I hinted yesterday that I didn’t necessarily come to the pastors’ conference entirely ready for it. I was (and am) tired, and just full of the regular pastor concerns a pastor has for his flock! I’m also aware I didn’t know many people, I didn’t feel very ‘people-y’ – if you know what I mean! Having never been a Baptist in Scotland before coming back home two years ago, I’ve felt a wee bit disconnected but the national team have been brilliantly supportive. It has been a great few days with still tomorrow morning’s session to go.
The teaching by John Risbridger (of the Evangelical Alliance) on Titus and the place of holiness in the mission of the church has been great, but the other key encouragement has been the conversation and prayer times with fellow pastors. I’ve been encouraged by their encouragement and they in turn about our own story in Arran. It has been great to put faces to names, and names to faces. Also brilliant to get a sense of just a snapshot of who and what is out there in the Baptist family in Scotland, and the faithfulness with which they are serving in all sorts of church settings and chaplaincies.
Events like this deal with the Elijah syndrome (‘Lord, I’m the only one of your prophets left…’) – I only wish that I’d had earlier opportunities to meet with these good folks. I’m grateful for my church in supporting me to come along and share in the event. Brilliant to be in the beautiful city of St Andrews, too, and to experience the good hospitality of the University of St Andrews, where the conference has been held.
People have been keen to enquire about Sannox as well as the church, so good side-hustle networking there too! Wish I had been more organised and brought some flyers!
Having said that, I will be very glad to get back home to my family and whatever the Lord has for us next – suitably fortified by the riches of His grace.
Andrew S M Clark 