III. HOME MISSIONS BOARD

Transcription

1 III. REPORT OF THE HOME MISSIONS BOARD Chairman s Introduction These are exciting and challenging times for us as a denomination, and we are clearly in times of transition and change. It is very important, therefore, as we consign the Home Missions Board to our ecclesiastical history books that we move forward with wisdom, vision and sober reflection. Looking at the work of the Board is similar to spiritual self-examination there is much that has not been done that we promised to do, there is work that we have not done very well, our motives have not always been pure, we have failed to encourage and inspire as we hoped to, and the difficult decisions have not always been handled well. However, we are also constantly amazed by God s good Grace and the encouragements that we have witnessed. It has been great to see small churches catching a vision for mission and thinking about ministry provision outside of the box. It has been a privilege to work with some Presbyteries who are showing initiative in Gospel mission, but also sensitive and honesty in dealing with difficult decisions - decisions that none of us find easy, but have driven us to prayer again and again. There is a real sense of good Presbyterian partnership at work in many places. Gospel partnerships are developing within the Free Church and also at a wider lever this is such a healthy sign and one that the General Assembly should rejoice in. It is far from being a negative picture; there is a clear vision to reach out with the Gospel, and to find new and flexible ways of supporting ministry and mission at home and internationally. Churches are growing, the young generation of believers are hungry for the Truth, are willing to learn and want to be challenged. There is a growing number of young men committed to training for full-time ministry and church planting; we are planting new churches; we are welcoming new congregations into our denomination; we are seeing principled, Gospel-centred innovation. There is a change of mind-set from maintenance to mission and a realisation of the urgency to reach out to a spiritually lost and hopeless society, imitating the person of Christ who reached out to us in our need. There are brothers and sisters beyond our own borders rooting for us, willing to support us sacrificially in this time of transition and showing us the love, generosity of spirit, and commitment of Christ. The Free Church is in a unique place to support the development of urban ministry, through healthy churches and well thought out church planting. But also to see rural ministry provided through partnership and a really wise use of resources. Practical partnerships between larger and smaller congregations within Scotland, wider Gospel partnerships, and developing links with international Presbyterian churches, particularly from the States, have all given us a sense of our place in the wider picture of the Kingdom. The joining of the two mission boards is a really positive move towards a simpler, more streamlined and united vision for mission at home and internationally. Of course change is never easy and there is still much work to do, but it is vital that we give the new Board our time and trust as they seek to fulfil God s great Commission to the Church. The work of the Board in this time of transition was difficult and time consuming. Personally, I would have loved to develop better, simpler and fuller communication lines with the wider church, and also to have overseen a radical review of our legislation to make things simpler and more efficient in order to better equip us to be a reformed church for the 21st Century. The day to day responsibilities simply didn t allow that to happen. It is time to resource the work of these Boards that the General Assembly empowers to fulfil its remits with the support of a full time, suitably gifted Missions Director. This is vital. We also have a great deal of work to do as a denomination regarding the financing of ministry and mission. It is a discussion that circumstances have forced us to have on the move. We have not started with a blank slate, and that has been especially challenging when we have been faced with limited resources, the need for a wise

2 stewardship and a longing to support existing and new work. It often seemed like an overwhelming, impossible challenge, sometimes not helped by the relentless negativity of the gainsayers. I am really grateful to the Board members for their unstinting support, prayer, help and fellowship over these last number of years. I am especially indebted to Rev. Neil MacMillan for keeping evangelism and the Gospel at the heart of the Board s work, and to Rev. Callum Macleod for his wisdom and patience with his recalcitrant Chairman, and to Miss Sarah MacLeod for her partnership in the work and practical help on many occasions. These are great days to be in the Free Church God has great plans for us, but we must be courageous and bold. Now is not the time to shrink back - now is the time to move forward in faith, and prayerful dependence on the God of the impossible. We need now, more than ever the courage and faith of Caleb, when faced with seemingly overwhelming opposition We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. (Numbers 13 v 30) (A) GENERAL 1. Development Officer Rev. Neil MacMillan continued to work part-time for the Board and parttime in a church planting role with St Columba s, Edinburgh in the past year. Mr MacMillan s involvement with formal ministry in St Columba s came to an end in the summer of His tireless efforts for the Board involved work with Porterbrook, Church Planting and Training, Leadership BootCamp, and the Home Missions Board workers meeting. The current Development Officer s appointment was approved by the 2012 General Assembly according to the terms of Act IX, Class II, anent Appointment and Duties of the Development Officer / Church Planter. The Board carried out a full review of the post and its duties during the final year of the current three-year term. The Board recorded with the gratitude to God the different ways in which the Church benefited from the ministry undertaken by Mr MacMillan in this post and it was their desire that the post should continue after a thorough review of the job description and the management structure of the post. However, this was overtaken by the joint decision of the Home and International Missions Boards to seek the appointment of a Missions Director who would subsume many of the duties allocated to the Development Officer if appointed. The Board, therefore, recommends that the Development Officer s post be terminated, effective from 30th June Mr MacMillan s Report is found in Appendix Seven of the Report. 