Useful Resources
- Mission Grant Fund – FAQs and Application Form. (Include link again)
- Discipleship Resources – this document (Link to discipleship resources PDF) lists a selection of resources on discipleship, eldership and local mission and ministry available from the Church of Scotland. You could also visit Learn Online (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/learn) and Exploring Discipleship (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/exploring-discipleship).
- Children & Young People – this site (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/children-and-youth) lists a range of ideas, resources and case studies related to ministry with children, young people and intergenerationally.
- Funding for Mission – in addition to Presbytery’s Mission Grants Fund, congregations may also apply to the following national funds: Small Grants Fund (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/small-grants-fund) for grants of up to £1000 for short-term projects, Pioneer Mission Fund (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/church-of-scotland-2022-pioneer-mission-fund) for grants of up to £10,000 to support local church growth.
- A Narrative of Generosity – resources (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/stewardship/a-narrative-of-generosity) to encourage the sharing of stories to develop a focus on mission on themes such as vision, youth, earth and relationships.
The Five Marks of Mission
The mission of the Church is the mission of Christ:
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
- To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
- To respond to human need by loving service
- To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
Mission Coordinator
Our Mission Coordinator, Rev Ken Brown, is available to assist congregations and mission districts explore any aspect of mission. Ken has a vast experience of supporting congregations develop community outreach and engagement and can help congregations develop and achieve a vision for engaging with the five marks of mission. Click here to contact Ken. (Kenneth.brown@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Mission Grants Fund
The Faith Nurture Committee can award grants of up to £500 to enable congregations to begin a new missional initiative. Applications to the fund are assessed on a monthly basis, so there is no deadline to apply. To find out more about the Mission Grants Fund or apply, download the application form. (Link to Mission Grant Application Form.)
The Fund has enabled congregations to begin holiday clubs, Messy Church, creative arts projects, community outreach and hospitality projects and would welcome applications which aim to meet any of the five marks of mission. Here is one example of how the Fund was used in a local congregation:
Holy Week Holiday Club
The congregation of St. Stephen’s Comely Bank received a grant to put on a range of activities during Holy Week 2021, including a daily holiday club, two family meals, a family night and an Easter morning event, with some of the grant being used to provide meals and snacks freely to local children. They described the week as “very meaningful” and said that the grant was “used with enthusiasm to share the Good News, bring others into fellowship with the church, and to honour the Lord.”
Summer Internship Scheme
(A review of this is currently underway and information will be available in February 2023.)
Training and Learning
Courses are regularly offered in areas including eldership, worship leading, pastoral care and children’s/youth ministry. In addition, the Committee has a small budget which can help fund attendance at courses organised by our academic partners which would benefit the mission and discipleship of local congregations.
Upcoming courses:
- Details to follow once they become available.
Supporting Your Congregation
The Committee has a vast and diverse experience of Mission and Discipleship within its membership, and has various funds which can be used to support certain purposes. If your congregation is looking for support, please get in touch (Kenneth.brown@churchofscotland.org.uk) and we will see if we can help you.