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 congregations’ 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 five-year 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. Rodger’s mobile number is 07746698528 and his email address is [email protected]. For this information and more, visit Lochgilphead’s website: https://www.lochgilpheadfreechurch.org.