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MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND MARCH 2019 • £2.00

LESSONS FROM LEWIS;HOPE IN HARRIS BY THE EDITOR

The other thing that so impressed was the energy and humour. After three long sessions each day — people still wanted more fellowship and worship at 10pm! Where did they get the energy?! They easily outpaced us — even those who were substantially older! I was also greatly encouraged with the 25 young people at the Free Church Presbytery camp who came to the services and the fellowship on the Lord’s Day. There is hope for the Church when it has young people of such quality. I was also encouraged by the few young people who actually came to the conference — it would do both them and the conference good if more came next year. One of the joys of being in Tarbert is being able to attend North Harris Free Church led by David Macleod. The congregation manage to combine a warm and hospitable atmosphere with depth and biblical clarity. They also bring together the traditional and the contemporary — Gaelic Psalms and Getty hymns! Doubtless they have their troubles, as do all of us, but this is a church which gives hope and encouragement for the future. And that is sorely needed. Because:

established item on the christian calendar of

the western isles — there is a report from this year’s conference later in this magazine. But for me it was an encouraging and also disturbing experience — somewhat reflective of the state of the Church not only in the Western Isles, but also with lessons for the rest of Scotland.

THE ENCOURAGING FELLOWSHIP OF THE LORD’S PEOPLE The Harris hotel was a superb venue for the conference. It is a family run hotel that is the opposite of Fawlty Towers! The food was the best conference food I have experienced. Sinclair Ferguson had told me to look out for the breakfasts — he was right — of course Stornoway Black Pudding featured! But what makes this conference is the people. If there are a more hospitable and warm people in the world I have yet to meet them. This island has experienced many tragedies and hard times, but the kindness and hospitality is a continuing legacy of the impact of the Gospel. I saw that warmth and kindness in the faces of many who were at the conference. Speaking of the spirituality of the people sounds a bit like a new age cliché — one that my friend Alastair McIntosh would use! But it is nonetheless true. My fellow speaker Roger Simpson commented on the depth of some of the prayers. Annabel was deeply moved by a simple but profound prayer at worship on the Sunday morning, which brought us into the presence of Christ in such a real and tangible way. For me the Gaelic singing, as always, has an incredible capacity to move the heart and stir the spirit.

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THE CHURCH IN LEWIS AND HARRIS IS IN DEEP TROUBLE. There is no way round this. The Free Church is the largest denomination on the island, and it is also the denomination of which I am a minister, so I will refrain from commenting on the difficulties that other denominations are having. I will leave others to speak about their own. However it is clear that each denomination is struggling to come to terms with an increasingly secular society and a decline in spirituality. Forces, external and internal, are threatening to sink the church.

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he harris study conference is now a well-

The Free Church has particular issues to face. The tragic death of the former editor of The Record and the ongoing police investigation of a Free Church minister for ‘inappropriate’ conduct are the elephants in the room that have had an enormous impact on a small community. The hurt, pain and confusion are palpable. In some ways, though, these are just outer manifestations and symptoms of underlying issues. The Gates of Hell are always seeking to destroy the Church. They will never prevail, but they can give us an enormous buffeting and be used by the Lord to humble us and drive us to our knees. Sometimes the storms expose our own insecurities, hypocrisy and weakness. When that happens we can either pretend and act in denial, or we can repent and seek His grace and mercy. In the 1990s I did a small investigation into some numbers in the Free Church. One thing that astounded me was that between 1990 and 1994 the Free Church in Lewis lost 25% of its Sunday school attendance. That was a sign then that all was not well and that trouble was coming within the next couple of decades. I don’t think that the Church was prepared to face up to that trouble. We sometimes prefer to live off the glories of the past (‘the last stronghold of the pure Gospel’) or retreat into a narrow traditional ecclesiology, which on the surface appears biblical but in reality is primarily cultural. This leads to a lack of spiritual discernment and theological depth —

better. Those of us who are shepherds, ministers and elders, need to care for the sheep, not look to the sheep to bolster our fragile egos! We need to heed the Word of the Lord that came to Ezekiel: The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? — Ezekiel 34:1-2 (Read the whole chapter — it’s a sobering wake up call for us all!) There are questions of leadership, communication, vision, evangelism, discipleship and purpose that need to be both asked and answered — not just in Lewis but throughout the church.