2. Strategy and Communications The Board continues to review and implement its strategy document. There are ongoing discussions as to how we raise awareness of the Board s vision in the congregations of the Church. Miss Sarah Macleod, Missions Coordinator, and Mr Gordon Bell, Communications Officer, are currently working on a communication strategy document which we expect to be finalised by the Board at its June 2015 meeting. (B) GENERAL ASSEMBLY REMITS 1. Asian Outreach The 2014 General Assembly continued its remit to the Home Missions Board in consultation with the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll and the International Missions Board to bring proposals for the future development of the work of Asian Outreach. They instructed the Boards to report jointly to the 2015 General Assembly on this ongoing remit and on the end-of-five-year-term review. The Board initiated this review at its June 2014 meeting by appointing a Committee which was instructed to initiate the consultation process with the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll and with all other parties involved in the ministry and oversight of Asian Outreach. The Board received the Committee s report at its meeting held in December 2014, reviewing and revising this initial report in March The Board noted the sterling work carried out by Rev. Duncan Peters, with the support of his wife Christine, in what is a challenging, and in many ways unique, cross-cultural ministry in the city of Glasgow. The Board also noted the difficulties faced by Asian Outreach arising from what was an ineffective and ambiguous management structure. The Board, therefore, recommends that Rev. Duncan Peters be re-appointed to the Asian Outreach work for a period of five years under a project plan agreed by the Board giving details of management structure, oversight, and development of the work. A copy of the Board s Development Plan is found in Appendix One of the Report. This Appendix will not be made available to Commissioners until such time as the matter comes under discussion at the General Assembly due to the sensitive nature of the work. 2. Church Planting The 2014 General Assembly instructed the Board to continue liaising with the Board of Ministry and with the ETS Board to identify and train suitably gifted church planters and evangelists. They also instructed the Board to co-operate with Porterbrook Scotland and with 20 Schemes to help with training and with church planting or revitalisation works. The Board continues, in consultation with the Board of Ministry and the College Board, to explore ways of identifying suitably gifted church planters and

3 evangelists and to develop suitable training to further equip such individuals. The areas covered by this remit are considered to be essential and central to the Board s work and the Board recommends that this remit be continued. 3. Joint Strategy Committee A Joint Strategy Committee, made up of representatives of the Home Missions Board and the International Missions Board, was set up on the instructions of the 2014 General Assembly to consider practical arrangements for the establishment of a single Missions Board. The Board as represented on the Committee by Rev. Derek Lamont, Chairman, Rev. Alasdair M. Macleod, Vice-Chairman, and Rev. Malcolm Macleod, Clerk. The Committee held extensive discussions on the remits of both Boards, the management structure for missionaries and workers employed by the Boards, the membership of the proposed single Board, and the creation of the post of Missions Director. The Missions Director would provide training and support for Presbyteries as work is devolved to them, liaise with other Boards, Presbyteries and congregations, help develop strategies and support their implementation, and provide continuity and personal contact with Presbyteries and those involved with mission. The Board recognises the need for such a post to be established at this crossroads in the administrative approach to the missionary work of the Church at home and overseas. The Board is therefore supportive of the recommendation of the Board of Trustees that such a post be approved. (C) MINISTRY 1. Sustentation Fund Schedules The Board has passed or renewed Sustentation Fund Schedules for the following congregations during the year: Kiltearn, Kinloch, Poolewe and Aultbea, Dunblane, Kiltarlity and Kirkhill, Glenelg, Arnisdale, Lochalsh and Glenshiel, North Uist Grimsay and Berneray. The Board has worked closely with the Board of Trustees to try and ensure that full-time ministry will go on in the above congregations at no additional cost to the central Church. The congregation of Glenelg, Arnisdale, Lochalsh and Glenshiel was granted permission to call a minister for a three-year appointment with ministry costs supported from local reserves. At the time of writing there are five vacant congregations authorised to appoint a minister and two vacancies for an assistant minister. 2. New Congregations The Board successfully processed Schedules of Application from the following congregations applying to be admitted as congregations of the Free Church of Scotland: Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll Hope Church (Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill); Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth Christ Church, Edinburgh, and Grace Church, Leith; Presbytery of the Western Isles High Free Church, Stornoway, and North Harris Free Church. The aforementioned congregations were admitted to the Free Church during the year by the October 2014 Commission of Assembly or by the March 2015 Commission of Assembly. The Board welcomes them all to the mission and evangelism work of the Free Church in Scotland. 3. Schedule of Application Covenant Church, Newmilns The Board also processed a Schedule of Application from the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll regarding Covenant Church, Newmilns. The applicants are able to meet the costs of ministry and the Board, therefore, approved the Schedule and recommends that the crave of the Presbytery s Petition be granted. 4. Cobham The Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth have completed a review of the congregation of Cobham in accordance with Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund paragraph 6. The review was carried out in consultation with the Board and at the request of the congregation in the light of a drop in ordinary income and the congregation s inability to meet the costs of ministry in the short term and for the foreseeable future. The process was completed speedily in the light of the change of circumstances and the conclusion of the review was that the general decline placed an impossible burden on the minister, the Kirk Session and the congregation. It is with regret that the Board recommends that the ministry of Rev. David D. Miller at Cobham be terminated, effective from 1st July 2015, and that the congregation of Cobham be dissolved according to the crave of the Presbytery s Petition. The Board wishes to thank Mr Miller and his family for their work and commitment in Cobham. The Petition is found in Appendix Five of the Report. 5. Consultations with Presbyteries The Board carried out consultations with the Western Isles Presbytery as required by Act X, Class II, Centrally Supported Congregations There are three categories of centrally supported congregations under the remit of the Board: Church Extension charges, Redevelopment charges and Special Arrangement charges.

