IN THIS column I ask the question: are we as a national church ready to embrace the changes required in order to be a dynamic, Spirit-led community? Are we offering to the people of Scotland a servant church, one that is willing to nurture and embrace disciples outwith our present structures and activities?
The shape of church is beginning to radically change, as posts become vacant and fewer traditionally trained ministers are available. We are a church in transition, with many of our church leaders ill prepared for what lies ahead. A few congregations have begun to wrestle with the challenge, but a great many more can be likened to people standing on the deck of a sinking ship singing hymns from a past generation, ignoring the chaos all around.
However, we must not consider what is happening to us as an excuse to settle for what seems inevitable. We must see it as a challenge to rise to the occasion and be the church for our time.