our communities and our nation, their future depends on them understanding and responding to the person and work, and the identity and mission of Jesus Christ.’
He highlighted John 14:6: ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”’
Mr Macleod spoke about Jesus’ identity and his mission. He highlighted John 1:1 and John 1:14,
The stakes could not be higher. No matter how long or short we live in this world, this is the pre-match warm-up for what happens next. Time will be replaced by eternity. “
”
explaining that Jesus, who is eternal, dwelt among us. He spoke of John 3:16, that Jesus is one of a kind. He is unique — and he is uniquely sinless. In John 8:45-47, we see that Jesus had no actual or inherited sin.
‘This is why when Jesus says that he is the way, the truth and the life, it’s not arrogant because he is coming from such a very different position to you and I. With no brokenness, with no past history that could somehow come back from the vaults of our past and cause shame. There’s none of that because he is pure, in and of himself. And so, when we are coming to him, we are coming to God.’
Mr Macleod said: ‘Gen Z along with the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Alpha — if they want to know what God is like, we need to point them to Jesus and say this is God. He is the eternal God.’
Mr Macleod spoke about God’s mission. ‘It is because of who Jesus is that we benefit from what Jesus does. Christmas isn’t enough. We need Easter… for that gap to be bridged between a holy God and an unholy people.’
He said Jesus is the first word and the final word. He added that good relationships are based on good communication. God has communicated clearly to us through Jesus, our saviour.
Mr Macleod said Jesus’ priestly work was the unique sacrifice to end all sacrifices. ‘The prophet was God’s representative before humanity; the priest is humanity’s representative before God.’ He said Jesus, the final priest, offered one unique, unrepeatable sacrifice. He lived a perfect life and that uniquely qualified him to die the death that we should have died.
Mr Macleod spoke about Jesus as King, explaining that Jesus said to Pilate, ‘you are right in saying I am a king’ (John 18:37). Jesus came not to be served but to serve. He wasn’t aloof. He was where the people are.
He highlighted Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, where the leading lady gets it wrong about Mr Darcy. Thinking he’s aloof, proud, arrogant, she hears one of his servants speak, ‘he is the best landlord and the best master that ever lived’. Mr Macleod said that Jesus is our greatest master — and he still lives.
‘The Church is precious to Jesus’, Mr Macleod reminded commissioners. ‘Walking among us is none other than our King — how wonderful is that – the King whom we serve, whom we gladly bow the knee to.’
Mr Macleod said: ‘We know where to find Jesus. We know where to point others. We know where to point our family, our friends, our communities and our nation as we get the opportunity to do so to tell them about the uniqueness of Jesus. It’s not a claim that we’re making about Jesus, it’s a claim that Jesus is making about himself because there is no-one like Jesus. There is no-one who has ever been like Jesus and there is no-one who will ever be like Jesus.’
He concluded: ‘As the unique saviour, he knows exactly what our levels of devotion to him are today. He knows whether or not our hearts are moved as we hear about his unique identity and his unique mission… He knows whether our congregations are places where the curious will find out about the uniqueness of Jesus.
‘Finally: A man wrote to his dying aunt, with these words: “My dear aunt, years ago I left a house of death not knowing where I was to go, whether anyone cared, whether it was the end for me. The ride was long, but your servant encouraged me. Finally, I arrived into your embrace and a new home. I was expected. I felt safe. You did that for me. Now it’s your turn to go. I’m writing to let you know, someone is waiting up, your room is ready, the light is on, the door is open, and you are expected home!”’
Mr Macleod reminded commissioners of the scripture verses John 14: 2-3 and 6. ‘What a Saviour we have,’ he concluded.
Stepping away from the usual tradition of commissioners clapping after the Address, Mr Macleod instead encouraged commissioners to sing together in praise. The Address concluded by everyone singing Psalm 24 together. •
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The vision of T he free church of sco T land is ‘ a healT hy gospel church for every communi T y in sco T land ’.
Donald Forsyth, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: ‘The Board of Trustees exists to nurture health in every part of the church. We strive to set an example. Board members seek to be united in the gospel, working collaboratively; we seek to be missional and generous in our outlook and acting as a catalyst to enable healthy growth.’
To share, and pray for the vision, Andrew Giffen, CEO, and Rev David Meredith, Mission Director, are leading Healthy Gospel Church Area Prayer Meetings this year to promote the vision and to ask for prayer. During the General Assembly itself, commissioners were invited to break into small groups – during the Board of Trustees report – to pray for the denomination.
During the Board of Trustees report, the General Assembly heard that the Board covers five areas: Governance and Strategy, Finance and Treasury, Communications and Public Engagement, Legal and Compliance, and Property and Congregational Funds.
PENSIONS
The General Assembly heard that ‘significant progress’ has been made on the pension scheme. A total of £7 million assets and £2 million for liabilities have been transferred to an insurance company. ‘This has been a significant piece of work in terms of time and in terms of intellect,’ said Mr Forsyth. He thanked those involved for their work on this.
REMITTANCE
The review of the current remittance system is ongoing. A review group was formed consisting of ten men and women, including the Finance Manager and CEO, treasurers, session clerks, ministers, and
trustees. The members are drawn from large and small congregations and represent city churches, rural churches and church plants.
Mr Forsyth said: ‘Once we have a draft proposal, all Presbyteries will be consulted before we come back to a future General Assembly with a firm proposal.’
GRANTS FOR PURCHASING PROPERTY
The plan is to make limited funding available each year from the Healthy Church Development Fund for Property Purchase Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 for congregations that do not own a manse. Mr Forsyth said: ‘Even though our funds are not unlimited, we have also extended the scheme to assist with the purchase of a church building too.’
FINANCES
Jill Steer, Finance Manager, gave an overall summary of finances within the denomination. She said: ‘We are very thankful to God for his generous provision over this last year. He has provided the financial resources that we have needed to meet all of our expenditure in 2024 and to continue to be in a healthy financial position as we move forward in the mission and ministry work that he sets before us.’
She gave an update in the operating income and expenditure for the year up to 31st December 2024. These operating figures exclude one-off items such as pension scheme, gain from sale of fixed assets etc. She said: ‘Our total operating income was around £6.04 million which was £210,000 more than budgeted, which was largely due to the interest rates remaining higher over 2024 than expected, providing more bank interest income than budgeted. We also raised a little more in rental income than expected.
‘Our total operating expenditure was approximately £5.9 million, about £300,000 less than budgeted. This
was mainly due to a small number of unfilled ministry posts that had been budgeted for, but there were also savings against budget on insurance, repairs and maintenance and some admin costs.’
The income budget for 2025 is set at £6.48 million and the expenditure budget set at £6.73 million.
She gave thanks to the congregations for the remittances which are used for: ministers’ stipends, Mission Board costs, Church planting, Board of Ministry costs, ETS, central costs, camps, communications and The Record, Healthy Church grants (and the old pension scheme).
Further details on finance were provided in the April/May edition of The Record.
MINISTERS’ STIPENDS
During the Assembly, ministers’ stipends were discussed. Commissioners heard that a SubGroup of the Board has undertaken extensive work to again review the stipend level and make recommendations to the Board as part of the budget-setting process. The Review Group concluded that it is reasonable to value the current Manse Housing benefit at £22,000. Combined with stipend that results in a figure of £51,232. By way of comparison, NHS Chaplains with management responsibility are normally on NHS Band 7 which runs from around £49,000 to £57,000.
COMPLIANCE SUB-GROUP
The Compliance Sub-Group has continued to support congregations in the areas of Safeguarding, Risk Management, Health & Safety, and Complaints handling.
COMMUNICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE
The Communications Group has continued to progress the communication strategy. It has set a priority for 2025 of highlighting discipleship, training and ministry in recognition of the need for more Ministers in the Free Church. The Communications Team has produced several promotional videos during the year and also a training video for the Board of Ministry. The Healthy Church Podcasts have continued and there have been further improvements to websites and the sharing of news stories, particularly around the Prayer and Thanksgiving 2025 theme. (See section below for an update on The Record. )
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GROUP
The General Assembly in May 2024 established a Christian Education Group as a Sub-Group of the Board of Trustees for an initial two-year period. The focus of the Group so far has been in producing a questionnaire to see what help the wider denomination is looking for in relation to matters of education.
PRINCIPAL CLERK SUCCESSION PLAN
Rev Malcolm Macleod has indicated that he would like to finish as Principal Clerk of the General Assembly in May 2026. The Assembly heard that a succession plan should include a period of overlap to allow for shadowing of the current Principal Clerk for a time. The Assembly instructed the Appointments Group to initiate the nominations process. •
FUTURE OF THE RECORD
asuiTable ediTor needs To be found by The end of 2025, or The record will cease publicaTion nexT summer, The general assembly has agreed.
Details about the future of The Record were highlighted in the Board of Trustees report. Commissioners heard that the Communications subcommittee and the Board of Trustees have continued to consider the future of the magazine.
Rev Alasdair MacAulay, chair of the Communications sub-committee, told commissioners that the price of The Record has risen to £3 to align with similar publications and help to reduce the annual deficit of around £7,000. But it continues to face challenges, common to other print media, as people access information online, causing a slow decline in circulation numbers*. He said that the main challenge is that it has not been possible to recruit an Editor despite approaching several individuals. He said ‘We cannot keep producing it without an editor. Sarah Robinson has done a grand job for the
last three years, but she has other responsibilities that we and the Church need her to be focussing on. We have approached several people to take on the role but without success. The Record can only survive with an editor who can do it justice.’
The General Assembly approved The Record publication being brought to an end in Summer 2026 if a suitable Editor is not found before the end of 2025. •
*During the Church of Scotland General Assembly, which met at the same time as the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly, it was announced that Church of Scotland’s Life and Work publication is due to end this year, due to falling readership and a “growing” financial deficit.
If you have a heart for The Record and are interested in taking on the editor role, do get in touch. Contact sarah.robinson@freechurch.org
LORD HIGH COMMISSIONER’S VISIT
aT The general assembly, commissioners welcomed his majesT y’s lord high commissioner, her grace lady elish angiolini, lT dbe pc kc frse. In her address, Her Grace praised the church as a ‘Bible church, a Gospel church and a contemporary church,’ recognising its creativity in sharing the good news of Jesus across generations. Reflecting on her previous visits as Solicitor General, she recalled the humility and warmth within the church community and expressed her gratitude for returning in her new role.
Her Grace shared her surprise upon learning that, due to an old act of parliament, Catholics had been barred from holding the position of Lord High Commissioner—a restriction that has since been lifted. She acknowledged the Free Church’s historical contributions, such as the founding of new schools and New College, now part of the University of Edinburgh, and its outreach in India and South Africa.
