Bishop of Aberdeen says church growth is possible

A stronger commitment to prayer, a sharper focus on personal holiness, and a deeper engagement with local and global mission - this is the recipe that the Episcopal Bishop of Aberdeen believes will help bring about church growth in his diocese.

Under the banner 'Spiritual Growth-Godly Action', the Rt Rev Bob Gillies is hoping to encourage churches in his diocese to reverse the trend from decline to growth.

He explained: "We have become too accustomed to coping with decline, instead of moving into the territory of growth. There needs to be a reversal of mindset that takes us from the defensiveness of retrenchment into the confidence of growth.

"It is a sad fact that many ordinands today are being prepared to serve in a church in decline. Can you imagine a sales rep being sent out with such a negative message?! Rather, the task before us is to reverse the presumption of decline, and change our mindset towards the reality that churches can grow."

Drawing upon his experience of seeing church growth in his former post as rector in St Andrews, Dr Gillies is urging every church in his diocese to produce a "simple and achievable" local action plan.

He said any plan would need to start with an "inward focus" on faith, prayer and personal holiness. After that, congregations will be encouraged to move in an "outward direction" by considering both their local witness and their engagement with global mission.

In terms of global mission, Dr Gillies is encouraging congregations to adopt the Anglican mission agency USPG as a means for connecting with the church around the world.

"Some places need to see there is a world church beyond their own 30mph speed limit, while other places want to look beyond their parish boundary but don't know where to begin. In both cases, USPG can help because it offers such wonderful resources," he said.

"It's about learning from and understanding the world church and, as a consequence, being prepared to give in a self-sacrificial way. Learning about the world church helps us to understand about needs, and that will help us to reach out both locally and globally - and growth will follow."

USPG regional co-ordinator for Scotland Jonathan Elliot-Jones has already visited a number of churches in the diocese to speak about how a greater involvement with USPG can foster local church growth.

He said: "Scotland has a proud tradition of global mission and it is great to be working with Bishop Bob helping congregations move in that outward direction based on a sound spirit-led foundation.

"It's really encouraging the way I have been welcomed by a number of congregations and am working in partnership with their clergy and vestry to help them develop their witness in the wider world."