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Grant Barclay

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A Church Without Walls

You may navigate round the site using the buttons on the left. The bold type in the centre (immediately below the banner) will tell you where you have reached.

The Church Without Walls Committee is eager to allow congregations to share examples of good practice, as well as thoughts on the contents of the Report. If you have anything to share, you are welcome to use this website. Please contact Grant Barclay in the first instance. You may do so by clicking here.

Reports from each year

• a summary of Year 1 ideas
• a summary of Year 2 ideas
• a summary of Year 3 ideas (available mid 2005)

What subjects have we touched on?

• True Discipleship
• Worship
• The Church Family
• Our Personnel
• Prayer
• Ourselves
• Gospel focus
• Community review
• The Spiritual Journey
• The World Church
• The Environment
• Local Needs Plan
• Review of Leadership Structure
• Cell, Congregations and Celebration
• Congregational Groupings and Links with other Congregations
• Open Meetings and Communication by Kirk Session
• Forming Networks Focused on Shared Context or Concern
• In what way can Presbytery help?

Reports from Year 1 (2002)  (return to top)

In the first year of studying the Report, Presbytery encouraged congregations to consider congregational life, and to that end it divided the Report into sections (details can be found in the Timetable page). Kirk Sessions were instructed to study the relevant sections of the Report, in this year six "commendations" (areas of congregational life where congregations and office bearers were urged to focus their thinking- you can view the sheets which were prepared by clicking here). This is a summary of the reports which Presbytery has received on each of the six areas:

1. True Discipleship
2. Worship
3. The Church Family
4. Our Personnel
5. Prayer
6. Ourselves

True Discipleship  (return to top)

Urge congregations to reflect on the cycle of grace and what it means to live out that grace in our life together.

Some of the various ways in which congregations handled this issue were that the idea was developed in preaching; the issue had been raised in the church magazine; Kirk Sessions developed it either by retreat or by giving time at Session meetings, in general reflection or at conference sessions; in allowing it to develop a realisation that change was necessary; by holding special group meetings during Advent and Lent on the topic.

There was a broad range feeling that it might have helped each congregation if it were able to discover how other congregations had dealt with the topic and it is still possible that congregations may meet and discuss some of these matters further.

It seems that some of the limits to growth may be our inability to analyse just where we are as congregations, our reluctance or fear about probing too deeply and our reticence to be imaginative and open ourselves up to new possibilities. However, the topic stimulated thinking which may otherwise not have taken place and it is likely that it is the serious and prayerful consideration of the idea that is itself a lever for change.

Only a few congregations asked for any help from Presbytery, but their request was generally that Presbytery be asked to run a course on "discipleship" open to members of congregations right across the Presbytery.

Worship  (return to top)

Urge Ministers and Kirk Sessions to undertake a review of the worship of the existing congregation and assess potential for developments within and beyond the congregation.

More than half the congregations in Presbytery repeated the desire for more "lay" participation, even if that simply meant just someone other than the Minister reading the lessons each week, and a number of Kirk Sessions have either agreed to consider worship groups further or have in fact established such groups. Some congregations are actively seeking more involvement of their young people in the production of worship material and the leading of worship itself and a few already have active Young Worship groups.

Several congregations report great benefits in worship from their team ministry and others are developing links with other congregations (local and distant) to seek and share good practice. Some congregations have initiated Praise Bands, either their own or invited from outside and almost all congregations are already using a mix of old and new music in worship. A few Kirk Sessions state their intent to alter the interior of their sanctuaries, for example removing pews, clearing the chancel, to facilitate greater flexibility in worship and more mixing together by their congregations.

It may be argued that a limit for growth here is the conservatism of some Ministers and members who like things they way they are despite falling numbers attending and the corresponding lever for change would therefore be to allow congregations and members to see good new practice in others and any resulting improvement in attendance. In the "real" church, however, there needs to be a healthy balance between old and new, a willingness to experiment and an honest appraisal of the results.

Worship Workshops could be organised by the Presbytery for the benefit of all.

The Church Family  (return to top)

Urge congregations to determine to integrate children and young people into the life of the congregation; or to offer resources to plant a church for a new congregation alongside the current congregation.

Most of the congregations in Presbytery emphasised the need for there to be more integration of young people, in worship particularly but also in other areas of congregational life. There was a general feeling that people need to be more open and welcoming.

Among the suggestions which congregations are putting into practice are family suppers, young adult groups, youth cafes, special services for young people and families, involving more young people in worship (including attendance at Communion) and in the planning of worship events. One congregation is examining the possibility of employing a full-time or part-time youth worker while another hopes to work collaboratively with other congregations on a similar project.

A limit to growth is the current gap between the generations around church, but a lever for change is the increased attention being given to working with young people and in their involvement in the life and worship of the congregation.

Our Personnel  (return to top)

Urge Kirk Sessions to identify the spiritual gifts of the people and grow the Church around the people we have rather than deploy people to support existing Church structures. Again, varied action was proposed across Presbytery, generally either by identifying the gifts of members on a congregation-wide basis or by focusing on new members; and encouraging the development of gifts perhaps through the use of a "talent scout", or in a congregation-wide meeting, or through personal review interviews for elders.

Some congregations reported that the lack of resources to help discover resources was itself a difficulty and that, in a relatively small congregation, most of the "active members" were already very active and heavily involved in the Church's life while the majority of members played a much less significant role. A further perspective was that congregations might look beyond congregational membership to the parish to identify and use the gifts available among those who live in the parish.

It was suggested that Presbytery might assist by encouraging the sharing of resources, or of making such a sharing possible. The self-assessment questionnaire used at the elders' conference was also thought to be valuable.

Some levers for change were the willingness of members and officebearers to discuss issues of abilities and skills, but limits to growth were seen to be the limited number of members of a congregation willing to become more involved and the limited communication among congregations to permit the sharing of gifts. It was thought that Presbytery might be involved in developing such a system of communication.

Prayer  (return to top)

Urge Kirk Sessions to identify ways of deepening the prayer life of their congregations individually and together.

Apart from praying together in traditional worship situations there was great emphasis placed on praying together in groups. Some congregations reported that they had a prayer group meeting regularly while others aimed to start such a group and meet, for example, a breakfast time to pray.

There are different ways of praying with initiatives such as a week of directed prayer and a seminar held to encourage children to pray and one congregation made prayer information available by email. Others considered producing prayer diaries or cards which would aid in individual praying. Opening church buildings for a time to permit quiet spaces for prayer were also seen as helpful.

Positive levers for change were identified as using "things" such as booklets to help focus attention, prayer itself and a willingness to be changed through prayer, developing confidence in knowing "how to pray" and encouraging the idea that the well known Sunday morning pattern was not the only means of praying. Limits to growth were thought to be embarrassment at not being able to offer extempore prayers in public, a lack of commitment to prayer as well as issues of vulnerability and confidentiality. It was not though that Presbytery could offer any significant assistance in this area.

Ourselves  (return to top)

Urge the leadership in every area of Church life to institute the discipline of a period of retreat, rest and reflection and allow space for God to change us.

Most Kirk Sessions reported they had considered this issue and most indicated they were taking the matter further, in some cases by arranging a retreat or quieter period for reflection. The idea of a "set time away" (either for members of the Session or the whole congregation) was most frequently the manner in which Sessions reported they were advancing this matter but other approaches included exchanging members for a time, encouraging friendships among elders by holding social events or by eating together.

Few suggestions were made as to the ways in which Presbytery might help, though it was suggested that Presbytery might lead by example in providing retreat opportunities or that Presbytery may organise another large-scale event such as that held at Pentecost 2000. Levers for change may be the willingness with which Sessions considered and arranged times of relaxation and worship with others.

Reports from Year 2 (2003)  (return to top)

In the second year of studying the Report, Presbytery encouraged congregations to consider community and mission, and divided the Report into sections (details can be found in the Timetable page). Kirk Sessions were instructed to study the relevant sections of the Report, in this year five "commendations" (areas of community and mission where congregations and office bearers were urged to focus their thinking- you can view the sheets which were prepared by clicking here). This is a summary of the reports which Presbytery has received on each of the five areas:

1. Gospel focus
2. Community review
3. The Spiritual Journey
4. The World Church
5. The Environment

Gospel focus  (return to top)

Urge congregations to choose to study, reflect on and live by one Gospel for one year in the first instance, and let Jesus shape the life and structure of the congregation.

Of the 25 Congregations who responded, about a third reported taking no action. Reasons for this ranged from thinking that the idea was very limiting to fairly positive statements from a number who are doing their own thing, especially carrying on with their routine use of the Lectionary. Of those who report taking action, most who expressed a preference have opted for Mark's Gospel, a couple for Luke and 1 for John. The remaining congregations are "doing their own thing", "haven't chosen yet", or got slightly lost in comments about quite different matters! The methods used in congregations include series of sermons on Sundays and at mid-week services, elder-led-groups specially set up and a step-by-step reading guide in the church magazine.

The adoption of this Commendation by one church was a lever for change: they spent a year following Mark's Gospel in the sermons which drew out "points for action" which were then followed up. Another congregation used a focus on Luke's Gospel to help them "lay the foundations for a more Christ-centred life within the town."

Community review  (return to top)

Urge congregations to undertake a community review at least once every 5 years to reflect on the issues, changes and missionary opportunities in the community.

All Kirk Sessions responding indicated they had discussed the commendation and the vast majority were planning to take this further. Of these, a number planned to consider the issues raised in greater depth, but among the specific proposals mentioned were conducting a survey of the congregation, arranging social events and coffee mornings for members of the Church and Parish, opening the church building to the public at times other than when services were being held, visiting the people in the Parish and distributing leaflets, making use of the local press, placing the Church magazine in local surgeries and libraries, setting up a congregational website, employing a youth or community worker on a full or part-time basis, funding a hostel for the homeless, encouraging the use by the community of the Church Halls during the day, becoming involved in the local authority "Better Neighbourhood Scheme" and opening a coffee shop in the town.

A few Sessions thought Presbytery could help, by providing data from the recent census (which is currently being distributed to all congregations) or financial resourcing or assisting in procuring funding from other sources.

The Spiritual Journey  (return to top)

Urge congregations to form paths for the spiritual journey to help people become Christian disciples in today's world.

Those congregations who tackled this Commendation responded in a variety of ways, and of those who did not, one commented that the reason was the lack of clarification in the commendation. Of the congregations which replied, most indicated they would be starting or continuing with discussions in Kirk Session or study groups; almost as many would be engaging in the Alpha Course; several planned to study the Bible (with one majoring on Luke's Gospel), a few were planning to work in and with the local community and the same number were engaged in setting up a parish grouping and a couple 2 were holding prayer meetings or setting up prayer groups. Other decisions which were mentioned were to visit the parish, build a sense of belonging, work with Scripture Union at camp and in school, have a "Season of the Spirit", run a course to support those recently bereaved, work with members who are currently not attendending worship, organising an event for 16-25 year-olds and developing a welcome team.

World Church  (return to top)

Urge congregations to research an area of the world church and establish a personal partnership with a congregation or project.

This commendation encouraged congregations to develop a way of thinking that sees the local church very much as part of a global family. About a third of the responses received indicated that congregations already felt they were engaged in such a process, mostly through the arrangement of having missionary partners. Other congregations are involved in sponsorship arrangements which provide support for individuals or small projects while others have connections with larger-scale organisations such as Tear Fund, Fair Trade products, Blythswood Care and the Leprosy Mission.

One congregation had already established a relationship with a congregation abroad and others indicated they were planning such a project.

Most congregations feel that they already enjoy valuable links with the wider church and its work while being open to the suggestion of deepening those existing connections.

Through these initiatives and others such as developing communication between World Mission link representatives and the congregation, or the church magazine, awareness may be raised which may in turn nurture a deeper prayerful concern for the needs of Christians further afield.

The Environment  (return to top)

Urge congregations to explore ways of being more environmentally aware and responsible as a witness to the Christian care of God's creation.

Almost all the congregations which made a response considered that they were able to take significant steps to care for our environment, though a few did not think that this was one of the church's priorities at this time. A few Sessions mentioned that they had found the material available from the Society, Religion and Technology Project website helpful. The likely action ranged from replacing lightbulbs with fluorescent lamps ones in church buildings, conserving water and recycling waste where possible to reviewing the maintenance of church grounds to see if these might be made more attractive. Some congregations had taken part in clean-up initiatives with the local authority and others collected newspapers at church for onward transmission for recycling. A few congregations were considering becoming "eco-congregations" and one congregation had developed an awareness-raising initiative among its young adult group and was taking up suggestions available from the Church's web site.

Another aspect of environmental concern picked up by a number of congregations was the issue of fair trading, involving making fairly traded goods available at church and encouraging members to make informed decisions on fair trade products as part of their normal shopping. Few suggestions were made as to the assistance Presbytery could provide, but it was felt that if Presbytery developed certain specific objectives there might form a cluster of issues around which churches could unite.

Reports from Year 3 (2004)  (return to top)

In the third and final year of studying the Report, Presbytery encouraged congregations to consider congregational structures, and to that end it divided the Report into sections (details can be found in the Timetable page). Kirk Sessions were instructed to study the relevant sections of the Report, in this year five "commendations" and two instructions (areas of congregational structure where members and office bearers were urged to focus their thinking- you can view the sheets which were prepared by clicking here). This is a summary of the reports which Presbytery has received on each of the six areas:

1. Local Needs Plan
2. Review of Leadership Structure
3. Cell, Congregations and Celebration
4. Congregational Groupings and Links with other Congregations
5. Open Meetings and Communication by Kirk Session
6. Forming Networks Focused on Shared Context or Concern
7. In what way can Presbytery help?

Local Needs Plan  (return to top)

Instruct Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries to study the report as a stimulus to identifying the levers for change and the limits to growth in the local situation; Kirk Sessions to establish a "local needs" plan and Presbytery to establish a "regional needs" plan of support, with special reference to deliverance sections C1-17 and C26-30; and to apply, where appropriate, to the Community and Parish Development Fund.

Most of the replies stated that the topic had been discussed in general terms but five congregations reported specific initiatives.
One Kirk Session had established links with the Local Authority’s new Anti-Social Behaviour Team, the Community Warden and Social Services Department.
Another had links with the community through The Boys’ Brigade, The Guild, Praying Across Scotland, Pulpit Exchange and the community’s use of their halls.
A third was embarking on a parish visitation, was involved in a link with another congregation and was talking to the Y.M.C.A.
A fourth was training 20 members for a planned Parish Mission in the spring of 2005.
The fifth was promoting mission through the development of a scheme of street wardens within their membership to identify residential changes. That congregation had also established an informal “café-style” midweek time of worship.

Review of Leadership Structure   (return to top)

Instruct Kirk Sessions to review the leadership structure, consider what ministry team is needed for current needs and determine how it might be developed in the next five years.

One congregation had adopted the new Unitary Constitution, had introduced open meetings and had involved more members in its committees. Another proposed the introduction of a team ministry to serve the needs of its parish. Elder training and the greater involvement of the laity in worship were also being promoted.

Cell, Congregations and Celebration Aspects  (return to top)

Urge congregations to consider how the cell, congregation and celebration dimensions of being the church might be applied locally.

Amongst the initiatives reported were improved communication with the parish, coffee after worship, family lunches and social events, prayer groups, an alpha course, fund raising for the third world, monthly services in a community centre and flexibility of worship with two Sunday morning services.

Congregational Groupings and Links with other Congregations   (return to top)

Urge congregations to form groupings according to their natural communities to explore shared mission and mutual ministry, with other churches in the area.
and
Urge congregations to establish links with other congregations in a different social context as a partnership of mutual ministry.

These items are taken together because in several instances the responses to the two headings are linked. All but four of the respondents proposed further action in respect of congregational groupings. Several congregations were involved in joint services and five were actively involved with congregations of a different denomination. Mention was made of co-operation over Christian Aid, the Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches, joint Kirk Session meetings and conferences, and joint services during Holy Week and at other times.

Open Meetings and Communication by Kirk Session  (return to top)

Urge Kirk Sessions to develop appropriate open styles of meeting and processes of communication.

In eight congregations decisions of the Kirk Session were reported in the Church magazine, in one potential elders were invited to session meetings, in two Kirk Session decisions were intimated and in another the minutes put on public display.

Forming Networks Focused on Shared Context or Concern   (return to top)

Urge congregational leadership teams to form networks focused on a shared context or a shared concern in order to build trusting relationships as the basis of future cooperation.

Eleven of the responding congregations proposed further action with regard to forming networks focused on shared context or concern. One was frank enough to concede that the general meaning of the commendation was unclear. This was borne out by the initiatives proposed which included a youth project with other congregations, outside lets to community groups, hosting the Hospice Service, pastoral visitation of the elderly and housebound, links to the Tear Fund, sponsorship of students at I.C.C.

In what way can Presbytery help?  (return to top)