How do you make sense of what has happened to the Church of Scotland in the past fifty years?
Why have we gone from being a major force in Scottish society to an emaciated rump now seen as largely irrelevant by the majority of the population?
Where are you in this story? What episodes have been formative in your life and in the life of the national church over this period?
Where do we as a church begin the journey towards renewal in the mainline?
Having served the church at various levels over many years Neil Glover is well placed to examine these questions.
Unlike Doug Gay in his book ‘Reforming the Kirk’ (St. Andrews Press 2017) who argues for a change to the ecclesiastical architecture Neil’s approach is more anecdotal and less political. It’s a call for renewal beginning with personal change.
“Renewal does not necessarily mean a recovery in numbers but it does mean recovering these three things: confidence, vocation & faith.”
Neil shares a great number of personal stories and small bible reflections which together make the book stimulating and very readable. The book covers a range of topics which together touch on the essence of the identity of kirk.
The book makes us ask…
Where is the ‘enchanting power of the gospel’ in our church?
how can worship be more of a ‘personal apocalypse’?!
Does faith insulate us against change or does it involve a compassion that moves us towards others and God?
Neil argues that we all need to use our God given gifts.
Are you ready to open your mouth and find your voice?