This island has experienced many tragedies and hard times, but the kindness and hospitality is a continuing legacy of the impact of the Gospel. LESSONS FROM A SHIPWRECK AND A DISTILLERY En route home I was moved and thrilled by a piece of public art work — the Iolaire memorial in Stornoway harbour. The Iolaire tragedy is a reminder of how people are lost when shipwreck happens. The Church in Lewis is in grave danger of crashing on to the rocks of secularism, sectarianism and self-absorption. It’s time for us to wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die. The Church still has so much to offer the people of the Islands, and the rest of Scotland. But it needs to be reformed, renewed and revived. There are also lessons that we can learn from one of the good news stories in Harris — that of the Harris Distillery. Someone had a vision for a distillery that would employ local people in an area that desperately needed real permanent jobs. They invested in that vision and they took their time. So far they have managed to employ 33 people — they have trained up local people and they are beginning to produce their product and see the rewards for their labours. Even though they are still three years away from having their first whisky sold, they are selling a great deal of gin; and through clever marketing and establishing a reputation for quality, they have people beating a path to their door. Vision, patience, investment, leadership, time, quality, training, people, and a deep and abiding love — you get the picture? If we really love the Lord, love his Word and his Day… if we really love his people and love these beautiful islands, then can the Church not show the same determination, vision and passion as the Distillery?! What applies to Lewis and Harris surely applies to the rest of us. It’s time for us to get real, to repent and to pray that the Lord will revive and renew His Church in our land. •

Wearing the outer clothes of a bygone generation without having their heart just begets hypocrisy. which in turns exposes the church to the dangers of heresies both in practice and theology. When faced with external cultural pressures and internal spiritual troubles, there is a temptation (especially amongst younger ministers) to either: throw out the baby with the bath water and leave the good from the traditions of the past; or to attempt to return ‘to the ways of our Fathers’ — without knowing what those ways were and forgetting that at their best the ways of our Fathers’ were the ways of the Lord. We need to be asking the Lord what his way is for the Church today — not seeking to recreate for ourselves the culture and church of the past. Wearing the outer clothes of a bygone generation without having their heart just begets hypocrisy. The bottom line is that if the Free Church in Lewis retreats into ever decreasing ‘strongholds’, if it adopts the ‘remnant’ mentality and circles the wagons, it will die. And that is heartbreaking. The people I met at the Harris conference deserve

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REVITALISATION TRAINING

The morning session began with a case study on St Peter’s Free Church, Dundee. Mr Robertson shared some of his 27 year experience serving the local church which began in single figures and has now grown to a weekly attendance of over 200. In a time of Q&A, the group discussed the difficulties of rural ministry compared to urban ministry. Acknowledging these difficulties, Mr Robertson said, “I’m not saying it’s easy anywhere, I think it’s difficult everywhere...but we need to be creative.” In the afternoon session, the group was joined by Mr MacDonald who discussed his time at Ferintosh and Resolis on the Black Isle and Portree. Offering some words of encouragement Mr MacDonald said, “The most important thing to remember is sovereignty. God continues to remind me that, ‘You can work your socks off in the community but I’m sovereign. I can use you but I don’t need you.’” He went on to say, “The Gospel isn’t outreach, it’s knowing your community, engaging with them and being one of them.” The two-year revitalisation track aims to provide a network for ministers to encourage and learn from one another. Please pray for them as they continue to meet and seek to serve wherever God has placed them. •

group of ministers from around the country met in edinburgh in january to discuss and encourage one another around the theme of

church revitalisation.

In a forum led by Mission Director Rev. David Meredith, the group heard from St Peter’s Free Church minister Rev. David Robertson and Portree’s Rev. Donnie G. MacDonald. The group explored many themes including finances, personal time management, resources, communities, local vision and strategies.