4 6.1 Church Extension Charges There are three Church Extension charges under the oversight of the Board: (i) Dunfermline under the ministry of Rev. Jeremy Ross; (ii) St Andrews under the ministry of Rev. Paul Clarke; and (iii) South Uist and Benbecula under the ministry of Rev. Neil Lachie Macdonald. 6.2 Redevelopment Charges There are currently two Redevelopment Charges under the oversight of the Board: Gairloch and Kinlochewe The minister at Gairloch and Kinlochewe, Rev. Alasdair Macleod, has been unwell during the past year and has been unfit for work. At the time of writing, Mr Macleod has commenced a phased return to work under the supervision of the Presbytery. The Board is thankful for this measure of recovery and commends Mr Macleod to the prayers of the Church Glenurquhart and Fort Augustus The current five-year term of redevelopment status at Glenurquhart and Fort Augustus is due to end at the 2015 General Assembly according to the terms of Act XI, Class II, There was some confusion over the application of this Act in the light of the nine-month interval between the retirement of Rev. John A. M. Mackay in December 2011 and the induction of Rev. Dr John S. Ross in September It was the congregation s view, supported by the Presbytery, that the nine months should be added on at the end of the term, effectively making the termination date February In the light of this interpretation of the said Act of Assembly in association with Act XXXIV, Class II, 1988 anent Redevelopment Charges, the Board recommends that the current five-year term be extended to March 2016 and that the March 2016 Commission of Assembly be empowered to receive a report from the Presbytery and the Board on arrangements for future ministry at Glenurquhart and Fort Augustus. 6.3 Special Arrangements There is one congregation on Special Arrangements under the oversight of the Board: Dumfries under the ministry of Rev. Calum M. Smith. 7. Locally Subsidised Charges There are three Locally Subsidised Charges under the oversight of the Board: (i) East Kilbride under the ministry of Rev. Iain Thomson; (ii) Elgin and Forres under the ministry of Rev. Colin Morison; and (iii) Sleat and Strath under the ministry of Rev. Gordon Matheson. The Financial Plan appears to be working in all three congregations as the ministries continue to implement their Development Plan at no cost to the central Church. 8. Service to Overseas Students The Board is encouraged by the way in which Rev. James Ross continues to develop the work of Service to Overseas Students in Glasgow. The ministry during the past year has included the following activities: Small World Café in Dowanvale Free Church, Christianity Explored, Sunday Bible studies, small group Bible studies, discipleship training, use of Chinese social media, teaching English using the Bible, and providing hospitality. Mr Ross has become a member of the Friends International International Student Network of Churches, and this has helped to develop a network of contacts. 9. G51 Church Plant Rev. Norman Mackay continues to work tirelessly in the G51 Church Plant in the Govan area of Glasgow. The work has been greatly blessed through Christianity Explored small groups, open air outreach, and personal evangelism. From May 2015 until May 2016, 1,000 leaflets per month are being distributed advertising the Church and inviting people to Christianity Explored. Large public billboards are also being used. A community magazine has been launched and a salaried editor is in place on a three-year appointment. Several folks comprise a small core group and services commence in May The minister has been appointed to key positons within the community and the Free Church has also been publically commended by the community leaders in Govan. Since the 2013 General Assembly Mr Mackay s stipend continues to be met and there are four USA based Churches supporting the work. 10. Team Ministry There are now two Team Ministries under the remit of the Board North East Glasgow Team Ministry The North East Glasgow Team Ministry has been operating since 1st January The Team Ministry Plan amended in April 2014 shows that the aim at present is to have two full-time ministers plus one preaching and pastoral worker on resident supply with the long-term aim to have three full-time ministers. Rev. Ivor MacDonald remains the only full-time minister appointed to the Team since the retirement of Rev. D. Iain McDonald and Rev. Iain Beaton. Mr Macdonald is supported by Mr Gary Brotherston as the second member in the Team. The Presbytery is actively engaged in seeking to fill the remaining vacancy in the Team for the more effective ministry of the gospel in the north east of Glasgow North Coast Team Ministry The North Coast Team Ministry has been operating in the Northern Presbytery since 1st January The Board reported to the 2014 General Assembly that the Team Ministry Plan was under review and that the Board was working closely with the Presbytery in its strategic planning for

5 ministry within the Presbytery bounds. After further consultation with the Board, the Presbytery initiated a review of the Team Ministry arrangement in August The Presbytery consulted widely with the members of the Team Ministry and the congregations whom they served. The Presbytery found that the Team Ministry arrangement is no longer viable due to the size of the geographical area covered and the ongoing vacancy in the Team, together creating an unsustainable long-term burden for the members of the Team. This led to the conclusion that to continue with it until the end of the five-year term in December 2016 would be detrimental to the work of the gospel. The Presbytery has produced a proposal for alternative arrangements for ministry in Castletown and Community, Helmsdale, Lybster, Thurso and North Coast, and Wick, the area currently served by the Team Ministry. This proposal includes alternative ministerial arrangements for Castletown, full-time selfsupporting ministry at Thurso and North Coast, full-time ministry at Helmsdale partly funded by the central Church for the first five years, and full-time ministry at Wick with the ministry fully funded from local reserves for the five-year term of the minister s appointment. The Board has received Sustentation Fund Schedules for all these congregations. The ministry in Lybster will continue in the short-term under a local arrangement approved by the Presbytery. The Board is supportive of the proposals and they are found in the Presbytery s Petition, which is found in Appendix Six of the Report. 