Drawing on her experience as Procurator Fiscal and Lord Advocate, she addressed the divisions between Catholics and Protestants. She quoted theologian Tertullian: ‘See these Christians, how they love one another’ adding: ‘Each of us here have an obligation or at least a wonderful opportunity in life to do justice to Tertullian’s observations. I know how many of you here put into practice that essential love of humanity irrespective of creed, race or disposition.’
Following her speech, the Moderator, Rev Alasdair Macleod, reflected on two key biblical truths: ‘The first truth is that there are no nobodies – everybody is a somebody because of the intrinsic worth that we have as an image-bearer of God. And the second truth that the Bible tells us is that God wants us to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly before him. These two are related because it is possible for us to do the latter when we remember the former.’
Mr Macleod commended Her Grace’s service in the UK justice system, including her role as chair of
the independent inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard. He said: ‘All that you’ve been doing in that sense speaks of someone who cares for the forgotten and wants to do something for the voiceless, which in many ways reflects the God who speaks to us, the God who is the just ultimate God… No-one is forgotten by God.’
To honour her visit, Mr Macleod presented Her Grace with three books: Christ Crucified by Donald Macleod, A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller, and My Rock, My Refuge by Timothy Keller. His daughter Lois gave Her Grace additional gifts, and Willow Johnson presented her with a bouquet of flowers. •
MISSION BOARD REPORT
The mission of The mission board is singular. The mission is To lifT up The name ThaT is above all names. iT’s all abouT jesus… The facT ThaT he is unique in his person and he is unique in his work. our calling, our mission, our privilege is To Tell people abouT jesus,’ said rev david macleod, ouTgoing chairman of The mission board.
He spoke to commissioners at this year’s Assembly about the ‘vast and wide ranging’ Mission Board report. A number of speakers spoke into different aspects of the report: Rohan Hepburn and Donald Macleod on Free Church Youth Camps, Rev Ivor Macdonald on rural ministry, Rev Derek Lamont on church planting, and Dr Alistair Wilson on global mission.
CENTRE FOR RURAL MINISTRY
Rev Ivor Macdonald, Development Officer for the Centre for Rural Ministry, spoke about the ongoing work of the Centre since its launch in November 2024. He said: ‘Our purpose is to empower and resource rural congregations within the Free Church of Scotland.’
His role includes: (1) harvesting ideas and practice from other rural contexts, (2) supporting resource-poor rural congregations, developing the “In a Big Country” conference (three are set to take place in Dingwall, Caithness and Kintyre) and running a training week called “The Gathering”, and (3) helping to recruit leaders and lay workers for rural churches.
He has visited Arran, Benbecula, South Uist, Ardnamurchan, Thurso and Betty Hill. ‘Everywhere the plea is the same – we need more people on the ground to help strengthen our local mission. Friends; we have some great rural congregations. We have situations which are inspiring in many of these places,’ said Ivor. He encouraged people from different backgrounds to consider moving to rural places to support and be part of local congregations.
FREE CHURCH YOUTH CAMPS
Rohan Hepburn, Free Church Youth Camps Coordinator, spoke about the heart of Free Church Youth Camps. He asked commissioners: ‘Can you remember the moment when your faith became real to you? Not just inherited from family, not just stories you heard in Sunday school but those moments whether quiet or dramatic that shifted from knowing about God to knowing God. For many that moment happened in their teenage years at a youth event, a conversation they had with their friends or maybe at camp.’
He added: ‘Camp isn’t the only place that faith is formed. It happens in churches in the faithful witness of godly leaders and ministers preaching the word, through discipleship, and through home life. But camp is an important moment — it’s a unique setting. A place to step away from distractions, from school, to have intentional gospel conversations, to be surrounded by leaders who love them and to have friends around them asking the same questions.’
In 2024, Free Church Youth Camps ran eleven camps with 305 campers in attendance. Feedback from campers and leaders was that camp was a great experience and was a time of spiritual growth. Twelve camps are planned this summer, with the addition of Arbroath Juniors. There are currently 330 campers registered to attend.
Donald Macleod said this year more campers have benefited from the Campers’ Support Fund and that the direct support from congregations has also risen.
CHURCH PLANTING
Rev Derek Lamont said: ‘We have a huge amount to give thanks for in church planting. I am really aware that what we do seems like a drop in the ocean compared to the need that we have in our country. The only New Testament model for fulfilling the Great Commission is the local church, which is our calling.’
Rev David Macleod, Chair of the Mission Board
Rohan Hepburn, Free Church Youth Camps Co-ordinator
He spoke about the need for congregations in all contexts — whether rural, urban, established churches or church plants, and noted that there are many pressures and strains in society and our nation, that makes the Great Commission an impossible task. ‘Impossible is God’s currency. Who is able to take on such a task? With God all things are possible,’ he said.
The report to the Assembly highlighted that the vision to establish thirty new churches by 2030 (30 x 30) remains central to the mission. While progress has been steady, challenges remain in recruitment and funding. Since 2017, eighteen church plants have been initiated or are in the process of being approved by the Mission Board, and four have become fully sanctioned charges in that time.
Thanks was given to Rev Neil Macmillan for his role as Church Planting Director. He has now moved on and is now Director of City to City Europe.
The Church Planting Committee consists of Rev David Meredith, Rev Tom Muir, and Rev Derek Lamont. These individuals provide strategic support and oversight to ensure the continued growth and success of church planting efforts.
GLOBAL MISSION PARTNERSHIPS
Dr Alistair Wilson spoke about the global perspective, saying it is the task of the local church to be engaged in global mission. He encouraged commissioners to develop a globally-minded church and encourage those in congregations to engage in the global picture.
The Mission Board report says the Free Church currently is connected to over 30 workers, and around 80 mission organisations who are serving the Lord, and reaching out with the Gospel across Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. The Board continues to partner with Mission to the World (MtW), Operation Mobilisation (OM) and OMF in their mission work. A Memorandum of Understanding between UFM Worldwide and the Free Church has been approved by the General Assembly.
HEALTHWISE 25
An extension of the redevelopment track has been offered to Kirk Sessions this year called Healthwise 25 to include office bearers in the training and conversation. The programme includes four sessions per year for each session. Typical issues would be assessing spiritual life, looking outward, recognising church culture good and bad, casting a vision, creating a plan, and what is a prayerful congregation. Nine congregations have registered their interest for the programme and the Board will be able to work with four of them this year.
YOUTH MINISTRY
The report highlighted the Big Free Rally which took place last September, as well as the Youth Conference which took place in March and the Teens’ Conference which is due to take place in June. The Board know that many are involved in the discipleship and care of young people in the denomination through Sunday school, creche, youth fellowship, student ministry and other areasand is grateful for the ongoing service to our young people
WOMEN FOR MISSION
The 2024/2025 Empower project is raising funds to support Blythswood (India), The Kerusso Trust (Malawi), The Tumaini Fund, and Patty and Manuel Reano (Colombia). The annual WfM meeting was held Edinburgh on Saturday 17 th May (see page 34 for the full report). •
Did you know that you can catch up on all the recordings of the 2025 General Assembly? Scan the QR code here or follow the link below:
www.freechurch.org/general-assembly/
Rev Derek Lamont
Rev David Meredith
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MINISTRY
equipping minis T ers , caring for minis T ers and ou T lining s T eps T o T rain and equip women for service wi T hin T he church — in line wi T h T he church ’ s complemen Tarian convic T ions – were jus T some of T he T opics covered in T he board of minis T ry repor T . Rev Paul Clarke, Chair of the Board of Ministry, outlined the work by the Student Team and Ministry Team and identified new areas in which the Board hopes to develop its work.
NEED FOR MINISTERS
The report said: ‘Over the past year, representatives of the Board of Ministry have visited each Presbytery to discuss the need for more men to be called into ministry. These visits have been very helpful, and we are very grateful to Presbyteries for their engagement and cooperation. There continues to be a great need for God to call men into pastoral ministry, and the Board wishes to support presbyteries in any way possible to help meet this need.’
STUDENT TEAM UPDATE
Dr Thomas Davis, who has headed up the Student Team, will be stepping down from the role to become Principal-Designate of ETS. He said: ‘I want to say what an enormous privilege it has been for me to serve on the Board of Ministry.’
He spoke to those who are training for ministry, saying that it can be a challenging time. ‘There are times in ministry when you have to “suck it up”. What I want to say is that in these training years “drink it in”. Drink in the teaching that you are getting in our Seminary; drink in all that you’re learning from your supervisor in your training church and from the people that you are serving alongside. It’s such a precious time in your journey,’ he said.
Training is a big investment, he said, and he encouraged the denomination to ‘stretch expectations’ and ‘get excited for all that this training process is going to produce in coming years.’
The Student Team has continued to work towards identifying, training and supporting those men, and their families, called by God into pastoral ministry. There is a great need for more Ministers, but those Ministers must be gifted and godly, educated and equipped, to shepherd the flock that Christ has placed under care of the Church. The Team has consolidated existing structures, implemented new developments, and planned for the future.
The following men have been recognised as candidates for Free Church Ministry: Simon Attwood, Will Sanders, Aaron Walker, Gordon Macleod and Ben Traynor.
Accredited Training Churches (valid until Summer 2029) are: Merkinch (Church Plant), St Andrews, St Columba’s, Haddington Community Church, Leven Free Church, Cornerstone, Esk Valley Church, St Peter’s, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, Bon Accord, Aberdeen, Carloway, North Harris, Back, Rosskeen, Covenant Church Newmilns, Hope Church (Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill), Christ Church Glasgow, Kilmallie and Ardnamurchan.
Dornoch, Grace Church Montrose, Burghead, and Thurso & North Coast will be accredited this summer.
MINISTRY TEAM UPDATE
Rev Colin L Macleod spoke about the work taking place within the Ministry Team.
During this year a concern was voiced, reflecting the perception that the number of Ministers being signed off sick through stress and burnout was increasing in greater proportion than previous years. This is an issue that the Board feels needs to be addressed in terms of quantifying this view and, if necessary, addressing this matter in a strategic and pastoral way going forward. The Board are currently assessing this through contact with Presbytery Clerks, PPT Conveners and Central Offices.
Mr Macleod said: ‘As far as I can ascertain in conversations with Presbytery Clerks, who have information if people are off sick for whatever
Rev
Colin
L Macleod
reason, and Central Offices, it is no greater a challenge — as far as we are aware — now than it ever has been in the church. At face value the statistics doesn’t seem to show that this is a greater challenge than before. However, there is a lot of pressure, a lot of stress. A lot of the guys are under pressure. I absolutely acknowledge that — we need to acknowledge that.’