Church Revitalisation Forum in Edinburgh

INDUCTION IN CHRIST CHURCH OF REV. JONATHAN DE GROOT

n tuesday 29 th january , rev . jonathan de

Jonathan thanked those who had supported and encouraged him with the development of the church plant. •

groot was inducted to the congregation of christ church , glasgow , a church plant in

the north west of the city .

The induction took place in Partick Free Church during an ordinary meeting of the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll. They were joined during the proceedings by a sizeable number of Jonathan’s congregation, along with family and friends. Rev. Garry Brotherston, Bishopbriggs Free Church, preached on 1 Corinthians 3:1-15, emphasising that the fundamental requirement of any church was to preach Christ crucified. The “Questions” being satisfactorily answered and the Formula signed, Jonathan was inducted to the charge and given the right hand of fellowship by the Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. Rory Stott of Ayr Free Church, and members of Presbytery. Rev Ivor MacDonald, Hope Church Coatbridge, encouraged Jonathan to “be strong and courageous … for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), and Rev. Iain Macaskill, Stirling Free Church, asked the members of the congregation present to promise to pray for their newly inducted minister.

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Jonathan de Groot with his wife Sheona and their children Joshua, Matthew and Rebecca.

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INDUCTION OF REV. CALUM IAIN MACLEOD IN URQUHART AND RESOLIS

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Induction Tea, Presentations and Speeches also in Dingwall Academy. After everyone had enjoyed a sumptuous spread, Rev. Sandy Sutherland (former Interim Moderator) took the Chair and read out as many messages and greetings as was practically possible from well-wishes and congregations, beginning with a message from the Back congregation that wished the sentiments of Psalm 122:7ff upon the new chapter in the life and ministry of Rev. Calum Iain and the Urquhart and Resolis congregation. This was followed by a letter from Rev. Chris Smart, the former minister, and family. This was both humorous and serious and, like all the messages, very much appreciated. The final greeting came from the Western Isles Presbytery and was given personally by Rev. Callum MacLeod (Shawbost) who, in wishing the Presbytery’s desire to see the new ministry prosper under God, gave thanks for Rev. Calum Iain’s ministry in both Barvas and Back.

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presbytery of inverness , lochaber and ross met in dingwall academy for the induction of rev . calum

(formerly of Back Free Church, Lewis) to the pastoral charge of Urquhart (Ferintosh) and Resolis. This charge fell vacant on 3 rd July 2017 with the resignation of Rev. Chris Smart to be Senior Pastor in the Associated Presbyterian Church of America, Tampa, Florida. iain macleod

Calum with Rev. Donnie G. Macdonald (a previous minister)

The Moderator of the Presbytery, Rev. Sandy Sutherland (Fortrose), led the worship service and spoke on Reasons for The Call, using Hebrews 9: 27 as a guide. After Rev. John R de la Haye had led the congregation in the singing of Psalm 67, the Rev. MacLeod answered the relevant questions from The Practice of The Free Church, signed the Formula and, on being inducted, received the Right Hand of Fellowship from the Presbytery and the gathered ministers associated with the Presbytery. Thereafter, Rev. MacLeod and the congregation of Urquhart & Resolis were addressed, respectively, by Rev. Dr Malcolm MacLean (Greyfriars and Stratherrick) who challenged both the new minister and the congregation to be faithful to the Lord and to His cause. After the singing of Psalm 24:7-10 to the tune St George’s Edinburgh, Rev. Sutherland gave the grace and pronounced the benediction, after which the congregation was invited to wait for the

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Calum Martin leading the singing

