We have warm fellowship with the Free Church of Scotland here on Arran. It is a kind of unity built on Christ an the gospel. We have several folks from Free Church backgrounds who join us for worship on Sundays, at midweek ministry, and we have use of a Free Church building for our midweek ministries. Good, positive partnership. We are deeply enriched by our friends’ presence and commitment to the Lord, and our congregation have also enjoyed integrating some psalm singing in our public worship.
I have been particularly struck by the Free Church’s vision to see ‘a Healthy Gospel Church in every community’. By that, they have recognised that this doesn’t just mean there will be a Free Church congregation in every community, although planting and congregational revitalisation are a part of the strategy. So, in that sense, Arran Baptist Church shares the vision to be a healthy gospel church!
My personal vision over all the years of my ministry has been the very same – a healthy gospel church in every community. I’ve always had that apostolic impulse within me to see new ground broken for the gospel, and this is certainly no less true on Arran.
Yes, we have a base in Brodick, but Brodick is not the only community on Arran, and more healthy gospel churches are required. This doesn’t need to look like 20 Sunday services, but an opportunity for Christian presence, worship, fellowship, outreach and ministry is so necessary.
A missional church is not content for those exploring faith and the gospel to have to travel a long distance along rural roads to have the opportunity. No, a missional church hears the call to ‘go and make disciples’.
We must change the paradigm, however. Acts 2: 42 – 47 doesn’t give the image of a formalised church service, but of a community of practice; a praying, learning, relational, giving, sharing and vibrant community of faith where gospel transformation happens. Lives change, people added, God honoured.
I’m four years in to ministry here on Arran. It has been a huge privilege to watch God move, build up the church and bless his people. We long for that blessing to pour out across the island – the blessing of salvation, boundless and free.
For the first time ever for me, after four years I feel like we’re just getting started rather than feeling my service of an established congregation is coming to a close after 5! Trusting in God’s grace and energy to press on into the future.
I couldn’t give two hoots about the survival of Arran Baptist Church. What we want are healthy gospel expressions of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. If Arran Baptist Church is one of the Lord’s catalysts for that, then ‘here we are, send us!’ The Baptist Union of Scotland’s vision is to see ‘Increase!’ – gospel impact, not denominational survival. Come on, let’s be on the move. it’s time.