11. Evangelism Support Working Party The Working Party supported seven projects in the past year compared to eleven in the previous year. The feedback so far has been mostly positive in terms of outcomes and encouraging for congregations who have made the effort to engage in outreach. The annual budget allocation for Working Party is 4,000. Project expenditure from January to December 2014 was 2,722. The Group is concerned about raising awareness of the support it provides for evangelistic projects and Mr Gordon Bell, Communications Officer, has been providing assistance in this area. The Group encourages applications for support, especially for new projects and for projects in congregations where local resources are very limited. 12. Assistantships The Board has received two applications seeking the appointment of an Assistant Minister according to the provisions of the revised Act XVIII, Class II, 2013 anent Assistantships Rosskeen An application for the renewal of the appointment of Rev. Calum Macmillan as Assistant Minister in the congregation of Rosskeen was received from the Northern Presbytery with all the requisite supporting documents. The Board recommends that the Petition s crave be granted. The Petition appears in Appendix Three of the Report Dowanvale An application for the renewal of permission to appoint an Assistant Minister in the congregation of Dowanvale was received from the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll with all the requisite supporting documents. The Board recommends that the Petition s crave be granted. The Petition appears in Appendix Four of the Report. 13. Mull and Coll Rev. Sean Ankers was appointed as a Presbytery Worker by the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll in October 2014 to provide and develop gospel ministry in Mull and Coll. The work of the gospel has developed under his ministry and the Presbytery s report speaks positively of what has already been achieved. The Presbytery s report also highlighted some of the difficulties encountered due to the fact that Mr Ankers is employed as a Presbytery Worker and not as an ordained minister, although already licensed to preach the gospel. The Board received a request from the Presbytery at its meeting held in March 2015 to approve the appointment of Mr Ankers as Presbytery Evangelist for Argyll under the provisions of Act XV, Class II, 2013 anent Church Planting and Evangelism. The Board agreed to the Presbytery s request and arrangements are being made for induction to the work on successful completion of trials for ordination. The work is financially supported by funds held under Coll, Mull and Rothesay amounting to 182, Stirling The Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll established Stirling as a church plant preaching station in early A Kirk Session was appointed with Rev. Dr Colin Dow, Glasgow City, as Interim Moderator. The work continues to develop and the Kirk Session is actively engaged with seeking the appointment of a minister for a five-year term under the provisions of Act XV, Class II, 2013 anent Church Planting and Evangelism with the support of the Presbytery and the Board. 15. Harris The congregation of Harris in the Presbytery of the Western Isles has remained vacant since the redevelopment status of the congregation was terminated by the 2013 General Assembly. The Presbytery, through its Strategy Committee, has consulted regularly with the Kirk Session and the Finance Committee regarding arrangements for future ministry at Harris as directed by the said Assembly. The Presbytery has requested the Board to make arrangements so that the October 2015 Commission of Assembly is empowered to receive a report on future ministry at Harris should this be necessary. The Board, therefore,

6 recommends that the General Assembly empower the said Commission of Assembly to receive a report on proposed arrangements for ministry. (D) FINANCE 1. Congregations not meeting their Schedule Commitment The Board is required by Act I, Class I, 2013, anent Sustentation Fund, 3.10, to report annually to the General Assembly those congregations which have failed to remit the full cost of ministry or the direct cost as promised when they were admitted to the Equal Dividend Platform. The Board is pleased to report that no congregations were found to be in this category in Congregations not remitting Stipend The Board is also required by Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund, 3.11, to report on congregations whose minister was appointed in terms of this Act and who fail to remit 100% of stipend in any one year. Again the Board is pleased to report that no congregations were found to be in this category in Scheduled Commitments The Board considers that the above requirements of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund Board paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 have been largely overtaken by changes to the remittances scheme in that all figures are now calculated on the basis of the Ministry Levy and not on the basis of a percentage of the stipend. The Board, therefore, requests that the General Assembly waive the need for the Board to report on congregations which fall into such out-dated categories and simply direct the Board to report on congregations where a review has been initiated according to the requirements of the said Act. 4. Centrally Supported Congregations The 2010 General Assembly instructed the Home Missions Board in consultation with the Board of Trustees Finance Sub-Committee, to report annually on (1) the current level of support required to support ministries in the centrally-supported category; (2) on savings made through adjustments and progress in existing ministries; and (3) on any surplus on budgeted income for such ministries arising from increased/surplus income from fund-raising activities. They also instructed the Board to ensure budgetary provision for potential new ministries in the next year as part of the annual budgetary review. The Board noted from the following figures prepared by the Finance Manager that a total saving of 24,922 had been achieved on the actual expenditure in 2013, equivalent to a saving of 13%. The relevant figures for 2013 are as follows: Budget Actual Budget Actual Church Extension 46,142 44,639 42,328 38,776 Redevelopment 33,296 29,812 21,037 17,266 Special Arrangements 32,700 8,350 20,300 8,473 Other 52,050 44,225 42,485 41, , , , ,370 Asian Outreach/SOS 65,500 61,108 67,000 62,544 HMB Approved 229, , , ,914 Other 23,562 17,860 Total 229, , , ,774 (E) YOUTH 1. Sunday School The Sunday school syllabus for infants through to Bible Class continues to be used by some Free Church congregations. The 2014 Exploration project was on Eric Liddle. The Board are thankful to Mrs Irene Howat, and all involved in the administration of Sunday school material. This year the Youth Committee conducted a review of Sunday School practice within the denomination. Sunday School superintendents were asked to answer questions in this regard. The information collected has been compiled in an idea and resources report entitled Pointing to Jesus. The Board would encourage all ministers, those in church leadership, and Sunday School teachers to read the report. A copy of the report will also be distributed to all Commissioners during the Assembly. Thanks are due to all involved in the organising, evaluating, writing and printing of this report.