The chairman then invited Rev. Neil MacLean to make a presentation to the new minister. Rev. MacLean spoke of the delight of the congregation in Rev. Calum Iain’s induction and of how there had been a real sense of God’s guidance in Rev. MacLeod’s calling. Mrs Cath Dalgetty presented gifts and flowers to Mrs Dina MacLeod and Calum and Dina’s three daughters: Anne-Marie, Rachel Kate and Eilidh. In reply Rev. MacLeod thanked the congregation for its kindness over the past days and for the gifts that he, his wife and family had received. Rev. MacLeod looked forward to his new ministry and getting to know everyone. Rev. MacLeod took the Chair for the remaining part of the Reception. In doing so, Rev. MacLeod first called on Dr Ian MacIver to make a presentation on behalf of the congregation to >>

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<< Rev. Sandy Sutherland. Dr MacIver reminded everyone that this was the second time that Rev. Sutherland had been the congregation’s interim moderator and thanked him most sincerely for his unstinting work on the congregation’s behalf. Along with a presentation to Rev. Sutherland, there was also a handsome cheque given to him for the Fortrose Free Church Building Fund. Rev. Sutherland thanked the congregation for its kindness and said that the vacancy’s smooth transition from one ministry to another was due to an active Kirk Session supported by an enthusiastic congregation. Rev. Sutherland presented the new minister with a map of the Black Isle (so that after being out visiting he could relocate the manse!) and a book of walks in the neighbourhood for Ruby the manse dog. The new minister called on Back Elder Mr Alex John MacLeod to speak and on Mr Calum Martin to sing. Mrs Catherine Joan MacDonald accompanied Mr Martin in leading the singing of ‘What a Friend we Have in Jesus’. Mr Alex John MacLeod said that the Back congregation would miss Rev. Calum Iain, Dina and family but they had appreciated their time with them and that Rev. MacLeod was both very practical and very pastoral. Rev. Dr. Malcolm MacLean (who had been at the Free Church College with the new minister) was the final invited guest to speak and did so humorously

in recalling College days as well as mentioning, on a more serious note, times in the ministry together. Mr Calum MacAulay and Miss Mairi Stewart from the congregation of Urquhart and Resolis then led the congregation in singing ‘Be Thou My Vision’. The new minister, prior to his closing remarks, paid tribute to long-serving minister and ‘inspiration’ Rev. Angus MacDonald (formerly in South Africa) who had made the journey from Lewis, despite infirmity, to be present at the induction. Rev. MacLeod then called on a former Free Church College contemporary, Rev. Dr Colin Dow (Glasgow City), to close with prayer. Thanks be to God. •

Calum Iain MacLeod and his wife Dina

WESTERN ISLES PRESBYTERY: YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP SUPPORTWORKER Closing date for applications: Friday 15th March This new role offers a highly enthusiastic and passionate youth worker the opportunity to be actively engaged in youth discipleship. The successful applicant will work with the youth committee of the Western Isles Presbytery to develop youth discipleship in congregations. They will work with existing youth leaders and Kirk Sessions to provide opportunities for young people to grow a resilient Christian faith. The role requires the post holder to demonstrate a clear Christian commitment and sympathy to the ethos and vision of the Free Church of Scotland. Therefore it is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a Christian. Any enquiries, or for informal discussion, please contact Rev David Macleod on 07920 844260 or email david.macleod@me.com. 3 year fixed term contract (Initial 6 month probation period) Full-Time: 37 hrs p/w Salary: £20,000 plus expenses An application pack can be requested from: stuking@hotmail.com To apply send completed application form with covering letter to stuking@hotmail.com About the Free Church The Free Church of Scotland is committed to the proclamation and furtherance of the Christian faith in the nation of Scotland and beyond. We believe that faith in the person and works of our Lord Jesus Christ is humanity’s greatest need, since it is only by His perfect sinless life, sacrificial death on a cross, and bodily resurrection from the dead that we can be reconciled to God and granted eternal life. Safeguarding The Free Church of Scotland has a Christian care for the welfare of each individual and seeks to make the Church a safe place for all. In particular, the Church seeks to protect and safeguard all those who are especially vulnerable, both children and vulnerable adults, with whom it comes into contact through its activities and services. Scottish Charity — Registration Number SC047062

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ETS NEWS BY REV. THOMAS DAVIS

SABBATICAL STUDIES AT ETS Recently, DAVID BINGHAM, one of our Sabbatical Studies students, returned to the US after six months of studying at ETS. Below is a personal account of his time at ETS, which he found a beneficial and transformational experience.

