Rev Tom Muir has accepted the role of full-time Church Planting Director for the Free Church of Scotland.
Tom currently serves as Minister of Esk Valley Church and while his departure will be a great loss to Esk Valley, this new role marks an exciting step forward as the denomination continues to pursue the 30×30 vision – to plant 30 new churches by 2030 and beyond.
The arrangements for Tom’s transition into this new role are still being finalised, but it is hoped that he will be in place by spring 2026.
As Church Planting Director, Tom will work with the Mission Board and with church planters to strengthen and support existing plants, raise up new leaders, and encourage the growth of gospel communities across Scotland. His role will also include developing training and support structures, leading on fundraising, and helping to shape the ongoing direction of church planting.
Tom said: “Having grown up in the Free Church and served in a variety of capacities – most recently in planting Esk Valley in Midlothian – it’s my privilege to now take up this role of Church Planting Director. I care passionately about the church up and down the length of the country, and I am excited to both support existing plants and planters and find ways to help the denomination extend our healthy gospel church vision. My prayer is that God will provide for existing churches, whether in city, town or rural contexts, and that He will open the way for a new wave of ministry in places where there is currently little or no Kingdom witness. For this we need gospel workers – for existing and emerging congregations – but I’m thankful that this is a need Jesus both anticipated and counselled us in, saying ‘therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’”
Do remember Tom, his wife Sharlene, and their children in your prayers as they prepare to move on from a congregation they love. Pray for them in all the practical arrangements ahead and as they transition into this new season of ministry. The Free Church of Scotland gives thanks to God for Tom’s ministry and look forward with anticipation to all that lies ahead through this new chapter of service.
More information will be shared in due course as the Church Planting team develops its vision and as Tom begins and settles into his new role. We look forward to sharing more in the coming months and to seeing how God will use this next chapter to encourage and strengthen our churches.