7 2. Compass Magazine In October 2014 The Instructor changed its name to Compass. A competition was launched for suggestions of a new name, and Miss Anna Munroe, aged 9, from the Maryburgh congregation was the winner. On Sunday 5th October 2014 Compass was officially launched, and churches were asked to mark the occasion in some way. Rev. Donnie G. MacDonald kindly prepared a children s address using the Compass theme which all ministers were offered to use. Changing the printers to Adwill Media resulted in a significant financial saving that then allowed the Youth Committee to appoint Fivepenny Media to design the new magazine. This year the Youth Project raised 3, for Preshal Trust, in Glasgow. The Board wishes to express its thanks to Mrs Howat, and all involved in the publication of Compass for their efforts in producing the magazine. 3. Free Magazine Whilst not officially part of the Youth Committee remit, the general oversight of Free since the General Assembly of 2014 has been provided by the Youth Committee. This year magazine subscriptions have been rising steadily, bucking the trend of many magazines. Fivepenny Media continue to design the magazine, and a further year s contract with the current printers, Adwill Media, was agreed with no increase in costs. Mrs Chris Nicolson has tried to broaden the audience of Free and attended the Deep Impact Conference for youth workers in Aviemore, which provided great promotion for the magazine. It was obvious from comments made that there is nothing like Free in Scotland for young Christians at the present time, but equally obvious was the fact that very few people outside of our denomination had heard of the magazine. Free remains contemporary and relates the gospel to issues that teenagers are facing. The Board wishes to thank Mrs Nicolson and all involved in the publication of Free for their time, efforts, and creativity given to the magazine. 4. Magazine Editors The Board noted that both Mrs Irene Howat (Compass) and Mrs Chris Nicholson (Free) are due to conclude their terms as editor at the May 2016 General Assembly. The Church owes both of them a huge debt of gratitude and pray that their final year as editor will be a blessing to them, and the readership of both magazines. Given that the Board of Trustees is beginning the process of finding a replacement editor for The Record, the Board felt that this was an opportunity for the Board of Trustees to take a strategic look at the magazines as a whole (including marketing strategy) and therefore recommended oversight of both Compass and Free, including advertising for new editors, be part of its remit. 5. Magazine Distribution The Board is encouraged and thankful to God for the increase in the numbers of magazines circulated. In April 2014 the circulation figure for The Instructor was By April 2015 the figure for Compass had risen to 1187, an increase of 10%. The April / May 2014 edition of Free had a circulation figure of 876. The April / May 2015 Free had risen to 955, an increase of 9%. 6. Youth Camps Under God's hand, Free Church Youth Camps have been a means of blessing to several generations of young people, affording an excellent opportunity to present the gospel, provide biblical teaching and example, all in the context of the safe environment of a holiday with superb Christian leadership. We give thanks to God for continued blessings in the 2014 camps: for safety in travel; for the avoidance of serious injuries, and for evidence of the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration in young lives. Twelve camps were held in 2014 catering for 308 campers and over 120 leaders and cooks. Leaders' Reports highlighted keen interest in the Bible talks, with indications of growth in understanding and Christlikeness. Our ongoing evaluation of the strategic aims for has prompted the following developments: the introduction of a new London camp to cater for an older age range measures to reduce the deficit by reviewing expenditure and introducing steps to increase income the development of leadership teams' skills in the crucial area of Child Protection Training with dedicated sessions in several areas led by Mrs Muriel Macleod, Compliance Officer. Other areas required for training in short-term mission will be considered for the future. Thanks are due to Mr Clive Bailey, Camps Supervisor, Mrs Laura Macaulay, Camps Administrator, and Mrs Cat Mahato, her maternity cover replacement, for all their hard work, as well as to each leader and cook for their service of the Lord Jesus. 7. Leadership BootCamp Leadership BootCamp is a residential camp that aims to equip men and women of the Free Church with the knowledge and skills to lead well as Christians. Fourteen young people from different congregations across Scotland attended the Leadership BootCamp at Comrie Croft, Perthshire in June 2014, with Rev. Neil MacMillan who led the week. The programme included intensive teaching, physical activities and challenges, and interactive discussion sessions on theology, leadership and service. The focus of the week was an intense introduction to the Theology of the Gospel. Rev. David Meredith and Rev. David Robertson taught difficult doctrine in a relatable and understandable way. Mr Meredith taught sessions on the