He highlighted the mental health struggles among society in general and recognised that it will also affect those in ministry. He said the Board of Ministry deals with working conditions, pastoral care and lifelong learning and the Mission Board deals with Sabbaticals (see section below for more details). He encouraged ministers to make the most of the support that is in place and to address longer term issues.
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT
Mr Clarke spoke about the three areas of development:
Establishing a Foundation Training Programme
The Report said: ‘The aim of such a programme would be to enable men and women to grow as disciples of Jesus, to be equipped as disciplemakers for Jesus, and to begin to discern how best they can use their life in service of Jesus. A number of current Free Church Ministers benefited greatly from such programmes in the past (known variously as Ministry Apprentice, Ministry Trainee, or Ministry Intern Programmes), and the Board believe that the time has come for us to explore the creation of a national Free Church Programme. It is hoped that, in time, a Free Church Foundation Training Programme might be used by the Lord to increase the number of men coming into pastoral ministry, and the number of women coming into other suitable ministry roles. The Board has asked Rev Ali Sewell to take a lead in advising us in this area. He has already conducted a survey of a wide
range of Churches in Scotland and further afield who already run their own programmes. The Board will report back to next year’s General Assembly about the possible details of a Foundation Training Programme, and we hope to develop a pilot scheme within the next few years.’
Equipping women to serve in Churches
The Report said: ‘The Board has been very grateful in the last year for input from Amy Wicks of St Silas Church, Glasgow, and Rachel Sloan of Charlotte Chapel as we begin to consider how best we can better equip women to serve in our Churches. We are unashamed to hold to complementarian convictions as a denomination, but we long to be effective in equipping women to understand and teach God’s word in appropriate contexts within our churches. The Board is at an early stage in our thinking on this issue and look forward to reporting to a future Assembly about our progress.’
Bi-vocational ministry
The Report said: ‘The Board is keen to explore the possibility of training men for “bi-vocational ministry” in our Churches. We know of a number of men whose character, convictions and competence might mark them out as possible Ministers in the Free Church, but whose internal sense of call suggests that they might best serve in a part-time, rather than a full-time ministry role. The Board is keen to hear from anyone who has a particular interest in this area and were grateful to be joined by Dr Ed Tulloch recently as he shared something of his own journey. Once again, the Board is at an early stage in our consideration of this issue and are aware of significant pros and cons as we explore this area. We would be grateful for your prayers and look forward to updating a future Assembly with our progress.’
Following the report, commissioners gathered in small groups to pray. •
CHANGES TO SABBATICAL LEAVE LEGISLATION
sabbaTical leave for church minisTers will focus on physical resT and spiriTual refreshmenT, which will include reading and reflecTive ThoughT, The general assembly has agreed. It follows discussions at last year’s General Assembly about the need for ministers to rest while taking sabbaticals. Since then, the Mission Board has carried out a comprehensive review of sabbatical leave provision for ministers in consultation with the Assembly Clerks’ Office, with the revision to include meaningful rest for ministers.
The topic was brought back to this year’s Assembly for commissioners to approve the changes in legislation. The changes mean that Sabbatical Leave for church ministers will now be separated from Study Leave and Secondments. Sabbatical Leave will focus on physical rest and spiritual refreshment, which will include reading and reflective thought, while Study Leave and Secondment will have a different focus. •
EDINBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOARD REPORT
The general assembly of The free church of scoTland has appoinTed dr Thomas davis as The nexT principal of edinburgh Theological seminary.
Dr Davis is currently minister at Carloway Free Church on the Isle of Lewis but will remain there until June 2028 when the current Principal, Rev Iver Martin, intends to retire. Between now and 2028, Dr Davis, who holds a PhD in the theology of William Cunningham, will teach some classes in Systematic Theology, while at the same time become acquainted with the various educational processes at the Seminary.
Current Principal, Iver Martin said: ‘The early appointment of a new “Principal Designate” makes a lot of sense… I have known Thomas for many years. He possesses all of the requisite academic and administrative gifts to be ETS Principal. I’m confident that he will be an excellent fit and provide the kind of leadership that will maintain the important role that ETS plays in reformed theological education.’
The General Assembly also appointed Dr Bob Akroyd as Director of Training at ETS for an initial five-year term (reviewable). This is a dual role of overseeing the Church’s new Minister-in-Training Programme and acting as Course Organiser of Practical Theology at ETS.
And the Assembly also approved the appointment of an Academic Officer so that Mr Martin can be freed up to do the work that needs to be carried out in his role as Principal.
Willie Mackenzie, Chair of the Seminary Board, spoke to commissioners about the ETS report, saying: ‘I don’t think it’s going too far to say that ETS is the premier confessional seminary in the UK. It’s a really impressive institution. I visit quite a lot of these institutions around the world, and I have a real heart for ETS. I see the work that it does, I see the heart that is there, and I see the history that it has. It has a firstclass faculty who combine high academic excellence with a passion for gospel advancement.’
This year has been busy for the Edinburgh Theological Seminary Board, with a range of significant strategic issues. These included:
• Progressing their wish to separate the Practical Theology and Systematic Theology departments.
• Improving their connection with partner churches, both within and outwith the Free Church of Scotland with the desire to grow the student body and ensure students are well supported.
• Planning for Principal succession, given the Principal’s intention to retire in May 2028.
• Developing an external support base to help the seminary achieve its goals more effectively.
Changes have taken place at ETS this past year, including moving from two semesters to three terms.
In his written report, Principal Mr Martin said: ‘Student numbers in 2024-25 have remained steady with particular encouragement in the number of post graduate MTh students. Interest in our post-graduate offerings remains high. Initial indications for the coming year’s intake (25-26) are encouraging, although we are hesitant about predictions at this early stage.
‘The one glaring absence from student numbers is a healthy number of FCS students. For the “Heathy Church” dream to be realised there must be a healthy pipeline of ministers. The Board of Ministry is acutely aware of this shortage but the whole denomination must also be aware of the future challenge if numbers do not come forward.’
He said that the revised BTh curriculum which was introduced in October last year has worked well so far, with a few complications which are being addressed by the admin team. One benefit of the new arrangement is that students now on a four-year, part-time Minister-in-Training programme attend for three days. Students on a three-year full-time BTh arrangement continue to attend four days per week.
He said: ‘In order to function as an officially approved and validated institute, ETS has to meet the expectations of both government and the University of Glasgow. Earlier this year ETS successfully underwent an Educational Oversight Review conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency.’
Former students including Rev Neil Longwe, Rev David Ferguson and Rev James Blackwell shared
William Mackenzie, Chair of ETS Board
about their positive and encouraging experiences at the Seminary, with Neil saying: ‘ETS is a jewel for us as a denomination.’
CENTRE FOR MISSION
A review was carried out into the role and activities of the ETS Centre for Mission. The revised wording is as follows: ‘The ETS Centre for Mission is a core part of Edinburgh Theological Seminary and exists to encourage and support the church, in the UK and throughout the world, to engage in mission, rooted in careful theological reflection and responsible and effective practice. In particular, its remit is to promote serious engagement with mission studies, and reflective participation in mission practice, among ETS staff and students by means of formal academic courses and other mission-focused events; to engage in, and foster, constructive interaction with students, mission agencies, and serving missionaries (local and global) so as to ensure effective training for those preparing for, or
engaged in, various forms of mission service; to encourage serving missionaries (local and global) by providing opportunities for theological development and biblical research in topics of relevant interest and to provide education in mission studies to the wider church.’
Latest figures show that four students are set to graduate with the MTh in Missiology degree in the 2024–2025 academic session. A further seven students are in the final stages of their studies and are set to complete the requirements of the programme by this September. Seven new students joined the programme last September.
The centre is encouraging Free Church ministers and ministry candidates to consider pursuing postgraduate studies as a means of equipping themselves further for effective ministry.
Dr Alistair Wilson continues to represent ETS on Global Connections Scotland (formerly Mission Representatives Fellowship) and he participated in the Fourth Lausanne Congress in Seoul-Incheon, South Korea, last Autumn. •
ETS FROM A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
chris l amon T shared some reflec T ions abou T s T udying aT e T s
He said: ‘The student body give thanks that ETS is an institution that not only delivers high-level theological teaching but also that the teaching is delivered in a way that is constantly pointing students to the person and work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’
He spoke about the transition from moving from two semesters to three terms, saying the change been ‘an almost seamless experience for students’, and course leaders have been more than accommodating. ‘For students who were studying prior to the changes, there has been a logistical change to deal with, but on the whole, students have been very positive. In particular, candidates for ministry in the Free Church of Scotland have expressed their gratitude at now having a more streamlined weekly timetable, allowing them to better serve in their church role as Ministers-inTraining,’ he said. He gave thanks for all staff who are involved in the practical and academic aspects of ETS.
Speaking about the social side of ETS, Chris said: ‘This year has seen an increase in the number of social occasions and informal events hosted by the Student Representative Council (SRC), in an effort to encourage friendships and build bonds among students, and between students and staff.
These events include shared lunches, a quiz, a BBQ and group outings in Edinburgh… While new events have been encouraging, one of the most cherished traditions — and one of the key benefits of studying at ETS in person — is morning worship: sharing God’s word, praying and singing Psalms together between classes is a true joy.’ •
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIVINGSTONIA MISSION
The general assembly celebraTed The 150Th anniversary of The esTablishmenT of The livingsTonia mission, which has developed and now funcTions as The church of cenTral africa presby Terian (ccap).
Dr John S. Ross gave an in-depth presentation, saying: ‘Today marks the 150th anniversary of one the boldest missionary ventures of the Scottish Church.’
He spoke about the reason behind the venture, those involved in the initial trip (including James Stewart who was a Scot and a Free Church member) and others who later travelled to Malawi to be part of the community and mission (including William Koyi, a senior Lovedale Xhosa student from South Africa).
Speaking about the historical context, Dr Ross said following the death of the great explorer-missionary David Livingstone in 1874 the national conversation turned to how best memorialise him. Subsequently, Stewart and a group of friends initiated the idea of Livingstonia. It was approved by the 1874 Free Church General Assembly and the idea not only caught the imagination of the Free Church but also that of the other Presbyterian denominations and the public press. Within a short time, almost singlehandedly, Stewart raised the initial £10,000 and recruited personnel. Just a year after the project’s conception,
the advance party set off for Nyasaland.
Dr Ross spoke of the eight men who left London in 1875 to travel to Africa saying: ‘Their goal was to establish Livingstonia — a community which would be Scottland’s living memorial to its missionary hero David Livingstone.’
