A conference was held last week for ministers and elders involved in church planting.
The 30 by 30 Gathering has been named after the Free Church of Scotland’s vision for 30 new churches by 2030.
At the event, last week, ministers and office bearers received updates about the 30×30 church planting strategy as well as give updates about their church plants.
The conference, organised by the Mission Board, was an opportunity for church planters, ministers from Mother Churches and Elders to discuss, pray and be encouraged of church planting work happening across Scotland.
In the opening message, Rev Alex MacDonald spoke about Mary anointing Jesus’ head with oil (Mark 14). He encouraged delegates, saying: “Let’s give all that we have and all that we are for Jesus.” He added: “If you are ever unsure about what to preach on a Sunday, preach the cross. It’s only the message of the cross that will change lives and hearts.”
Rev Neil MacMillan gave an update on the 30×30 plans, recognising the new church plants such as Leven Free Church, Galashiels Free Church and Tornagrain Community Church. Practical elements such as church planting legislation was also discussed.
Rev David Meredith spoke about what is involved in church re-planting and revitalisation, highlighting plans such as re-planting Leith Free Church and also hopes for a re-plant in Wick.
There was a packed programme which included church planting updates from Rev Duncan Murchison, of Hope Community Church in Helensburgh and Rev Andy Robertson from Charleston Community Church. Mairi Murchison from Merkinch Free Church spoke about the work she has been involved in at the church.
Delegates were encouraged by Rev Cory Brock, assistant minister at St Columba’s Free Church of Scotland, who spoke about what they can learn from the late Tim Keller.
Keith Knowlton, from Mission to the World (MTW) gave some useful insights into Cross Cultural Mission and Partnership and Sarah Robinson, Communications Manager for the Free Church of Scotland, spoke about how to prepare a prayer letter for supporters. Rev Israel Guerrero, church gave a devotion about Psalm 73.
It was an encouraging time as church leaders met together to discuss and pray.