8 gospel in biblical theology, where he addressed the points of Calvinism, and a session on the gospel and justification. Mr Robertson taught on the gospel and sanctification, and the gospel and culture. The talks were stimulating, challenging and relevant. The campers had some fantastic questions and enjoyed good discussion groups, which helped them to understand how to apply these biblical doctrines in their day-to-day lives. The second intake of BootCampers will start in June 2015, which will also see year two of the course for those who completed last year s initial BootCamp. Thanks are due to all who organised, taught and served in any way to make the BootCamp a success. 8. Youth Conference The 2015 Youth Conference was held at Lendrick Muir Scripture Union Centre from 20th to 22nd March. The theme for the weekend was the Patience of Job. Rev. Colin Macleod, from the Free North congregation led the main talks. Mr Farquhar and Mrs Liz Forbes, along with their three boys were the house family for the weekend. Approximately 115 delegates attended, including day visitors on the Saturday. This was the full capacity of the portion of the centre that was booked for the weekend (the conference was fully booked by January). Various seminars were held on topics such as backsliding, church planting, taboo in the church, eternity and the role of the Holy Spirit. The Convener for 2015 was Mr Andrew Macdonald, Greyfriars-Stratherrick Free Church and the Board wishes to thank him for leading the team. Mr Stewart Johnson, Rosskeen, will be Convener for the 2016 conference. Due to the demand for places this year, the 2016 Committee has booked the full centre at Lendrick Muir, comprising 160 spaces. Prayer would be appreciated that these spaces will all be filled. The Board wishes to thank the 2015 Committee for organising the conference, and all who led seminars or helped with the cooking. DEREK LAMONT, Chairman ALASDAIR M. MACLEOD, Vice-Chairman APPENDIX ONE Asian Outreach Development Plan This Appendix will be distributed to Commissioners when this item comes under discussion at the General Assembly. APPENDIX TWO Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll Covenant Church, Newmilns To the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland indicted to meet in Edinburgh on 18th May 2015 the Petition of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll shows that: 1. Whereas the body of Christians worshipping under the name of Covenant Church, Newmilns, [the applicants] having disjoined from the Church of Scotland, formed themselves as a congregation under the name of the Covenant Church, Newmilns 2. Whereas on 16th December 2014 the applicants applied to the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll for admission as a congregation of the Free Church of Scotland under the Immediate Application Option; 3. Whereas the applicants, since the congregation is vacant, are anxious to be able to proceed to the appointment of a minister as soon as possible and are willing and able to remit to central funds at least the full cost of ministry and the appropriate level of the administration levy; 4. Whereas a Committee appointed by the Presbytery met in conference with the elders of the congregation as presently constituted on 31st January 2015 to consider the Schedule of Application and matters and concerns arising from it;

9 5. Whereas the Committee met with the applicants at a congregational meeting on Saturday 14th February 2015 to consider and finalise the Schedule of Application; 6. Whereas the office-bearers are familiar with The Practice of the Free Church of Scotland and the Deed of Constitution; 7. Whereas the applicants are familiar with the form of worship and the remittances scheme of the Free Church of Scotland; 8. Whereas the applicants have completed the Schedule of Application to the satisfaction of the Presbytery; 9. Whereas the Presbytery approved the application at its meeting held on 17th February Wherefore, the Presbytery humbly request that the General Assembly take these premises into consideration and, noting the recommendation of the Home Missions Board, establish the body of Christians worshipping in Covenant Church, Newmilns, as a fully sanctioned pastoral charge of the Free Church of Scotland with immediate effect; that they declare that the new congregation shall be known as Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) within the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll; that they instruct the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll to meet in hunc effectum at Dowanvale Free Church, Glasgow on Tuesday 3rd June 2015 at 6.30 pm to appoint general assessor elders to the Kirk Session so that the congregation may proceed to an election and ordination of office-bearers as soon as practically possible; to appoint a meeting with the congregation for a diet of public worship to welcome them formally into the Presbytery; that they direct the congregation to submit a Sustentation Fund Schedule to the Home Missions Board with income-based confirmation of their ability to meet the full costs of ministry; and that they grant authority to the newly established congregation thereafter to proceed to call a minister without restriction according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund, Paragraph 3.3. APPENDIX THREE Petition of the Northern Presbytery Assistant Minister Rosskeen Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, appointed to meet in Edinburgh on 18th May 2015, the petition of the Northern Presbytery humbly shows that: 1. Whereas the Rosskeen congregation was given permission by the General Assembly of 2009 to have an assistant minister. 2. Whereas Rev. Calum MacMillan was ordained and inducted as Assistant on 16th October 2009 in terms of Act IX, The appointment was renewed for a further three years by the Presbytery in terms of this Act in 2012 and now lapses at the General Assembly of Whereas the Rosskeen congregation complies with the terms of Act XVIII, Class II, 2013 anent Assistantships, namely that they (1) are able to remit twice the Full Ministry Costs plus the appropriate Administration Levy; (2) are able to provide suitable accommodation and expenses for an Assistant Minister; and (3) have met their annual commitment to central funds in each of the previous three years, or where there has been a shortfall, can show that this has been due to exceptional circumstances to the satisfaction of the Home Missions Board. 4. Whereas it is the desire of Rev. Calum MacMillan to be reappointed as Assistant Minister of the congregation for a further three-year period, in terms of Act XVIII, Class II, 2013 anent Assistantships and this is supported by the Kirk Session and by the Presbytery. Wherefore, may it please the General Assembly to receive the petition of the Northern Presbytery, to grant permission for the continuation of the Assistant Minister post at Rosskeen and to declare that Rev. Calum Macmillan continue in post as Assistant Minister of Rosskeen in terms of his previous induction, or do otherwise as the Assembly in its wisdom deems best; and your Petitioners will ever pray.

