Read His Words Before Ours!
Isaiah 43:14-21
Judges 2:10-15
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Matthew 5:13-16

Nations, Day 6
As I climbed the steps of my former church building, I paused. There was a sense of familiarity; for five years I had entered through these doors almost every Sunday to join others in worship. But this also felt incredibly surreal, because now the fragrant aroma of garlic and herbs was drifting from the building, and inside people had gathered not to worship, but to eat. My former church was now a pizza restaurant.
This one incident encapsulates being a Christian in Scotland today.
Scotland is a country with a rich Christian heritage. It was once known as the “land of the Book” and sent many missionaries to spread the Gospel in other countries. People such as David Livingstone, Mary Slessor, and Eric Liddell originated from Scotland. Church buildings are everywhere in Scotland’s cities, and even city mottos reflect this history.
Edinburgh’s motto, Nisi Dominus Frustra, comes directly from Psalm 127:1, meaning “except the Lord, in vain.” Glasgow’s motto is a prayer, “Lord, let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of Thy word and praising Thy name.”
Despite our faith-filled past, our present is very different. Today, most people of Scotland have no idea what the Bible says, nor any interest in learning. Many church buildings have been repurposed as restaurants and carpet salerooms, while others have been knocked down. As for the city mottos, I’ve lived in Edinburgh for 14 years and never heard its motto mentioned. Glasgow’s is better known, but has been stripped to simply “let Glasgow flourish.”
Over the last thirty years, church attendance in Scotland has more than halved. A study from 2016 showed just 7% of the population attending church and found only around 2% attend evangelical churches, bringing Scotland dangerously close to fitting the definition of a people group unreached with the Gospel.
So, what went wrong? It’s not an easy question to answer. Too often, religion in Scotland has been associated with sectarianism, and the church has regularly been distracted by arguments around same-sex marriage and the appointment of clergy in same-sex relationships, resulting in many church splits.
However, the main cause of the decline in the church is simple in one sense, as elderly churchgoers have died, younger generations haven’t replaced them. In an increasingly secular culture, which highly values inclusion and diversity, Christianity is often seen as old-fashioned, irrelevant, and narrow-minded.
A similar pattern of falling away occurs in the Israelites’ story. They witnessed many miracles as God led them to the Promised Land, but once they arrived, “another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10)
The result was evil and idolatry.
How easy it is to be influenced by the surrounding culture! We cannot underestimate the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation. Rather than relying on heritage, we should encourage them to know God for themselves.
While, in many ways, the church in Scotland continues to decline, I believe there is cause for hope. All through the Bible we see God’s faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful. He has the power to bring new life, even from dry bones. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
When God’s Word is proclaimed and His Spirit is poured out, dry bones can become a mighty army! It is encouraging to remember that although the number of believers in Scotland may be small, we are not powerless. Paul writes of “the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT)
And God is still at work.
“Look, I am about to do something new, even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)
Over the last ten years, various Scottish organisations have invested in equipping leaders to begin missional communities or church plants, many in Scotland’s poorer communities. These aim to help with practical needs as well as sharing the Gospel. Churches have experimented with different styles of gatherings and new, creative methods of outreach and community involvement. The results have been impactful, particularly in less affluent communities, where people are perhaps more aware of their need for something beyond what this life offers.
I am part of a church plant which was nearly five years ago, and through community meals and family activities (pre-COVID), as well as provision of food parcels, many people have been impacted and expressed interest in learning about Jesus. One man came to faith through the witness of our church during lockdown, and there are several others waiting eagerly to join our church when we can gather again. They may not yet follow Jesus, but they have found a community where they belong.
Although the church is smaller, in some ways it is stronger. There is no cultural expectation for people to attend church, so those who participate are generally committed and willing to play an active part.
Christian values are so different from those of our culture that we have a real opportunity to live the distinctive lives Jesus describes (Matthew 5:13-16), for even a small amount of salt and light can make a difference.
My prayer for Scotland is these small signs of life and growth will increase, for people to come to realise that without God all their efforts to create a better society are in vain, and in order for Scotland to truly flourish, it must return to the preaching of God’s Word and the praising of His name.
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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Nations Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Nations!
[…] 6. Church In A Changing Culture […]
It’s global, the USA is far from being “One Nation Under God”. They are redefining what God is. The churches have become a center for teaching the new secular ideas instead of teaching about the meaning of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
It is sad to hear about this in so many churches around the world. Lots to pray about! I’m grateful for those churches that remain faithful to the Gospel.
