The Church of Scotland wants to see more churches open their doors for use by the community throughout the week.
A new publication issued by the Kirk’s General Trustees, “Letting it happen!”, encourages churches to open up more than once or twice in the week for services by making their buildings multi-purpose.
Many churches have spare rooms, kitchen facilities and halls in addition to the main worship space.
The publication offers advice on how churches can make better use of their buildings as well as useful information on security, health and safety, and financial assistance for repairs.
Tim Parker, the General Trustees Deputy Secretary, said: “We need to make our churches multi-purpose so they can be widely used by the community and not just for an hour on a Sunday morning.
“As well as becoming a more valuable asset to the local area, congregations could foster links with people who would not normally come to services.”
Hard copies of the publication will be distributed by the General Trustees to every congregation.