Two years later, Stewart led a second party to Nyasaland, which included William Koyi, a senior Lovedale Xhosa student who had volunteered for missionary service. Dr Ross said: ‘Stewart always maintained that Koyi “was the human agent largely used by God in opening up the way for the Gospel.” Adding, in old age and with deep feeling, that Koyi was one of the best men he had ever known.’
There are many twists and turns in the history of the Livingstonia Mission, including the essential need to move sites, cross-cultural challenges, and some missionary physical cruelty that took place, which caused conflict in the community. Dr Ross said that if the missionaries saw Koyi primarily as ‘a faithful and accurate interpreter of their message’, the Ngongi people saw Koyi as ‘a cultural go between’.
What is certain is the Livingstonia Mission has a lasting legacy. Dr Ross has kindly made his full presentation available on the Free Church website: freechurch.org •
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT
The public engagemenT group has conTinued To respond To parliamenTary consulTaTions, build relaTionships wiTh poliTical represenTaTives, and collaboraTe wiTh oTher chrisTian voices speaking inTo The poliTical sphere.
Rev Stephen Allison, Public Engagement Coordinator, said: ‘Over this last year our past Moderator, Rev Callum Macleod, has delivered the Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament, and reminded the politicians that they need help beyond themselves, and to turn to God as that source of help.’
Stephen and Callum met the First Minister, John Swinney MSP (leader of the Scottish National Party), Anas Sarwar MSP (leader of the Scottish Labour Party), Ash Regan MSP (Alba Party), Russell Findlay MSP (leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party), and Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrat). Stephen said: ‘These again were an opportunity to build a profile of our denomination in order to have some relationships to
then speak into on the issues that we are raising.’
Speaking about current issues being tackled in parliament and in the courts, Stephen said: ‘We should be greatly encouraged with the landmark decision in the For Women Scotland case at the Supreme Court, where our Supreme Court declared
Rev Stephen Allison
that the definition of sex in the Equalities Act means biological sex.’
He said the Free Church needs to ‘speak from a biblical world view’ and alerted commissioners to be mindful of approach: ‘We must be pastors as well as speaking to the state. These issues are incredibly sensitive. There is what we do politically and what we do in our own congregations when you encounter people wrestling with these questions about identity. Our society has a huge amount of hurt and confusion around issues of identity and transgenderism, often caused by our education and the way in which the most vulnerable have been let down by society. We must pastor to them, care for them and show love to them whilst also upholding God’s Word.’
Stephen reported ongoing work around the proposed ban on conversion practices in Scotland and the UK. The Scottish Government programme for Government says they are not going to pursue that during this parliamentary session; instead, they are going to work with Westminster for a UK-wide approach. He said the Public Engagement Group must continue to engage in these discussions.
The Group also engaged with consultations on several other issues, including the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill, the
Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill, and Ash Regan MSP’s proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill. They responded to the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill and proposed changes to legislation on religious observance and education in schools.
Stephen highlighted growing pressure to legalise assisted dying. He said that Stage 1 has been passed for Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. (see boxed out section below for more details.) At Westminster, Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading. The Group has submitted evidence strongly opposing the bills, arguing they devalue life, undermine care, and risk abuse. The Group welcomed progress in palliative care provision in Scotland. It supported Miles Briggs MSP’s Right to Palliative Care (Scotland) Bill and the Scottish Government’s new Palliative Care Strategy.
The Public Engagement Group is part of the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, Care Not Killing, Affinity’s Social Issues Team, and the Scottish Government’s Faith and Belief Representatives Group. It continues to work alongside CARE, the Catholic Church in Scotland, the Apostolic Church, the Christian Institute, and the Evangelical Alliance. •
ASSEMBLY RE-AFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO DOCTORASSISTED SUICIDE
The free church of scoTland has reaffirmed iTs opposiTion To docTor-assisTed suicide and praised life-affirming supporT for Terminally ill and suffering scoTs.
Members of the General Assembly backed three official deliverances setting out the denomination’s position as they met today.
The General Assembly agreed to ‘resist the legalisation of assisted suicide’, and ‘protect the sanctity of life in all circumstances’ – restating its orthodox Christian stance.
It follows the vote by Scottish Parliament last week in which MSPs supported the general principals of Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying bill.
Rev Alasdair Macleod, Moderator of the 2025 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, said: ‘This is a sad and troubling time, particularly for the most vulnerable in our society. Instead of sending a clear signal that Scotland values life, and that we as a society are focused on sourcing the best possible palliative care, the Scottish Parliament has done the opposite. We do pray that our MSPs will change their position.’
The first deliverance reaffirms the Free Church’s belief that human life is ‘a sacred gift from God, who alone has the ultimate authority over life and death’ and expresses ‘deep concern over the increasing societal acceptance of assisted suicide and euthanasia.’
It adds that these practices ‘undermine the inherent dignity of human life and will place the most vulnerable most at risk of harm’, and warns that an ‘intolerable burden would be placed on healthcare professionals’ should they ‘be requested to carry out the required procedures.’
The second deliverance states that the General Assembly upholds the ‘Christian duty to provide compassionate care, comfort and support to those who suffer’ and urges the church to be actively involved in palliative care, pastoral care, and other support for the chronically ill.
It also commends ‘Christian healthcare professionals and chaplains who, in faithfulness to their calling, uphold the sanctity of life and minister to those in need.’
The third deliverance calls upon politicians to ‘Protect the sanctity of life in all circumstances’ and ‘resist the legalisation of assisted suicide.’ •
PHOTOS FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025
All photos here and in Assembly articles courtesy of photographers Toby Long, Sarah Robinson and Simon Kennedy
FREE CHURCH NEWS FAREWELLS AS REV NEIL MACMILLAN MOVES ON
aweekend of fond farewells T ook place as rev neil macmillan lef T his role as minis T er of corners T one free church in edinburgh .
The events were an opportunity to honour and say thank you to Neil and Louise, as a new chapter begins in their lives. Neil is moving on from his role as minister to become Director of City to City Europe. He will be uniting leaders, churches, and resources to support the flourishing of church planting and the re-evangelisation of Europe. Louise will continue in her role as a counsellor and pastoral care lecturer at Edinburgh Theological Seminary.
The couple, along with a team of others, began the church plant in Morningside around 15 years ago, which has gone into a fully established church with congregations in Morningside, Gilmerton and a Spanish Speaking Community.
A reception took place at Dr Bell’s Baths in Leith, where the MacMillans, congregation and guests from further afield enjoyed a buffet, speeches and music.
Neil shared verses from Ephesians 2:1–10, adding: ‘We don’t have to work for our salvation – our salvation is a gift. But once we have been saved God gives us good works to do. I got given, and Louise got given, a really great work to do which was to be part of Cornerstone and to see
God get to work around us, in us and sometimes despite us.’
He spoke about his time in ministry, his role within the Free Church of Scotland in church planting and the events which fell into place which led to the formation of a church plant in Morningside.
Neil said: ‘God planted us in Morningside and then out of that, eventually a church grew. What’s been amazing has been to create together, along with people like Ian and others, a very loving, warm, thoughtful, caring community where so much kindness and grace has been on display over the years. That’s part of what we really treasure about the church is that every single one of you has been unendingly kind to us. Thank you very much.’
During a combined Sunday service, with all three congregations, at George Watson’s College, Neil gave a sermon on Acts 28 encouraging the congregation to proclaim the Kingdom of God and tell people about Jesus with boldness.
After the service, everyone was invited to the Old Schoolhouse in Morningside for cake and prosecco to say their goodbyes. Neil will continue to be involved in the Free Church through his continued membership of the Edinburgh and Perth presbytery. •
CENTRE FOR RURAL MINISTRY
iT has been a busy few weeks aT The cenTre for rural minisTry.
Rev Ivor Macdonald and his wife Rosemary recently hosted 10 young adults in the manse in Skye for a long weekend. The group spent time lambing, cutting peats, and generally “mucking out” on two local crofts. But more importantly, the group talked about what it is like to serve God in a rural context. The group especially enjoyed an informative and often hilarious presentation by Rev Colin and Jessie Macleod, Lochcarron.
One of the attendees said : ‘This was an excellent opportunity to meet and get to know other Christians across the nation with a variety of backgrounds, to learn about the needs for rural ministry and experience for ourselves the rural Christian environment, and the chance to explore a beautiful part of God’s creation in a close-knit group.’
Ivor and Megan (the Centre’s Admin worker) enjoyed being part of the Women for Mission’s Annual Meeting in Grace Church Leith. It was deeply encouraging to hear about projects all around the world, projects that seek to share the love and truth of Jesus. This missional interest is in line with the Centre for Rural Ministry as it seeks to strengthen and encourage rural congregations across Scotland (and pray for Kingdom work all around the world!)
Ivor was also able to address the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland and give an update to the Assembly about the ongoing work of the Centre. He said: ‘We want to strengthen our existing rural congregations and also raise awareness for the Free Church to reach out to the rural heartlands where there is no healthy gospel church and where we need to see Free Churches established.’
Please do continue to pray for the work of the Centre for Rural Ministry. •
The next Gathering will be held from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August. Accommodation is provided in the Duirinish Free Church manse in Dunvegan. Sleeping accommodation will be dorm style but there are three shower rooms. The group will eat breakfast and evening meal together and make packed lunches for the afternoon trips. The only cost is a donation towards food.
For more information contact Ivor at ivormacdonald@centreforruralministry.org or Megan at admin@centreforruralministry.org
FRESH HOPE FOR LOCHGILPHEAD AND TARBERT FREE CHURCH
The congregaTion of lochgilphead and TarberT free church is graTeful for god’s faiThfulness over The pasT years and exciTed for whaT lies ahead. After retiring from Campbeltown Free Church, Dr Rodger Crooks became Resident Supply and Interim Moderator in the spring of 2021. Reflecting on the congregation’s recent history, he noted that despite challenges during and after the pandemic, ‘we have seen green shoots of growth in recent years. Two new families and two early retiree couples have joined us. That might not seem big to some, but out west, it is huge. Their love for Jesus and their contagious enthusiasm has injected fresh thinking and hope into the congregation.’
The Sunday School has started up again, and there has been increased engagement with the community. A well-attended Hope Explored course was organised in the run-up to Easter. In March, the first quarterly joint communion service was held, followed by a light lunch for everyone. Plans are underway to purchase a manse, while the project to renovate the church building in Lochgilphead is set to resume as the current church hall nears capacity.