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in scotland . After retiring in early 2018, I made the plunge to spend six months here. I researched seminaries and chose ETS for my sabbatical studies. This time of study, prayer, reading, attending classes, reflecting and thinking, meetings with supervisor, John Angus, speaking with students and professors, traveling, playing golf, visiting cousins and friends, and just living in Scotland have all contributed to what has been a fantastic sabbatical experience. I believe, with John’s guidance, my knowledge of God and me knowing God has been really transformational, especially in the last three months, and my understanding and faith has become more real than ever before. My reading of ‘A Faith to Live By’ (by Donald Macleod) began my study, followed by learning to unpack scripture, especially with my research on the divinity of Christ. I now believe I am a committed Christian. My reading of ‘Knowing God’ (J.I. Packer) alongside discussions in mid-November helped me come to a point where I felt I was accepting Christ all over again, but in a full acceptance and much more complete understanding. Since then, I believe more than ever before that God really is changing me and working with

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me in a closer relationship than I have ever had before. One thing that stood out for me is that the core group of teachers were all cohesive and in unity in their passion for God and passion for truth and passion for teaching and helping students learn about being the best pastors the students could be; there was a shared zeal and heart for equipping the young pastors. The team, including Heather, were dedicated and shared their hearts for the Lord in their common goals. They talked about theology combined with practical application, often relating it to current issues and current mindsets of the Scottish people around them – it seemed that everyone acted the gospel as well as talked it.

Auditing classes was a true joy and a very beneficial part of my sabbatical. It was a privilege to sit in on these fascinating lectures by the ETS teacher theologians, as well as participating in classroom discussions. Many classroom lessons tied directly to what I was studying myself at the time. This part of my ETS time was truly beneficial. As my sabbatical draws to a close, it is now time for me to move forward and combine continued learning with living the life of a disciple of Christ.’ • Considering Sabbatical Studies in Theology and Mission at ETS? We can tailor programmes to suit your needs and interests. Find out more on our website — ets.ac.uk

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hen we think of the psalms, most of us think

Despite the strong emphasis on public emotion in modernizing worship, the church often significantly truncates the human emotional experience.

solely of reading them.

But we should also sing them, particularly in the gathering of the church. Indeed, for 3,000 years the Psalter has been the songbook of God’s people. Here are 10 reasons why it’s important to sing the Psalms in your church today.

07. THEY TRANSFORM FAMILY WORSHIP The Psalms will revolutionize your private and family worship. Many years ago, not long after I (David) became a Christian, I visited a friend’s house in Tain in the Scottish Highlands. When we finished our meal, the father in the home announced: “Now we’ll have the books.” The books? What did he mean by that? I soon found out. Someone came in with Bibles and Psalm books. We read the Word, we prayed the Word, and we sang the Word. It was a profoundly moving experience and gave me an insight into why that particular family was full of such strong and godly Christians. Ever since, the Psalms have become the DNA of my life. I read or sing one at least every day. My small red Psalm book goes with me everywhere. In 2011, as I was seriously ill going in and out of a coma in the hospital, my family didn’t know what or how to pray. I was in great distress. So every night they sat and prayed a psalm with me. A consultant friend laminated Psalm 91, among others, and stuck them to the wall beside my bed. They sustained me.

01. THE BIBLE TELLS US TO That’s the strongest argument we’ve got. And it’s a good one! When we don’t take the Psalms seriously, our commitment to the Bible is called into question as well. 02. PSALMS ARE THE WORD OF GOD The Holy Spirit is the songwriter of the Psalms: They’re pure Scripture. One of the joys of focusing on Psalms for the last year is the amount of time I (Keith) have spent in Scripture. I also have the joy of listening to my little daughters running around the house singing Psalm 8 and Psalm 139. 03. PSALMS ARE THE SONGS JESUS SANG As a boy Jesus would have memorized and learned many if not all of the Psalms. The book of Psalms is the songbook of the Bible. They would become the soundtrack of his life. They can be the soundtrack of your life, too.

