The Church of Scotland has had a profound social and cultural influence on all aspects of Scottish life for over 450 years. Yet many feel that times now are harder for the Church than ever before - and that spirits are low. People are asking what has happened to the Church that they have loved, served and belonged to for so long and how the Church can have a strong, vibrant future.
The Church's motto, semper reformanda, means 'always to be reformed, ' but what kind of reformation is needed now to bring about the future for which so many so long?
Doug Gay is a highly respected minister, author and theologian who knows the Church of Scotland in all its many facets. In this important book, he challenges the church he loves to do some 'hard thinking with a soft heart.'
Gay offers some brand new insights to inspire more fruitful conversation across the whole Church, both about what is happening right now and what can enable a bright future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Decline and Fail? On Being Consumed
1. What Just Happened?
2. Being Presbyterian
3. Follow the Money
4. Changing Ministry
5. The Architecture of Reform
Conclusion: What Comes Next?