A milestone was reached in November 2023 when two local ruling elders, Colin Brailsford and Calum McPhail, were inducted to serve in both locations. Rodger commented, ‘Having these two men now serving as local ruling elders is a great encouragement. It gives us renewed hope for the future, with members sharing the workload and taking on roles within the congregations. We are thankful to God for answered prayer.’
The next step in the congregation’s journey is calling a new minister, and permission for a fiveyear reviewable appointment has been granted. Rodger remarked, ‘Under James Murray’s ministry, Campbeltown has begun to flourish, and we see this as an indicator of what, under God, could happen in Mid Argyll. There is limited gospel presence in the area, but that means there are significant gospel opportunities and potential for substantial growth.’
If you are a minister, a Christian worker, an early retiree, a relocator, or a graduate seeking employment and want to make an impact for Jesus and strengthen his church in the west of Scotland, contact Rodger Crooks. Visit Lochgilphead’s website: lochgilpheadfreechurch.org •
RETIREMENT OF REV CALUM MACDONALD, CALLANISH FREE CHURCH
The callanish free church congregaTion reached The end of an era on 31sT ocTober 2024 wiTh The reTiremenT of Their minisTer, rev calum macdonald, afTer 23 years in callanish
The congregation marked the occasion with a buffet at the local Community Centre prepared by the congregation. The evening was most enjoyable with speeches reminiscing over 23 very happy years, and it was an opportunity to give praise and thanksgiving to God. Prior to moving to Callanish, Rev Macdonald served in Pairc Free Church. Throughout his many years on the Western Isles Presbytery, Rev Macdonald has been an immensely diligent and faithful servant of the church and on many occasions he selflessly helped vacant congregations by serving as Interim Moderator. His quiet humility, exemplary diligence, and endearing sense of humour have been a wonderful blessing and example to many. The congregation in Callanish is deeply thankful to God for Calum’s ministry, and everyone wishes Calum and his wife, their children Angus and Ann, and their families all the very best for the future. •
DONATION TO TEARFUND’S APPEAL FOR MYANMAR
The free church of sco T land has donaT ed £3,000 from i T s disas T er relief fund T o T earfund ’ s emergency appeal T o aid T hose affec T ed by T he devas TaT ing ear T hquake T haT s T ruck cen T ral myanmar in march .
Over 3,500 people were killed and 5,000 injured. Those who survived the terrifying earthquake face a desperate humanitarian crisis. The Free Church is grateful to God for the work of Tearfund partners in Myanmar who are providing immediate cash assistance so people can buy food and other essentials and carrying out search and rescue efforts to find people trapped in the rubble. •
In the Mission Board report to the General Assembly, the Board sincerely thanked all congregations and individuals whose generous donations have enabled the Board to provide financial assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide.
FREE CHURCH YOUTH CONFERENCE 2025
BY IAIN MACLEOD
This year’s free church youTh conference saw over 160 18 To 30-year-olds from across scoTland come TogeTher for a weekend of Teaching, worship and fellowship.
The main speaker for the conference was Rev Andy Pearson from St Peter’s Free Church, Dundee. He gave four talks across the weekend on God’s covenants. As well as being accessible, theologically interesting, and engaging, the talks always pointed back to how covenant theology should deepen our love of Jesus. We enjoyed having Thomas and Una Davis join us as our house parents for the weekend. As well as lending an ear to the attendees whenever they got a chance, Thomas also led us with a short devotion and a time of prayer each morning. Even with the 8 o’clock start, it was encouraging to see a large number of the attendees there!
In addition to our main talks, we had seven seminar speakers join us on Saturday. Attendees were able to select from two of the seven seminars to attend. We had: Carrie Marlow on Joyful Service; Calum “Honda” Macmillan on A Focused Mind; Kirk Van Der Swaagh with Gossip; Ivor MacDonald on Stories from the Rural Church; Andy Hunter on Bible Handling; Gavin Matthews on God’s Will vs Free Will; and Robbie Laidlaw on Spiritual Warfare. Before breaking for seminars, we had Ivor MacDonald challenging us to think about the rural mission field. We also had Jeremy Ross, from Blythswood, share some mission opportunities for young people and giving opportunities within Blythswood.
A conference favourite, the Psalms and Testimonies night, made a return this year. We were grateful to have heard the testimony from attendees Dayna
Miller and Samuel Morrison. The difference in their personal walks to Christ reminded us of the love Jesus has for all of us and that our faith in him is miraculous.
On Sunday we had a Q&A panel focused on ministry. Our panellists were Thomas Davis (Carloway FC), Katrin Murray (Vice Convener) and Mairi Macaulay (conference cook). It was helpful to hear how ministry looked different to each of the panellists and how their calls to their respective ministries differed as well.
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend and there were so many encouragements, and we have so much to be thankful for. We felt God’s protective hand over the conference this year with no incidents or interruptions. We are so thankful for all those who have been praying for the conference, too. All the glory be to him. •
ACTION PACKED WEEKEND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EDINBURGH AREA
more Than 40 young people from churches in The edinburgh area have enjoyed an acTionpacked weekend of canoeing, archery, horse riding and hearing The gospel message.
The young people are part of EYGN (Edinburgh youth groups) which provides an opportunity for young people to meet in a social setting, encourage fellowship with other young Christians and promote healthy relationships between the churches in the Edinburgh area.
Susan Muir, one of the organisers, said: ‘The EYGN has continued to grow and now includes three
separate youth groups: JYG for those in P5 to P7; MYG for those in first to third year of high school; and SYG for those in fourth to sixth year. Across the three groups we have about 90 young people attending from 10 churches.
‘We have just had our annual weekend away for our high schoolers at Teen Ranch. We had 43 young people and six leaders attend a busy fun-packed weekend. We did canoeing, archery, BMX and of course horse riding! We also spent time hearing the gospel message. Please continue to pray for us and give thanks for our wonderful young people!’ •
StornowaySunday School & Bible Class
The youTh provision during The morning service aT sTornoway free church used To caTer for children from birTh To s2 who all meT in The generously sized hall adjacenT To The church building. Crèche for babies and toddlers, Tweenies for nursery children, Sunday School for Primary 1-7 and Bible Class for Secondary 1-2. Over time, the way the space in the hall was managed had to adapt to suit the changing and diverse needs of such a wide age range. The younger classes like to make noise! The older classes like quiet discussion. It was a squash!
Last year, rumours were afoot that the S2 pupils were not happy at the prospect of their Bible Class days coming to an end. The expectation was when they finished S2, they would attend the morning service with their families; however, the worry was that many of them might opt to stay at home instead. An anonymous survey was issued to the S2 pupils to ask if they would prefer to attend church or remain in Bible Class when they were in S3, and the unanimous result was to remain in Bible Class. So, a creative solution was required to generate more space.
After much discussion, a suggestion was made to ask one of the deacons if the Bible Class could meet at his hotel, a thirty-second walk from church. He gracefully obliged, resulting in the current set-up. We give God thanks for this novel provision and pray that it will continue to be blessed to the group of more than 20
young people who regularly attend. Having a dedicated, quiet space for Bible Class enables them to focus on the Bible passage, have small group discussion and hear the teachers! We are so encouraged by their enthusiasm to learn and invite their friends along. An annual residential weekend away is a particular highlight, as well as more frequent sports nights. Please pray that each of them would follow Jesus wholeheartedly and that they would feel at home in the congregation.
Numbers are not everything and the younger classes are smaller at present. However, as God enables us, we will continue to see how we can best meet the needs of all children who walk through our door. All are welcome. All are valued. All need to hear of Jesus’ love. Please pray that we continue to think outside the box as we continue to serve. The gospel never changes but our approaches can. •
ETS AWARDS & THANKSGIVING CEREMONY
The annual eTs awards & Thanksgiving ceremony in may lived up To iTs usual repuTaTion and broughT anoTher academic year To a joyful close. Outstanding singing, rapturous applause and the blend of amusing and serious student reflections were features of the evening which represented a year-long harmonious learning culture at ETS.
Principal Iver Martin paid tribute to the staff for their hard work over the past year and rounded off the evening with a short address that stressed the importance of a daily walk with Jesus. •
ETS EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2025
ETS OPEN DAY, FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
Thinking about ministry, Christian service, theological study? The Open Day is an ideal opportunity to learn more about life at Edinburgh Theological Seminary! Ask questions, speak with lecturers and current students, sit in on classes, and explore our campus and facilities. Please share details for this event with anyone you know who may be interested. Each attendee is eligible for a free ticket to the ETS Annual Conference on Saturday 27th September. For more information see: ets.ac.uk/open-day •
ETS 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
The Great Commission: Ordinary Means, Extraordinary Ends
Just before the ascension, Christ told his disciples: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matt 28:18-20).
What do these ‘marching orders’ mean? How does the church relate to common social concerns – and how do individual Christians? How, in fact, are disciples made? What significance does this have for church planting and revitalisation today? Join us as we take up these questions as part of our theme on the Great Commission, the mission of the church, and the ministry of the gospel. Speakers include Michael Brown (Milan, Italy), Fikret Böcek (Izmir, Turkey), and ETS Faculty with Q&A discussion. The event is open to the public. Please spread the word! Register online in advance: ets.ac.uk/annual-conference •
WORLD NEWS
AMERICAS AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA
PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
SUDAN: Fifth on Open Doors International’s list, Sudan is once again a dangerous place for Christians in the wake of the devastating civil war. Much of the church in Sudan is on the run, as neither side in the conflict is sympathetic to Christians, and the war has given Islamist extremists more opportunity to target them. Local communities discriminate against Christians and will not give them support when they have had to flee their homes. •
CHINA: China has been named the world’s lead executioner in Amnesty International’s annual report on global capital punishment, which estimated that thousands were put to death in the country in 2024. The watchdog said China’s secretive practices, combined with ongoing religious persecution, set it apart even from countries with record-high confirmed execution counts. China is ranked #15 on Open Doors International’s World Watch List, and International Christian Concern states that the Communist authorities regularly close churches, imprison pastors, and monitor believers. •
VIETNAM: In Vietnam’s more remote areas, villagers follow traditional ethnic-animist religions, and persecution towards anyone who becomes a Christian from this background is fierce. Believers can have their homes destroyed and be expelled from the community. Local authorities crack down on Christian meetings, evangelism or Bible teaching. They may break up church services and detain, threaten, fine and sometimes imprison church leaders, ordering them not to speak about Jesus anymore. They are particularly suspicious of Christians from minority ethnic groups such as the Hmong. Despite this, Hmong Bible teachers bravely travel miles by motorbike into remote areas to train believers in secret Bible schools. •
ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS CONTINUE IN CENTRAL NIGERIA
Christian Daily International / Morning Star News
Fulani herdsmen killed two Christians in central Nigeria on 7 May after killing 10 others in the same area the previous month, sources say.