10 APPENDIX FOUR Petition of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll Assistant Minister Dowanvale Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, appointed to meet in Edinburgh on 18th May 2015, the petition of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll humbly shows that: 1. Whereas the union of Dowanvale and Paisley has taken place and the unified congregation of Dowanvale now has a membership of one hundred and thirty and an attendance in both churches totalling two hundred at each Sunday service; 2. Whereas the congregation has contributed the following sums to central funds over the last three years: 82,000 (2012), 91,000 (2013), and 83,000 (2014), which is sufficient for the sum required to qualify for the services of an Assistant Minister as outlined in Act XVIII, Class II, 2013 anent Assistantships paragraph 2; 3. Whereas the congregation is interested in developing outreach work especially in Paisley but is restricted in doing so without the services of a suitably qualified Assistant Minister; 4. Whereas the Paisley part of the congregation is equipped with a very good manse and an adequate church building; 5. Whereas the congregation believes that the appointment of an Assistant Minister to Dowanvale with a special remit to develop the work in Paisley is in the best interest of the congregation and that of the Free Church of Scotland; 6. Whereas the congregation has had permission to call an Assistant Minister but has been unsuccessful within the allowed timescale. Wherefore it is humbly requested that the General Assembly grant permission to the congregation of Dowanvale to have a further period to call an Assistant Minister under the terms of Act XVIII, Class II, 2013 anent Assistantships or do otherwise as in their wisdom they deem best. And your petitioners will ever pray. APPENDIX FIVE Petition of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth Ministry at Cobham Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, appointed to meet in Edinburgh on 18th May 2015, the petition of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth humbly shows that: 1. Whereas the 2013 General Assembly granted the congregation of Cobham the status of a fully sanctioned charge according to the provisions of interim Act anent Sustentation Fund, Act I, Class I, 2011 anent Sustentation Fund at the end of the second five-year term of Church Extensions status; 2. Whereas the 2013 General Assembly declared that Rev. David D. Miller s appointment as minister of the congregation to be without restriction according to the interim Act anent Sustentation Fund, Act XIV, Class II, 2012, Paragraph Whereas the ordinary income of the congregation dropped from 49, 395 in 2013 to 15,285 in 2014; 4. Whereas full-time ministry in the congregation could not continue without the support of diminishing financial reserves; 5. Whereas the Presbytery initiated a review and audit of the congregation in terms of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund at the request of the congregation and in consultation with the Home Missions Board;

11 6. Whereas the Presbytery met with the congregation on the 18th January, 2015 as part of the review process; 7. Whereas the Presbytery found that the decline in ordinary income was due to the general decline in numbers attending the congregation; 8. Whereas it is the considered view of the Presbytery and the congregation that this decline in numbers could not be reversed even with significant evangelistic effort; 9. Whereas the Presbytery has met with the congregation on the 1st of February, 2015 to report on the outcome of the review and to advise on the consequences of the Presbytery s recommendation; 10. Whereas the Presbytery found that the congregation to be no longer financially or numerically viable and therefore unable to support full-time ministry; 11. Whereas the Presbytery recommends that the current arrangements for ministry at Cobham be terminated. Wherefore the Petition of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth humbly craves that the General Assembly take these premises into consideration and terminate the current arrangements for ministry at Cobham effective from 1st July They thank Rev. David D. Miller for his unstinting and faithful service during his twelve years as minister there. They sever Rev. David D. Miller s pastoral tie with the congregation on the said date, adding his name to the Register of Ministers without Charge, and declare that he shall be eligible for six months stipend from the date of termination according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund paragraph They declare that the congregation of Cobham be dissolved effective from 1st July They instruct the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the pastoral support of those affected by the dissolution of the congregation. They further instruct the Kirk Session and Deacons Court at Cobham to take immediate steps to consult with the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth and with the Board of Trustees with a view to dissolving the charity known as Cobham Presbyterian Church prior to the dissolution of the congregation on 1st July They declare that any outstanding issues regarding the termination of the charitable status of Cobham on the said date be taken up by the Board of Trustees. They repeal Act XIX, Class II, Or do otherwise as the Assembly in its wisdom may deem best. And your Petitioners will ever pray. APPENDIX SIX Petition of the Northern Presbytery Termination of North Coast Team Ministry Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, appointed to meet