‘If you can do it
on your own, it’s not big enough’, was the strapline of a recent FIEC
Mission Day held in Edinburgh – but it could equally be the motto for all
churches and groups with a heart to see Scotland reached for Christ. The
Fellowship of Independent Churches is one such group and is delighted to share
that ambition with the Free Church of Scotland.
FIEC is a UK wide network of over 560 Independent
Churches (including Brethren, Congregational, Baptist, Missions Halls…) who are
united by strong evangelical convictions and a vision to see local churches
strengthened and supporting each other. In other words while FIEC churches are
‘independent’ as regards their governance they know that being separatist or
existing in isolation is not a Biblical model.
In Scotland, which historically has had a relatively
small constituency of independent churches, there are currently 23 affiliated
churches along with another 30 pastors connected to FIEC’s Pastors’ Network. It
is nonetheless a growing network and encouragingly includes four new Church
Plants in Huntly, Buckhaven, Glasgow (Barlanark) and most recently in Orkney. Other
churches who have joined in recent years include Harper Church in Glasgow, Niddrie
Community Church and Charlotte Chapel in the capital.
A proliferation of new Independent Churches
A key FIEC conviction is that there is no substitute for
healthy and outward looking local churches if the gospel is to flourish again
in Scotland. In recent years while there has been decline in some sections of
the church there has been a proliferation of new Independent churches. New churches
that will be increasingly needed in evangelising unreached areas and new
communities. In this FIEC exists to help connect them with each other and to a
big vision for gospel growth across the whole nation.
Almost every Independent church would want to see Church
Planting and Revitalisations taking place nationwide, they would want to see
new gospel workers being raised up and well trained, and they would want to see
those gospel workers being supported and cared for. The reality is however,
that such aspirations are often beyond the capacity of individual churches and remain
unachievable for them. Alternatively a group of likeminded churches partnering
together have the potential to give those gospel desires concrete expression.
FIEC means that an Independent church on the Black Isle
can help a Church Plant in Glasgow get legal help setting up its constitution, a
church in the borders can support the training of a student in Edinburgh, or a church
in Shetland can help support a sick pastor in Ayrshire. In short FIEC allows
Independent Churches to have something of the vision and capability of a gospel
denomination like the Free Church.
Training
In practical terms this is being worked out in
initiatives such as the Certificate of Independent Church Ministry at ETS. The
course is designed for students and others who are considering ministry in Independent
Churches and gives an appreciation of the history, ecclesiology and
practicalities of serving in a self-governing church. Along with this has been
the FIEC initiated Pathways Conferences for men and women thinking about
vocational ministry options. In the past two years these events have helped
almost 100 men and women think through issues such as ‘the Call’, the
character, and the challenge of Christian ministry today.
Care of Workers
FIEC pastors and church leaders are connected together in
a ‘Link Pastor’ network to help ensure that no-one need feel isolated or
out-on-a-limb because they serve in an Independent church. Additional support in
this area has also been provided by pastoral retreats and day conferences which
provide refreshment and fellowship for those in the front line of church life.
Reaching Scotland
The big challenge for all gospel-hearted people is, of
course, the desperate spiritual state of the nation. With over 90% of the
Scottish population lost and increasingly ignorant of the gospel the need for
Bible-believing Christians to stand together and clearly proclaim Christ has
never been greater. Because no one group, however dynamic, can meet that need
on its own – all are needed and all have a part to play. FIEC is just one of those
groups and thus we particularly value our deepening friendship with the Free
Church and its big hearted gospel generosity towards us.
So please pray for FIEC and its work supporting
Independent Churches – pray that such churches will have a big vision for the
gospel, that being Independent won’t stop them partnering with other committed
evangelicals, and that their part in the great task of making Christ known in
the nation will be a fruitful and God-glorifying one.
No comments:
Post a Comment