‘Both were working on their farms in the OtobiAkpa when they were ambushed and killed by armed herdsmen,’ Marvis Eneh, a member of the local government, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Fulani herdsmen also invaded Otukpo County’s Otobi-Akpa area on 13 April, killing 10 Christians, area residents said. Patrick Godwin said the assailants were Fulani herdsmen.
‘A number of Christians were killed, and houses were destroyed,’ Godwin told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News in a text message. ‘The community was attacked in the evening at about 6 pm.’
Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the attacks in Otobi-Akpa. ‘The Benue State Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of more police
personnel to the area,’ Anene said. ‘We can assure the people of the area that their attackers will be tracked, traced and arrested to face the wrath of the law.’
Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
Nigeria remained among the most dangerous places on earth for Christians, according to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL.
‘The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology,’ the report stated. •
FAITH, IDENTITY, AND THE SHADOW OF SYSTEMIC ISLAMISATION
International Christian Concern
Reports from Nabawan, Sabah state that Sabahans, who are proud members of the indigenous Murut community and devout Christians, are being registered as Muslims without their knowledge or consent.
This forced and deceptive conversion is not merely a misguided act; it is a betrayal, an assault on the fundamental principles of personal dignity, the universally recognised right to religious freedom, and the core of individual belief. It echoes a troubling pattern of religious manipulation and a perceived agenda of systemic Islamisation that has cast a long shadow over Sabah, particularly in the painful aftermath of the contentious “Project IC” from 1970 to 1990.
A key tactic in this systemic marginalisation is the misuse of administrative power. Christians and nonMuslim Sabahans who happen to bear names with affiliated “bin” or “binti” suffixes are routinely and unjustly misclassified as Muslims on their national identity cards (MyKad). This bureaucratic sleight-ofhand, dubbed “MyKad Islamisation,” effectively strips them of their fundamental religious identity overnight. It’s a practice that has disproportionately affected indigenous communities, whose traditional cultural naming conventions are now being weaponised against them in this systematic erosion of their religious freedom.
When vulnerable Christians and nonMuslims are lured with financial incentives, false promises of employment, or unknowingly ensnared through deceptive paperwork, the outcome is not a genuine spiritual conversion; it is exploitation in its most reprehensible form. This systematic undermining of religious identity, compounded by the arbitrary “MyKad Islamisation,” is an insult, not only to the immediate victims but also to the very foundation of the Malaysian Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, both of which guarantee every citizen the inviolable freedom to choose and practise their faith without coercion.
This isn’t an administrative oversight; it points to a deliberate and troubling pattern of religious persecution against the Christian community in Sabah, a pattern that many believe is linked to a broader strategy of systemic Islamisation, possibly stemming from the divisive strategies employed during Project IC, aimed at altering the religious and demographic landscape of Sabah.
Sabah’s indigenous Christians now stand at an existential crossroads. The state’s Muslim population has surged dramatically from 37.9% in 1960 to a staggering 67.4% in 2010 — a demographic shift that activists and concerned citizens attribute to statesponsored migration and orchestrated conversion schemes, alongside the “MyKad Islamisation.” •
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE RELEASES NEW BIBLE EDITION FOR SOLDIERS
Christian Daily International
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has released a new edition of the New International Version (NIV) Bible, two decades after the previous edition was released in 2005.
The launch ceremony took place on 13 March at Russell Offices, the ADF’s administrative headquarters in Canberra, according to an ADF press release. Tina King of Bible Society Australia presented the new Bible to Maj. Gen. Sue Graham, who represented the chief of the Defence Force at the event.
‘We acknowledge in the Defence Force how we are continually supported by the public, and the sacrifice from Bible Society volunteers brought forward today is another embodiment of that,’ Graham said. ‘It’s particularly important to have a Bible that is available and relevant to all our soldiers, sailors and aviators.’
The new edition includes content tailored specifically to ADF personnel, such as contextually relevant prayers for those serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
‘This is not a book for a bookshelf, it is a book to be near. We hope it will be dog-eared, underlined, searched and cherished,’ said King.
Bible Society Australia also hosted a historical display at the event, showcasing military Bibles dating back to the Boer War. Among them was a Bible that saved the life of LCpl. Phillip Davies during World War I. Davies was digging for telephone cables at Messines Ridge,
near Ypres in Belgium, when two bomb shells exploded nearby. Shrapnel struck his arms and legs, killing one colleague and injuring two others.
The next morning, Davies discovered a piece of shrapnel stuck in the back cover of his Soldier’s Bible, which he had kept in his breast pocket. The shrapnel had been stopped just inches from his heart. The Bible was one of a million donated at the time by Bible Society Australia.
Director General Chaplaincy—Army, Principal Chaplain Kerry Larwill, spoke at the ceremony, noting the continued relevance of spiritual resources in military life.
‘About 44% of Australians identified as Christian, and more are interested in spirituality of different varieties,’ Larwill said. ‘For people who serve in Defence, which we know has demands on individuals and their families, it’s a source of light and hope to those who derive their meaning from a Christian perspective or value its wisdom.’
Representatives from the Military Christian Fellowship of Australia (MCF-A) and other chaplaincy networks, such as the Forum of Christian Military Ministries, also attended the launch. The new Bible includes a foreword written by former MCF-A patron and former Gov.-Gen. of Australia, General (retired) David Hurley.. •
Re-visiting the Apostles’ Creed
BY REV DAVID J RANDALL
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
The largesT secTion of The creed is abouT jesus – which is hardly surprising since chrisTianiT y cenTres in him Christianity is not an ‘ism’ like other systems such as Buddhism or Marxism, where the systems would exist even if the Buddha and Marx never existed. But Christianity is Christ in such a way that, if it could ever be proved that Jesus never existed (or never rose from the dead), it would fall like a house of cards. Everything centres in him.
Sundar Singh was born into a Sikh family in India. He hated Christianity and even publicly burned a Gospel when was fifteen. Three days later he was converted, and when an aggressive Hindu lecturer asked him what he had found in Christianity that he did not have in his old religion, Singh replied, ‘I have Christ.’ His inquisitor responded impatiently, ‘Yes, yes, but what particular principle or doctrine have you found that you did not have before?’ Singh replied, ‘The particular thing I have found is Christ.’
Jesus is indeed the centre of Christianity – the incomparable Christ, as John Stott entitled one of his books. But who is he, this Christ who is the centre of Christianity?
That question was posed by Jesus himself. One day he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ The disciples gave various answers, and Jesus followed it up with, ‘But what about you? Who do you say I am? Peter spoke up, as he often did, with the straightforward confession of faith: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ (Matthew 16:16)
Matthew then tells of Jesus’ pun: ‘Peter’ means a rock, and Jesus spoke about building his church on that rock of faith in himself. He said, ‘On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’
These are encouraging words, especially in a time when many talk as if the church has had its day. Here is Jesus’ promise that the true church, the community of all who believe in him as ‘the Christ, the Son of the living God’, will never be overcome. In many parts of the world Christians and churches live under the threat of persecution, torture and death, but the purpose of God is to build a Church that will not ‘Like earth’s proud empires, pass away’, a Kingdom that ‘stands and grows for ever.’1
The words ‘And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary’ tell us about his name, his title, his relationship with the Father, his relationship with his people and his birth at Bethlehem
HIS NAME
The name was not simply one that Mary or Joseph liked. Matthew 1:20 tells of an angel informing Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, and they were to call him Jesus (Saviour) because he will save his people from their sins. The name also reminds us that Jesus was not a mythical character like Baal or Zeus. He was — he is — a real person who lived a real life at a particular point in time and space.
The Creed calls him ‘Jesus Christ.’ That word means ‘anointed one’, and there were three kinds of persons who were anointed for office: prophets, priests and kings. The Old Testament looked forward to One who would be a prophet greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3), a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6) and a king in the line of David (Matthew 1:1).
• He is our Prophet, who, through the pages of Scripture, teaches us what we need to know.
• He is our Priest who reconciles us to God. Not only do we need to be taught truth, but we also need to be reconciled to God. Sin alienates us from God, and Jesus came to take our sin upon himself and to reconcile us to God.
• Thirdly, Jesus is our King, the Master who leads us in the way we should go. We know from ordinary life that it is always advisable to follow makers’ instructions, and in greater things, the wise course is to pay heed to the Maker’s instructions — which means trusting and obeying Jesus as our Lord and Master.
HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER
The Creed describes Jesus as God’s only Son. The Baby born at Bethlehem, so ordinary-looking, is the second Person of the Trinity. He is the eternal Word, of whom John wrote in his prologue: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’. The events of Bethlehem mark the entry into this world of the incarnate Son of the Father, ‘begotten not created’,2 who is co-equal with the Father – son of God and God the Son.
This teaching is fundamental. Paul wrote about ‘Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever’ (Romans 9:5) and when Thomas addressed the risen Jesus as ‘my Lord and my God’ (John 20: 28) Jesus did not correct him! This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, which expands on what the Apostles’ Creed says about the person of Jesus: ‘eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.'3
HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS PEOPLE
He is our Saviour and our Lord. In the Old Testament the sacred name of God was Yahweh, and when the Old Testament was translated into Greek, the word Kurios (LORD) was used. The word is found over seven hundred times in the New Testament, mostly referring to Jesus, and it signifies that he is the One to whom we adhere in faith and discipleship. Being a Christian is all about receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour and submitting to him as Lord.
The phrase ‘Jesus is Lord’ seems to have been one of the earliest confessions of Christian faith. In Romans 10:9 Paul wrote, ‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ That refers to both verbal confession and inner conviction; the Bible is not interested in words without inner
commitment, but neither is it interested in inward faith which is never expressed.
Consider the three words of this phrase:
• Firstly, it is saying, ‘Jesus is Lord’, which, in the world of the early church meant, ‘Jesus, not Caesar or any other earthly power.’ In our contemporary situation it means: Jesus, not popular opinion, fate, the state or anything else, is Lord. Such allegiance can be a costly matter today also.
• Secondly, it says, ‘Jesus is Lord’ — not ‘was’ but ‘is’. We are not talking about matters of ancient history which have no contemporary relevance. He calls us to follow him here and now.
• Thirdly, it is saying, ‘Jesus is Lord’ — not hero, good example, great teacher, etc. Such descriptions are inadequate by themselves. The Bible’s truth, stated in this phrase of the Creed, is that Jesus is Lord. Faith in Christ makes a difference in daily life. If it does not, then it is not real faith, as James makes it clear in saying, ‘faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead’ (James 2:17); James’ letter deals with such evidences of faith as perseverance in times of trial (1:2-3), care for orphans and widows (1:27) and a controlled tongue (3:1-12).
