Vision and Strategy. “A Healthy Gospel Church for every Community in Scotland”. This is the vision statement for our denomination adopted at last year’s General Assembly. The Board of Trustees has been working with the other Boards and central Committees to see how we might best support the presbyteries, congregations, and individual members to make this vision a reality. The Board commissioned a video and booklet to share the vision with the denomination at the start of 2022. They encourage presbyteries and congregations to start a conversation asking, ‘What would it mean for us to grow in health?’ We want to see healthy growing gospel congregations throughout Scotland (and beyond), that are a blessing to the communities around them.
Financial Summary. The Board of Trustees would like to thank congregations and individual members for their efforts to maintain remittance levels and mission donations during 2021. Income received in the year was slightly higher than in 2020. Expenditure was considerably lower than expected and there was therefore a small surplus. In pursuing the vision of a Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland the Board has agreed to use some of the surplus from 2021 to cover additional spending on mission, ministry and training in 2022. A new training model for ministers, new church plants, and developments at Edinburgh Theological Seminary can be funded because we have started the year in a good financial position. We give thanks to God for his provision of these financial resources. We look to him to supply all that we need in our congregations and as a denomination in 2022.
Property, Legal and Compliance. There are a number of matters being brought to the General Assembly. The Board of Trustees is seeking some increased flexibility in relation to the ownership of property. The Compliance Sub-Group is working on a handbook for congregations. The project Management Group is bringing an update on the Questions and Formula and an outline of the new disciplinary procedure.
Communications. A Communications Group has been established and a Communications Manager appointed. The Public Engagement Group has been active in responding to Government Consultations. A replacement Editor of the Record is needed.
The full report will be delivered to the General Assembly on Wednesday morning. You can view the General Assembly live on our YouTube page.
All reports can be downloaded here and the General Assembly program is available here.