1. Shaping the future of the Church of Scotland

2. Supportnetworkconference.co. uk vcox@cofscotland.org.uk

3. We live in a difficult time for the Church of Scotland – and the Church in Scotland Result of change

4. We are in the middle of a sustained period of change “A change of age”

5. Times they are a changin’ Bob Dylan 1964

8. Change is everywhere!

9. Church is caught in the change like everyone else - The change is very significant

10. Lothian Presbytery 1999 - 2009 49 congregations 46 – membership declined (3 grew – 2 were transfer growth) 24.9% decline in membership

11. Full Time Ministers of Word & Sacrament 2013 2015 20162017 20182019 20202021 2022 2014 842 662

12. Baptisms – Loanhead Parish Church Average = 25 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990

13. Average = 25 Average = 3 86 87 88 89 90 08 09 10 11 12

14. Community Moral compass Sense of belonging Place of activity Community builder Influence & Respect

15. Community Moral compass Sense of belonging Place of activity Community builder We have been here before! Influence & Respect Place of servanthood Requires deepening discipleship

16. This is a time of conflicting feelings and emotions

17. Fears and Frustrations Hopes and Dreams

18. Community How fully does this image or idea describe the church in Scotland and your community?