HIS BIRTH
The Creed then says that Jesus was ‘conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.’ The circumstances of his birth at Bethlehem are well known, despite all efforts to replace Christmas with something like Winterval (a word, I am happy to say, that my spellchecker does not recognise).
Jesus was born in the same way as all of us were born; it is his conception that is miraculous. And if God is, as the first clause of the Creed says, almighty, then he isn’t bound by the normal categories of what we regard as possible or impossible. It is in the birth narratives that we find the words, ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ (Luke 1:37).
Paul wrote in Colossians 1:19: ‘God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him.’ Jesus is not half God and half Man, but the unique and perfect GodMan, at one and the same time fully divine and fully human. His humanity does not impair his full deity, and the deity does not impair his perfect humanity.
The glory of the gospel is that he was divine and therefore could save us, and he was human and therefore could save us. •
Rev David J Randall retired from pastoral ministry in 2010 and is a member of Broughty Ferry Free Church
1 From hymn, 'The day Thou gavest'
2 Phrase from hymn ‘O come, all ye faithful’
3 ‘His divine nature is of the same essence (homoousios) with the Father. …He is not merely similar to Deity, but He is Deity. …In every century the church has been forced to deal with people who claim to be Christians while denying or distorting the deity of Christ.’ (Reformation Study Bible, p.1851)
PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY
The "Train" Is Always On Time
Photo
In turn she asked ‘And what brings you here?’ I said, ‘I am an Ambassador of Christ.’ There was a flash of light in her eyes, and then she quietly responded, ‘And as his ambassador, you bring his message and his light to this dark and broken world.’ “ ”
NoT long ago, i was in a refugee camp in a gaThering of abouT 25-30 people explaining The gospel and answering Their quesTions. They were mostly recent, in-coming asylum seekers. With that many people in a small room, the room became stuffy and warm. I took my coat off and, since I was at the head of the room, one of the people in the gathering offered to hang my coat on a rack in the hallway.
At the end of the evening, as I left the camp, I noticed the zipper of my coat pocket was open. My passport was there but my cash, €1200, was gone. I usually carry cash with me into these camps and, as the Lord directs me, I give to the needy refugees I meet in these gatherings. The more I thought about what had happened, the deeper I descended into depression. I could not say anything to anyone because I felt that, if I said anything, it would be counterproductive; it would cause injury and undermine my work among them. They would not remember what I had taught them about our Saviour, rather only that I was robbed while with them. It would cause shame to the host, and innocent people, who had come to hear the Word of God, would now be suspected of this terrible thing. Moreover, it would have been reported to the camp authorities, involving the police, and would make the difficult lives of these dear people even more difficult. However, the sadness in me grew deeper.
Three days later, I was on the platform to take a train from The Hague to Amsterdam. A very distinguished lady in her mid-70s came and stood right next to me. I turned and, out of respect, nodded my head and greeted her. She returned my greeting and made a comment about the punctuality of the Dutch train system. I agreed with her. She had a noticeably aristocratic manner with a distinct English accent. She looked very much like nobility. So I asked her, ‘Am I correct in assuming you are from Great Britain?’ She replied, ‘Yes.’ I told her that I and my family had lived in the United Kingdom for nearly 11 years. I told her, ‘We brought back two permanent gifts from your beautiful home country – two of my three children were born in Britain.’ She responded, ‘Well done. What were you doing in the UK?’ I answered that I was there attending university. She asked which
one. I told her I was in Cambridge for four years and in Oxford for seven years.
Then I asked her, ‘What brings you to the Netherlands?’ She said, ‘I am here to meet a friend.’
In turn she asked, ‘And what brings you here?’ I said, ‘I am an Ambassador of Christ.’ There was a flash of light in her eyes, and then she quietly responded, ‘And as his ambassador, you bring his message and his light to this dark and broken world.’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am.’ She gave a piercing, grace-filled look at me and said, ‘God bless you, child!’ At that very moment, my train arrived on the platform. I told her, ‘This is my train. Are you going to Amsterdam, too?’ She replied, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Well, it has been my pleasure to meet you.’ As I began to walk toward the train to board, she opened her beautiful white handbag and pulled out a bundle of Euros, handed them to me, and said, ‘This is for your work. Hurry! Do not miss your train!’
I got into the train, took my seat and looked out the window. With tear-filled eyes, she waved as the train left the station. Later, when I counted the bundle of cash she had given me, there were 20 €100 bills. She had given me €2000! The first thought that instantly passed through my mind was, ‘It is the Lord!’ Like one who had fallen into the slough of despond, he lifted me out of the mire of despair. He had provided for the needs of everyone. I had by then comforted myself with the thought that whoever had picked my pocket and pilfered the €1200 must have been in dire need, and therefore, the money might have been meant just for them. However, I was now happy because everyone received what was intended for them, and they received abundantly — all received more than what I would have been able to give to them originally.. •
A brother, known to some of us as Dr Adam, has served the Lord among his suffering church for many years. Dr Adam has also ministered in various parts of the world among refugees. We have asked his permission to print some of the stories of his life and service for the encouragement of readers of The Record. For well understood reasons, the names of people and places have usually been changed or omitted.
WOMEN FOR MISSION
BY FIONA MACASKILL
iT seems ThaT The women for mission annual geT TogeTher delivers on The weaTher every year. The sun was splitting the sky again as ladies (and even some men!) from all over the country headed to Grace Church Leith for a lovely afternoon of fellowship, afternoon tea and of course to hear more about projects past and future. We were really grateful to Grace Church for the use of their simply amazing church building, definitely the jewel in the crown of church buildings! We were even able to eat the afternoon tea on the balcony outside. As a registered charity we have to have an annual meeting, but we want this to be much more than just that, and to be a time where we can give thanks to God for the amazing work that he is doing through the money you raise every year.
This year we welcomed Sparkle Sisters who we supported a couple of years ago. It was so thrilling to hear from Catriona Lamont who talked with one of the ladies who has had her life transformed by the love of Jesus shown to her through the work of Sparkle Sisters. She spoke honestly of being taken from the miry clay and having her feet put on the rock. Please do pray for this work which is impacting the lives of women who are struggling with homelessness, addiction and abusive relationships. We were delighted to be able to hand over the toiletries which our ladies brought along with them today and which will be used at the next Sparkle Sisters pamper evening.
We also heard from two women who have been working in different countries in Asia. They both talked about the cultural context of where they work and about how that impacts the needs of the people living there, especially their need of a saviour. Please pray for them both; one is now staying in Scotland but keen to make contacts with overseas students from the country where she worked. The other will be returning to the country with her husband and young children. Pray for
them as they continue to learn the language and prepare for working in theological teaching there.
Last summer our Support a Volunteer fund was able to help fund a group of young people who went to do maintenance work in a school in Romania where Blythswood are working. Eilidh Murchison told us about the work that they were able to do there and told us a little about the challenges facing parents in the town and what Blythswood are doing to help. If you are planning some mission work and think you could benefit from a travel subsidy from this fund please do look on our website for further details.
I already mentioned the men, and not only did we invite them but they also talked! Wilma interviewed Ivor MacDonald (Centre for Rural Ministry), Donald Macleod (FCYC) and David Meredith (Mission Director). They each told us in one sentence (though some sentences were quite long!) what their work involved and what they were most excited about for the next year. It is exciting to hear how God is working in our denomination, and to catch something of the Healthy Gospel Church vision. We pray for these strategic roles that God would give wisdom and patience as he builds his church.
We were able to give an update on our current project Empower which you can still donate to until 30th June. Our new project Flourish was officially launched at the Get Together and you can find information on our website about the groups we are supporting. Keep an eye on The Record for more information about the project and more details on the work that each of the groups do.
We are grateful to God for the way in which he continues to bless the work of WfM and pray that Flourish will indeed flourish. As ever we love to hear about what you are doing to raise money. Please do get in touch and let us know. •
JUN-JUL 2025 PRAYER DIARY
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18
Thanksgiving for New Believers
Give thanks to the Lord for the many people who have come to faith. We praise the Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing hearts to himself, and we ask that he continues to nurture these new believers in their walk with Christ. May their faith grow deeper.
Praise for the Training and Growth of New Elders
We give thanks for the new elders who have benefited from the video training materials. We pray that God would equip them with wisdom, discernment, and strength as they serve the church.
Pray for the Free Church’s Public Engagement Group
Pray for further winsome engagement in the future and for a continuing strengthening of our relationships with politicians and civil servants. Pray for our law makers (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and support them where we are able (Romans 13:1-7). However, where they call on us to do something contrary to God’s Word we must also be ready to humbly challenge them. We obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Thanksgiving for Retiring Ministers and their Faithful Service
We give thanks to the Lord for the faithful service of the ministers who have retired after many years of dedicated work in his Kingdom. Bless them as they transition into this new season of life. We pray that their legacy would inspire and encourage others to remain faithful in the work of the gospel.
Praying for the Work of Our Denomination and Leaders
We pray for our presbyteries, ETS, the Board of Ministry, the Mission Board, and the General Assembly. Guide these leaders with the wisdom of the Lord and direction as they make decisions for the church’s future.
Pray for Free Church Youth Camps (FCYC)
We praise God for the 330+ campers and 140+ leaders, cooks, and drivers joining us this summer. Pray for safety for everyone involved in FCYC throughout the holidays. Praise God for the amazing opportunity we have to point young people to Jesus. Please pray that he would use FCYC for his glory. Continue to raise up leaders among them who will faithfully serve Jesus and share the gospel with their peers.
Prayer Gatherings 2025
We give thanks to the Lord for a time of encouragement and fellowship with one another at the Healthy Gospel Church Prayer Gatherings. We give thanks for all God has already done among and through us in the last five years. Pray for Healthy Gospel Churches throughout Scotland – healthy preaching, worship, prayer, mission, discipleship, relationships, leaders. Pray for God to provide the ministers that we desperately need. Pray for a mighty movement of God’s Spirit across this land and for many people to be brought to faith in the next five years. •
Prayer Resources:
Did you know that the Free Church of Scotland provides a host of prayer resources — from weekly Praying For One Another prayer points, to resources for our annual Day of Prayer. Head to the Free Church website to find out more. www.freechurch.org
MISSION MATTERS
A monthly take on some of the mission work the Free Church is involved in by our Mission Director, DAVID MEREDITH
The guy’s T-shirT slogan jusT leapT ouT aT me: ‘aTheisT inside – powered by logic, reason and sense.’ It was lunch time and I was coming out of the Preacher’s Patisserie on Lady Lawson Street. Some opportunities present themselves to you without seeking them out. Unusually for me, I smiled at him and remarked that his T-shirt was interesting and asked him to tell me his story. He had been raised in a nominal Christian home and simply came to the point where he found the whole thing ridiculous. The usual arguments were brought out: there is no proof for God, religion leads to bad things, the Bible is a man-made collections of myths, all religions have a fall and redemption narrative.