in Edinburgh on 18th May 2015, the petition of the Northern Presbytery humbly shows that: 1. Whereas a Team Ministry for the congregations of Helmsdale & Kinbrace, Lybster, Bruan, Latheron & Berriedale, Olrig, Watten & Bower, Thurso & North Coast, and Wick & Keiss was approved by the General Assembly in 2011 according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2011 for a period of five years; 2. Whereas the membership of the Team Ministry was to be three full-time ministers and one Auxiliary worker to operate for the initial five-year term. 3. Whereas the North Coast Team Ministry was established on 1st January 2012 with two full-time ministers and one Auxiliary worker; 4. Whereas the Team has never achieved a full complement of ministers with the result that excessive burdens have fallen on the other Team members along with a perceived inequity in the financial arrangements; 5. Whereas experience has shown that, even if there was a full complement of ministers, it would be difficult to operate a Team model effectively in this area due to the significant distances involved; 6. Whereas the Presbytery has carried out a review of the Team Ministry arrangement, in consultation with the Home Missions Board;

12 7. Whereas the Presbytery has found the Team Ministry arrangement to be unworkable and unsustainable, and that to continue the arrangement until the end of the five-year term in December 2016 would be detrimental to the work of the gospel; 8. Whereas it is the considered opinion of the Presbytery that the Team Ministry arrangement be terminated as soon as practically and legislatively possible; 9. Whereas the Presbytery has consulted with the five congregations covered by the Team Ministry Plan regarding the recommendation that the Team Ministry be terminated. 10. Whereas the congregations of Thurso & North Coast, Wick & Keiss, Castletown & Community and Helmsdale & Kinbrace have consented to the termination of the Team Ministry subject to the following conditions: 1. That Castletown be granted Alternative Ministerial Arrangements in accordance with Act XIII, 2014, to be financed entirely by the congregation and that Rev. Howard Stone continue as minister of the congregation. 2. That Thurso & North Coast be granted permission to call a minister without restriction to be financed entirely by the congregation. 3. That Wick & Keiss be granted permission to call a minister on a five-year terminable appointment to be financed entirely by the congregation, with Ministry Levy to be paid by the congregation from the date of the induction of a minister. 4. That Helmsdale be granted permission to call a minister on a five-year terminable appointment based on an annual remittance of 100% of stipend payable from the date of the induction of a minister. 11. Whereas the above conditions have been discussed and agreed with the Home Missions Board. 12. Whereas the congregation of Lybster, Bruan, Latheron and Berriedale has consented to the termination of the Team Ministry subject only to the following condition: The consent of the Lybster congregation is conditional upon the Church honouring its contractual obligations towards Mr James Morrison until the end of his contract on 31st December 2016 and that he continue as resident preacher in Lybster. 13. Whereas the condition imposed by the Lybster congregation has not been agreed by the Home Missions Board. Wherefore the Petition of the Northern Presbytery humbly craves that the General Assembly take these premises into consideration and terminate the North Coast Team Ministry arrangements with effect from 30th June They terminate the appointment of Rev. Howard Stone to the North Coast Team Ministry. They declare that Castletown and Community congregation be granted Alternative Ministerial Arrangements according to the provisions of Act XIII, Class II, 2014 and according to the terms of the Ministry Development Plan agreed by the Presbytery, the congregation and the Home Missions Board, and under the ministry of Rev. Howard Stone with his appointment continuous with his previous induction to the charge. They grant the congregation of Thurso and North Coast the status of a fully sanctioned charge with permission to call a minister without restriction according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund. They terminate the appointment of Rev. Hugh Ferrier to the North Coast Team Ministry. They instruct the Northern Presbytery to proceed to the induction of the Rev. Hugh Ferrier on the approval of the congregation at a duly constituted congregational meeting without delay or, alternatively, to proceed to take the necessary steps to fill the vacancy in the normal way. They grant the congregation of Wick and Keiss permission to call a minister on a five-year terminable, renewable appointment according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund with all the costs of ministry funded from reserves held by the congregation and with the Ministry Levy payable from the date of induction of a minister. They also grant Helmsdale and Kinbrace permission to call a minister on a five-year terminable, renewable appointment according to the provisions of Act I, Class I, 2013 anent Sustentation Fund, with the financial arrangements such that the congregation is required to remit at least 100% of the stipend payable from the date of the induction of a minister and the balance of the costs of ministry to be met from the central funds of the Church for the first five-year term only. They terminate the appointment of Mr James Morrison as Auxiliary worker for the Team and instruct the Northern Presbytery to provide pastoral