08. THEY WILL UNIFY OUR CHURCH FAMILIES In our modern church culture, where “worship wars” abound and people come from disparate church backgrounds (and no church background!), the Psalms unify all of Christendom. They are also “premodern” and “postmodern,” which unifies generations.

04. THEY GIVE US A MORE ‘AUTHENTIC’ PICTURE OF GOD For all that contemporary people apparently crave “authenticity in worship,” if we follow contemporary trends we’ll succumb to the bias of our church leaders or the movements they follow. For example, only 3 percent of modern worship songs mention anything eternal, and they rarely take on themes of God that make us uncomfortable. The Psalms, meanwhile, make us wince when we sing of God’s judgment and wrath. They also give us a far bigger, more beautiful, breathtaking picture of God’s glory.

09. THEY WILL REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR CHURCH FAMILY Your congregation is what they sing. We memorize what we sing. If you sing the Psalms, your congregation will have a vast amount of Scripture stored in their minds and hearts. Last night at our church, we sang the Getty version of Psalm 8 (we also sang parts of Psalm 107 and Psalm 25). It was beautiful. Some think our church’s unique selling point is our psalm-singing. One impeccably orthodox man wryly remarked, “I just can’t get my head ’round that psalm-singing thing!” Why not, though? I don’t understand why every evangelical church doesn’t sing psalms. If you want to worship in Spirit and truth, would it not help to use the songbook that the Spirit of Truth himself inspired?

05. PSALMS ARE CHRISTOLOGICAL Look at how often the New Testament uses the Psalms to speak of the life of Christ. Do you want to know what Christ felt like on the cross? Read Psalm 22. 06. THEY SPEAK TO THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF HUMAN EMOTION Psalms perfectly balance theology with emotion, justice with evangelism, the personal with the collective. One young woman told me (David) that she came to our church because we allowed her to be depressed. While “the church that allows you to be depressed” may not be the best advertising slogan in the modern world, I understood what she was saying. She struggled with depression, and we sometimes sang songs that gave voice to that depression and allowed her to express it.

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10. THEY ARE MISSIONAL Psalms are superb for evangelism in today’s world. One middle-aged hippy wandered into our church a few years ago. Afterward he said, “Dave, I loved that, man. Especially the plain chant. Singing 3,000-year-old words from Palestine … cool!” The Psalms are poetry in emotion that speak to the hearts of all peoples.

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SING PSALMS IN YOUR CHURCH So how can we improve our churches this Sunday? The Sing movement isn’t about the next big thing in worship. As we aspire to educate and inspire churches in singing, we’re more interested in going back—and the Psalms are the oldest and most biblical songs we have. Here are five things we can all do that will help us reclaim the Psalms: 1. Read the Psalms every day in your home. We started this three years ago, and it has been transformational. We highly recommend Tim Keller’s The Songs of Jesus as a devotional to help you think, pray, and sing to the Lord each day. 2. Fill your homes with the songs of the Psalms—let them fill your minds, hearts, mouths, imaginations, and souls. 3. Read the Psalms every Sunday in your services, using them as calls to worship and getting your whole church to read a psalm, perhaps responsively, if you don’t have liturgy. 4. Pray the Psalms. Use the Psalms to fill your prayers. 5. Sing the Psalms. Try some of these modern psalms, or perhaps older hymns inspired by psalms. The psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart” (Ps. 119:11). We can “hide” God’s Word in our hearts by singing it, and we can proclaim that “hidden” Word to the world and the angels by singing it. What are we waiting for? • This article first appeared on The Gospel Coalition website — https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ article/10-reasons-your-church-sing-psalms/

TEN REASONS THE CHURCH SHOULDSING PSALMS BY KEITH GETTY AND DAVID ROBERTSON

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Keith Getty and his wife, Kristyn, have been at the forefront of the modern hymn movement over the past decade, bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary.