Are there no Guitars in heaven?

Recent years and especially in the United states there has been a back lash against “purpose driven” church styles. The reasons for this are: too prescriptive, seen as professional business approach from outside coming in and “tainting” the churches. Whether the community in the area are Baptistic or not, there is a sense that many of the challenges Churches are facing in this millennium are derived from the last century and the previous Victorian age.

How does a Church implement its Strategy for the short and Medium term without losing sight of the long term and ultimate long term in complete communion with God- Where there is no electric guitars! ?( Ha ha!)

How are you going to build your church?

Fulfilling the Will of GOD in the community.

A look at how a Church might implement its agreed mission in this changing world.

For many Churches, the process of discovering themselves and implementing their desire to follow God is a hard one.

This is caused by many different distraction as diverse as members not “buying in” to the mission, conflict of time use,- be it work or family or worthwhile causes. Mankind creates a busyness that stifles the Work of God in the community. This is seen so often in the activities of organisations and they view expressed in actions ...” I am busy therefore I am important and needed”.

This expression comes from the wish from most people who have a sense and need “to belong”.

The early church had that sense of belonging meeting regularly to share in meals. Whilst life seems more complex in this decade the sense of belonging is still important. If leadership could harness the sense of belonging and gifting of their flock the work would be easier and perhaps move on quicker to complete the plan to fulfil the purpose of the community known as “such and such” church.

Part of the challenges after agreeing how the community should be, is the method and structure of such, I hesitate to say, an organisation that has control yet flexible to the changing needs of the community and its people.

Who wants to be a millionaire feedback

Like him or not Jeremy Clarkson is doing a good job on "who wants to be a millionaire?".

Windows 10 1803 update April 2018

Success in two upgardes to Windows 10 1803 last week. To see the changes and new features click here.

If you are having problems click for help Microsoft support

Why they are leaving the Church ( or have left)

Interesting read about the possiblities of why "the younger generation" are leaving ...or have left the church.


Milleniums ( 18 - 35 approx) why they ARE leaving the church.

For Worship leaders across the country...

Here is a video from Practical Worship a channel I have been watching for sometime. It speaks for its self.

The channel

The video

Bible Society contravenes its formal deeds in ....

 Back in the late 1700's and early 1800s there was a great theological fight with the Bible Society

At one point the Haldanes as supporters of the British and Foreign Bible Society (now known as The Bible Society of England and Wales) stopped supporting it because they were issuing bibles with the Apocrypha in it. The Bible Society were acting contrary to their formal deed of institution.

Haldanes Bible Society tiff!

Shutting down windows...

Shutting Down Windows 10 Doesn't Actually Shut Down Windows 10

Glas and going backwards

I seem to be going around in circles and or backwards. I mention Glas and then i need to explain who he was and his impact in Scottish Churches...

John Glas (1696-1773) of Auchtermucty was a person who sought the scriptures and at the time concluded that Christ's kingdom is one that is completely spiritual, and therefore as such should be independent of both state control or support. He was a minister from the age of 24 and was the fifth son of the manse. Although he did not want to leave the Church of Scotland he took up a new cause from the parish at Tealing near Dundee and started anew Church known as the Glasite Church. Churches sprung up in Dundee, Perth and with the textile industry flourishing at the time further Churches were set up in Paisley and Dunkeld. They as a Church were never large in number but their influence was great both national and international by the strong promoter John Glas's son in law Robert Sandeman. 

The Church was known for its "foot washing" and "holy kissing" and for its love feasts or Communion celebrations that resembled banquets. The local name for the Church was the "Kail Kirk". This Communion was only administered by elders. As a Church they preferred "unlearned preachers".

Sandemanianism

The basis of the Sandemanian Church lies with John Glas the minister of the Church of Scotland devoted to the Church but because of differing opinions at the time forced to leave and set up a Church based on his new found principles. These services would take no account of the Christian calender.

Robert Sandeman(1718-1771) who's family business based in Perth was bleachers of fabrics, took up the leadership of the movement in the 1750s. He had business contacts in London which gave him the opportunities to write and speak in England. He married John Glas Daughter Catherine.