My inner debater was keen to have a go but I silenced my argumentative voice. Our brief discussion revealed that he had never read the Bible at anything approaching a deep level. What would my approach be?
Some people would go straight to Psalm 14: 1, ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God”’ Whilst that is true, it’s not always wise to state hard truths in the opening line. After all, if you bite off someone’s nose they cannot smell the perfume. To use another phrase, ‘You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’
I then asked him his name. He was Kevin, an artist with a Glasgow-Chinese background. We shared the same accent and sense of humour. It was important for me to find out about him. Kevin was not a project but a highly creative man who was made in the image of God. He showed me some of his work, which was stunning.
Next stage was to seek his permission to tell him some of my story. He was intrigued that I also struggled with religion. It was my disillusionment with both legalistic Presbyterianism and hate-fuelled sectarianism that nudged me towards Christ. That nudge then led to a new birth. Incidentally, he loved the concept of the new birth which led to a brief discussion of the Nicodemus story. A smart man who was intrigued and subsequently changed by Jesus.
Stage two was speaking about Jesus. There was an initial wobble as he doubted that Jesus of Nazareth ever lived. To cut a long story short I managed to persuade him that was simply a ridiculous position which even the most ardent atheists would not buy into. In a few moments we spoke about Jesus. He warmed to Jesus and wished that such a person did exist.
How did the encounter end? I cannot tell you that he became a disciple of Jesus at that very point and asked to be baptised. We could have used Tesco Aqua Pura water and I could have sorted out the paperwork later. It didn’t work out like that, we simply shook hands and left as friends. Movingly, he thanked me for the conversation and said that he had never heard these things before.
What were the lessons?
• When God prompts you to speak, do it.
• You don’t do the converting; God only used me in one section of Kevin’s story.
• Apologetics can change minds; when accompanied by prayer, God changes hearts.
• Most people have never heard the gospel.
I wonder if I should always carry a tract or even a small Bible but then I must trust in God. The most effective words spoken to Kevin were not mine but God’s. A seed has been planted, God can grow it.
So, if you even meet a Scottish-Chinese guy called Kevin who’s an artist: tell him that the game’s up! •
BOOK REVIEWS
Both our books this month are meant to encourage and equip the reader as they seek to follow our Saviour today. We hope you find them helpful.
BOOK OF THE MONTH HOME WITH GOD
KYLE WORLEY (2025)
This book is a warm, encouraging, biblical hug. In it, Kyle Worley unpacks God’s radical invitation to all his children – to be welcomed home in Jesus Christ. Our true home is in Christ, and this is God’s proffered home for all who believe in him right now. We don’t have to wait for eternity, or to be good enough – God takes the initiative, extends the invitation, and does the work in us to make us worthy and honoured guests.
Kyle Worley co-hosts a podcast with Jennifer Wilkin, and folk who appreciate her style of writing will find a similar clarity of thought and theology here. Plus Chapter 1 opens with an eyeopening anecdote of the author’s time in seminary with a very familiar Scottish professor. In Part One, the author unpacks the biblical concept of ‘home’, leading the reader from the garden home humanity was originally welcomed into, right through the story of Israel to the forever home offered in Jesus. This progression helps the reader to appreciate the overarching story of the Bible, and to understand why finding our home in Jesus is the best possible offer ever. Part Two then unpacks what this ‘new home’ really looks like, as we are called to change, grow and join with others in Christ.
I have always had a particular joy in the idea of ‘abiding in Christ’, and I can honestly say that if I had ever been able to write a book on the subject, then this is the book that I would have loved to
write. It is encouraging, faithful, approachable and an easy read. The author clearly feels a deep delight in having his home in our Saviour and wants all his readers to share the feeling. • This book is available from waterstones.com
Miriam Montgomery, Free Church Books
LIGHT FROM CALVARY
ROBERT H. IRELAND (1873, REPUBLISHED 2024)
Originally published in 1873 by a former Free Church Minister, Light from Calvary is a walk through the seven last words of Jesus, spoken from the cross. Ireland takes each of the last words of Jesus recorded in the gospels and delves into the truths behind the words, words that have been called ‘the bright lights of heaven shining at intervals through the darkness’. Each chapter is a deep dive into the theological truths that underpin the words Jesus spoke. They are littered with references from throughout scripture to help bring these truths to life and bring them to bear upon the reader. Highlighting our sin and need for a saviour, the forgiveness that is offered, the wrath Jesus faced, the hope for life eternal, the promises fulfilled, and much more, he demonstrates how these seven last words are full of the riches of salvation.
Ireland doesn’t merely explain the truths that Jesus spoke but takes time to apply them to life and show what a right response to them might be. Written with a clear pastoral heart this book is intended to lift the gaze to Calvary and leave the reader standing amazed at all that Jesus has done. Though this may be a short book it is full of riches and gives much for the reader to dwell upon. •
This book is available from banneroftruth.org
Carrie Marlow, Free North Church, Inverness
CHiLDREN'S PAGE CHiLDREN'S PAGE
LUKE 8:9-15
WHAT ARE PARABLES?
Parables are word pictures that hold a deeper meaning. They were often used to show spiritual truths. Jesus said that his parables were for the people of God to understand, but would be a mystery to those who did not believe. The parable of the sower tells us what happens when different people hear the word of God. You can read it in Luke 8:4-15
And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that “seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
MATCH UP
Do you remember what happened to the seed that fell in the different places? Match up each seed with how it grew.
THREE QUESTIONS
We asked Rohan Hepburn these three questions
What is your role in the Free Church?
I’m the Camps Coordinator for the Free Church
What do you do in your role?
I’ve got the exciting job of helping to organise campers summer holidays! I book venues, organise transport, to try get everyone where they need to be. It’s like trying to fit a jigsaw together, there’s a lot of different pieces but it’s great when it all fits. I also have the fun job of visiting the camps over the summer holidays!
Will you please share a Bible verse that means a lot to you?
My favourite Bible verse is Colossians 3:17 which says ‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ It reminds me that whatever I’m doing, whether it’s big or small, I can do it to bring glory to God.
Grew with thorns, which choked the plants Grew and yielded a lot of grain Trampled underfoot and eaten by birds Grew up then withered away
Seed that fell on the path Seed that fell on rocky soil Seed that fell among the thorns Seed that fell on the good soil
MEMORY VERSE
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Spot the REAL parables!!
There are many more parables in the gospels. Which of the following are real parables told by Jesus?
The parable of the talents
The parable of the coriander seed
The parable of the good Samaritan
The parable of the lost cat
The parable of the treasure hidden on a desert island
The parable of the vine and branches
The parable of the sheep and goats
The parable of the unmerciful servant
The parable of the butterfly net
GET CREATIVE!!
Have fun colouring this picture!
BY CATRIONA MURRAY
POST TENEBRAS LUX
if T here is a par T icular season T haT i associaT e
wi T h g od , i T mus T surely be summer . In the years before I professed the faith that sustained me, it was always in summer I felt drawn to renew my acquaintance with the Lord. My memories are shot through with recollections of July mornings, listening to sermons on the Song of Songs as a chorus of birds serenaded beyond the Seminary walls. As a young, unmarried woman, I spent many Sunday afternoons in my father’s garden, reading verses that would feed me in much leaner times. I recall one particularly sweet experience when, after the morning service, my father and I took a walk to Prince Charlie’s cairn at Arnish Point, near Stornoway. We discussed the morning sermon, and our responses to it. Like so many interactions of the kind, my mind’s eye now recollects that there was a third figure present. He was always there, at my elbow; he walks there still.
And now that we are enjoying a period of beautiful weather in Lewis, I find myself drawn to God in nature. Soon after making my profession, still in the early days of my widowhood, I enjoyed the healing time spent planting flowers in the garden my late husband had created. Over several days, I created flower beds that were awash with colour, listening to podcasts on Genesis and the garden from which our first parents were expelled. Onlookers would see only me, kneeling with my trowel and wireless speaker; but my mind’s eye sees another figure there, watching over my labours and guarding my heart.
I hope, this summer, to spend plenty of time outdoors. Already, my morning alarm call is a medley of curlew, cuckoo and crow, who beckon me through the open window to rise early from my bed. As the hymn goes, ‘all God’s creatures have a place in the choir’ — and he is the supreme conductor. His creation is so abundant in beauty, yes, but so beckoning, so beguiling in its witness to him. Summer, I think, seems like God’s season to me because it is so bountiful, so arrayed in all the richness of his hand that his call comes irresistibly through it. Who would not want to know the creator of such glories?
Some people say they have no desire to know him, that — if they allow him to exist at all —
he is mean, capricious and cruel. Social media is awash with comments of this kind at the moment, accusing God because of all the cruelty and suffering this world has witnessed. Why, particularly, are these accusations appearing now, though? Well, because, in the words of CS Lewis, ‘Aslan is on the move’.
Being a dour Hebridean, brought up by people for whom every unusual happening was a ‘droch chomharra’ (bad omen), it is not easy for me to accept when there are reasons for optimism. That’s why the undeniable sense of God being at work in the world is so exciting.
People — especially young ones — are purchasing Bibles, they’re tentatively making their way back to church, they’re out preaching on the streets, and flooding social media platforms with videos where they speak unashamedly of their love for Christ, and his love for all of us. These are people who have not been brought up with the Gospel, who were not hauled to church by well-meaning parents, or dutifully trotted off to Sunday School every weekend. Each of them has a story of how God reached them where they were, whether in comfortable ignorance, or spiritual brokenness.
The abundance that I am privileged to witness in the natural beauty around me is being replicated in the way God deals with those who have seemed farthest from him. I have heard tales of homelessness, of substance misuse, of domestic violence, of neglect, and of fractured families, all through social media. Sandwiched in-between videos about funny cats and expensive cosmetics, there is the greatest story ever told, being shared again and again: new children of God, speaking naturally and unselfconsciously about their changed lives
We are witnessing a lot of chaos in the world at present: wars, and rumours of war; displaced people, famine, and unbelievable suffering. Those who continue to reject hope dwell on this, and see in it either the absence of God, or the presence of a tyrant deity. But, for the growing number who have been touched by the Good News, they see that extra figure in the fire, and they are comforted. •
