Hello from all of us on the Youth Conference committee. This year’s 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 7 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 panelists 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 panelists 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
Free Church Youth Conference committee. Report written by Ian MacLeod (Convenor 2025)
