Radical shake-up for Edinburgh churches

A Church of Scotland Presbytery last night agreed a radical shake-up so congregations could reach out to thousands of faithless people.

Members of Edinburgh Presbytery, who met at Palmerston Place Church in the city’s west end, voted to adopt a report demanding that churches turn their focus to saving souls instead of clinging to old patterns of parish life.

The report, written by Presbytery Clerk Reverend Dr George Whyte, argues that churches can seize upon challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly secular society if they move forward and take the Gospel message to their neighbours.

Dr Whyte said: "These are rigorous times for the Church. We do not live in days where the Gospel finds an easy reception so the health of Christian communities is severely tested.

"The people who live within the bounds of our Presbytery need the Gospel even if they are unaware of this fact.

"We should have confidence in the Gospel and in our calling as disciples.

"To be a missionary church is surely a more exciting and fulfilling task than clinging on to what must inevitably sink."

One of the key changes, which will take effect from September, is the suspension of the Superintendence Scheme. This is a monitoring body which supports and reviews churches on a five-yearly basis.

Every congregation in Edinburgh will now be visited by a special delegation during 2010 to assess and explore their share in the mission of Jesus Christ, and to help leaders reflect on issues of congregational health and viability.

The drastic measures come months after an internal survey found that office bearers’(those within an official role in a congregation) main concerns were falling numbers, ageing congregations and a lack of funds and leadership.

The report also examines how churches can work together to increase mission work in six key geographical areas: the city centre, the inner city, the outer city, the suburbs, the housing schemes, and towns and villages.

By recognising common issues between contexts, churches from different sides of the city could work and learn together to make outreach more effective.

It is hoped that by looking at Christ’s mission first, the Presbytery will make better use of its resources, such as people, buildings and money, in trying to spiritually engage with the people of Edinburgh.

• Full story at the Church of Scotland.

• Posted in Church Finance/Management, Church of Scotland, Edinburgh + East, Mission