[…] need to turn to him, yet, in my own country, it seems that we are turning further and further away, seeking our own […]
Thank you for blessing us! Where two or three are gathered.., We must find ways to reach young people. Praying!
Thanks for your encouragement and prayers, Michelle!
Lesley, thank you for sharing your perspective as a believer in Scotland. I was not aware that there were so few professing believers there … that is so sad. And yet, I’m encouraged to learn that though the church is smaller, it is also stronger in some ways. Praying that God strengthens you as you continue to sprinkle salt and shine your light through your church and community.
Thanks for your encouragement and prayers, Lois!
Lesley, hi! You knew I would read this with special interest, friend. My dad would be fascinated and yet saddened by your piece as you described how faith has faded in his home country. And he would pray your closing prayer with you … and thank you for living so faithfully.
I found that his home church from 90 years or so ago is still alive and well and honoring Christ. This has given me greatest joy this evening. I can’t even begin to tell you…
https://hawickbaptist.org.uk/
That’s wonderful that your dad’s church is still flourishing, Linda! I’m glad you were able to find it online and that it had brought you joy.
May God bless your efforts, Lesley, until your place of worship overflows! And I pray a personal blessing upon you as you share Christ–joy and passion for the work, wisdom and guidance for the steps to take. AMEN!
Thank you for your encouragement and prayer, Nancy!
It’s discouraging that church attendance seems to be down. I grew up in a basic Christian culture even though my family was not made up of believers. But as society moves farther away from Biblical truth, the church is going to seem more “odd.” One good thing–that might separate those who are true believers from those who are Christian just from the standpoint of culture, having grown up in it. But I think building relationships and ministering to others as your church is doing goes a long way to reach others and show them we’re not odd after all–at least… Read more »
Yes, I think Christians are generally seen as “odd” here, but it does mean that those who stick with it are committed believers as there is no pressure from culture to be involved in church – in fact it’s the opposite! It has been encouraging to see the impact of some of the things our church has done in building relationships. I think people still see what we do as odd but they’re also drawn to find out more.
The statistics on church attendance in Scotland are astonishing! I had no idea only 7% of the population attends church. It sounds like your church is doing the work of helping to build God’s kingdom here on earth – exactly what a church’s mission ought to be. Good for you for being so involved!
Thanks, Laurie! It is great to be part of a church that is willing to try new things to reach out to the community, and it is encouraging that, even though the statistics are bad, there are several churches that are trying to make a difference.
Lesley, this is such good news even though statistics point to the opposite. God knows and God calls. I thank God for you and those like you in Scotland and around this world. Part of my ancestors were Scottish. They left Scotland in the 1600-1700s due to persecution. They went to Ireland and England and eventually to America. I had a circuit rider preacher in the USA preaching to Presbyterian churches in the mid-west of the USA. His great-grandparents came from Scotland. I thank you for sharing the mottos and history of Scotland. The mottos and the changes to them… Read more »
Thank you, Linda! It is encouraging to think that the impact of those who went from Scotland to other places to share the Gospel still lives on today.
Your church community sounds like it’s fulfilling the true mission of church, Lesley. Thanks for sharing some of the background of the church in Scotland. It’s interesting to me; I know so little about it.
Thanks, Lisa. I’m glad it was interesting to learn about.
“He has the power to bring new life, even from dry bones.” Amen, may it be so not only for Scotland but for the church in every country. We are living in exciting times!
Yes, and God often surprises us!
Thanks Lesley, I think that is a fair representation of the church in Scotland today?
Thanks, Fiona! I hope so, though obviously these are just my reflections on it.
Thank you for the lesson today. You made some great points about the younger generation and their views on inclusion. I have experienced this in my church home. The older members are faithful to the doctrine and the younger want to exclude things they feel are no longer applicable in today’s culture. It caused a split in the church. But God is faithful and where two or three are gathered,.. though smaller, churches can still be effective. God’s purpose and plans will go forth. Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us that God’s word shall not return void, but shall accomplish what He… Read more »
Thanks, Michelle. I think it is hard because culture has changed so fast, but I love your point that God’s Word always accomplishes his purposes. That definitely gives us hope.
May it be.so! May we find that the safe and tepid cultural religion that filled pews for generations is being replaced by an army of soldiers on duty for our Commanding Officer!
Yes! I love how you put that, Michele!
[…] Join me at Gracefully Truthful to read the rest of this post. It was a privilege to be invited to write it as part of their series entitled “Nations,” looking at people’s different experiences of church across the world and seeking to learn from one another. […]