About the Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland's vision is to inspire the people of Scotland and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and serving communities. Presently in over 1,400 local churches all across the nation - and beyond - members, elders and ministers are inspired by their faith to worship and serve in the name of Christ.
The Church serves communities in many ways, in local schools, with food banks and centres for the homeless. It is also one of Scotland's largest providers of care services for the elderly and the vulnerable, including those struggling with addictions. It offers opportunities for worship and reflection week by week as well as at life's most significant moments. Additionally it fundraises and campaigns on issues such as human trafficking, the refugee crisis and violence against women.
It builds on a rich heritage. For almost five centuries the Church of Scotland has had a major impact on the lives of individual Scots and on Scotland as a whole. Today, as the national Church it aspires to rise to the challenge of providing Christian worship, care and nurture in every parish. It is also a major care provider, a tireless campaigner for social justice and the largest single body registering volunteers for working with young people and the vulnerable. Through actions and words the Church continues to offer the good news of God's loving, active presence in the world - and life in Christ - to all.
Building on past and current achievements, exciting changes are under way as the Church seeks to be faithful to God's renewing work and become of ever greater service. A recently launched professional vocations campaign is attracting a new generation of ministers. People at every level in the Church are now more visible in the national media.
With the retirement of the current Secretary to the Council of Assembly, the Church seeks a new person to pick up the baton during this period of change and growth. The strategic and leadership skills of the new post holder will be pivotal in facilitating the next stage of the Church's developing life.
You will join a complex organisation privileged to have so many passionate, articulate staff with integrity. There are around 800 ministers and other staff serving in parishes the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond - including Europe and Jerusalem. More than 2,000 are based in social care centres across Scotland and just over 200 work in the offices in central Edinburgh. As Secretary to the Council of Assembly you will ensure effective support is provided to enable excellence across a wide range of ministry and associated services. You will encourage and energise them, and deliver a vision to help guide us through an exciting and challenging future.
The Church is currently the largest membership organisation in Scotland with almost 400,000 members. There are also many thousands of adherents and supporters who, whilst not officially members, engage in Church activities. We believe there is scope to forge closer connections with current members and with many who are looking for the greater meaning in their lives which Christian faith offers.
The good news of Jesus is something which many people still find affirming and life-giving. The Church values the riches of its heritage and is also committed to explore actively new ways of worship and nurture which engage a wider constituency and younger generations. This post offers the chance to play a key role in shaping this exciting new phase for the Church.
Documents for information:
Further detail on the Church of Scotland is available by clicking here