The result was the son in law of Glas became the strongest and most wide spread promoter of Glas theology. The most famous Glasite from the past is Michael Faraday. The Sandemanian Church through its elders demanded total obedience to their decisions from any or all of their congregation. This in the long term caused several splits and was also the downfall of the “Scotch” Baptist Church who followed some of the principles.

The Sandemanian service was one of love and hope with singing of Hymns, yet unaccompanied, at each meeting. A roll call was taken and as well as the prayers and study of the word the preaching was taken by the elders. These services would take no account of the Christian calender in respect to Lent, Easter and Christmas.

Balchristies and links to Glas and others continued

Old Scots Independents John Smith, Newburn and Robert Ferrier, Largo having read the papers of Sandeman meet at Balchristie mid point to their parishes to discuss the content. “Like the Secession and Relief Churches this denomination had its origin in Fife. The founders James Smith of Newburn and Robert Ferrier of Largo, were neighbouring ministers of the Church of Scotland, who, on adopting views very similar to those of Glas, resigned from their membership of the National Church in 1768. They organised a congregation at Balchristie, in Newburn Parish, on Independent lines, they themselves being appointed the joint pastors, and deacons being appointed for the administrative work. 

Laurie says:- "It has been often remarked, that Newburn, for many years past, has been a nursery of Seceders; and remarked with surprise, that a small arm of the sea should be the boundary between moderation and fanaticism. Cameronians, Independents, persons belonging to the Burgher Congregation, and also to what is called the Relief Congregation, are to be found here. The number of Independents is about 20. They are the only sect who have a place of meeting for public worship in the parish." In spite of their dissenting propensities the parishioners were sober, regular, industrious, and humane, and their diversity of sentiments did not prevent social intercourse nor mutual good offices. The Seceders had not increased of late, and one of the Relief elders had returned to the Established Church; and so, to Mr Laurie, "rational religion" seemed to be gaining ground, and he fondly hoped that "the small remainder of enthusiasm" would most probably die with those who cherished it. His hopes were so far realised, in 1836, that the Independent Congregation had removed their place of meeting to Earlsferry, their Church at Balchristie being turned into a granary, and there were only three. dissenting families in the whole parish.

In 1768 at about the same time a small group in Glasgow withdrew from the Church of Scotland because of interference by the magistrates and town council in the Congregational choice of a minister, and built for themselves a chapel, long known as "the Candle Kirk." Mr. Ferrier came to Glasgow to be joint pastor with the celebrated Robert Dale, a Glasgow merchant; while a Largo weaver became a colleague at Balchristie of Mr. Smith. Dale was the first layman to officiate as a minister in Glasgow, and some indignation was stirred up in the city against him and their cause. But both survived, and new societies were formed in Montrose, Marykirk, Perth, Methven, Kirkaldy, Hamilton, Paisley, Dundee, Newburgh, Sauchieburn, Edinburgh, Galashields, Airdrie and Earlsferry.” They never became a large body. There was the same divisive tendency as amongst the Glasites. Moreover two other bodies were growing up side by side with them, which drew away many of their members, namely, the Scotch Baptists and the New Independents or Haldaneites. David Dale and set up a Chapel of ease¹which in 1769 became an independent Church with Dale as one of the elders. Both Dale and the Balchristies historically known as Old Scots Independents- small, and sharing Glasite ideas of Church life and practice.

1Chapels of ease were set up and funded by the Church of Scotland and the local Christians. In 1827 there were 55 set apart ministers of Chapels of ease in the Highland Presbyteries.(36 missionaries at the same time) They were set up for the poor and needy and were used for accommodation as well as worship.

Bee problem in Perth

Bee problem in Perth

North East coast revival 1921 Scotland

There is a link to an old post and conversation about Baptists in Caithness here.

Kessock last month

The North East coast revival in 1921 shows the spread and catalytic effect from a work. it started in Norfolk in 1921 and spread to Caithness Scotland the the travelling movement of the fishermen.

The following extracts from the Northern Times shows the spread down the coast as far as Ross-shire in a matter of weeks. 
 

	Northern Times
26/1/1922	30 converts from Helmsdale visited Brora and conducted service at the Fountain and the United Free Church
02/02/22	Revival spread to Golspie. Positive article of Gods Goodness and YMCA helping young converts.
23/02/22	Revival in Wick “The revival in Wick is still progressing John Troupe's presence was an additional attraction, He is now almost well after his illness, but still to refrain from much exertion....one of the converts a young man died recently after a short illness, the Hymns and prayers also bearing pathetic terms. A solo sung by Miss Lara Rosie was much appreciated.”
9/3/1922	Reference to Hymn singing conflict.
23/3/1922	Letter to editor of enquiry as to use of Pitgower Hall for meetings Revivalist meetings (with hymn singing) got use of hall but not the Free Presbyterian s
30/3/1922	Page 5 Canadian writer to paper recalls a “time of refreshing” in Rogart 50 years earlier 1870's when there were 70 converts.
6/4/1922	3 weeks mission closes by Mr Dowie in Brora- moving to Golspie
20/4/1922	Page 4 col 3 Evangelistic meetings Golspie YMCA - Mr Dowie Aberdeen. “Presentation to Mr Dowie at fisherman's Hall Brora presented with a roll of treasury notes from the public of Brora. In reply and thanks “requested the revival meetings continue under Rev Thomson.”
13/7/1922	Mr Mackenzie in Embo People from Helmsdale going to take revival meetings in Balintore.
3/8/1922	Brora news: Rev Thomson Ill Messrs Fraser Stewart and Robertson close two weeks mission in the Fishermen's Mission.

Several leading revivalists took part in this work.

Jock Troupe, Mackenzie and Dowie.

Thomson: Rev Donald, United Free Church settled previous year Feb 1921.

In a few months revival has come right down the coast.¹

 ^{Helmsdale harbour}

Brora News.

Presentation to Mr Dowie, Evangelist – at the usual Evangelistic Meeting held in the Fisherman's Hall, Lower Brora on Saturday evening. Mr Dowie of Aberdeen who is now leaving the District was presented with a roll of treasury notes from the public of Brora, as a token of esteem for the helpful addresses he delivered at the recent revival meetings in their midst. The Rev D Thomson in making the presentation on behalf of the subscribers thanked Mr Dowie for his valuable services both at the Open Air Meetings and elsewhere. Mr Dowie in reply said that this came unexpected but he hoped they had derived some lasting benefits through the Meetings held in the past and that they would continue to hold them under the guidance of the Rev Mr Thomson and helpers in the future.

Special Easter Communion – As the result of the revival meetings held in their midst, a scene unparalleled in the history of the Parish, if not in the Highlands, was witnessed in the Clyne United Free Church Brora at the morning service on Sunday last. A special Easter Communion was held at which the Rev Mr Thomson, Minister officiated. There were 195 persons partook of communion, the average communicants number about 100, but on Sunday there were 80 new members belonging to the United Free Church– 30 belonging to the Free Church who partook of it for the first time. As the revival only started after the New Year it speaks volumes for the good work done for the Master that so many young people belonging to different denominations should sit down together for the first time. The scene was a most inspiring and impressive one and will long live in the memory of all who witnessed it.

Here again we have a record that most locals of Brora would not be aware of, and, only a generation from the events. This revival started in Norfolk and moved to Aberdeen then Wick. It is encouraging to see many denominations including The Assemblies and Salvation Army involved. 

There were other times of revival to touch Caithness in the Church’s history. Perhaps most notably was that of the 1920s when the ministry in singing and preaching of Jock Troupe, of the Salvation Army, saw Churches, including Wick Baptist Church, and places like the Braehead and Market Square in Wick, packed out. It cannot be denied that the Church as a whole in this country has declined in numbers since those days but many believe there are signs of change.(52)

1Northern Times, 20 April, 1922 – p8. Col 2.