Grace Extends in Edinburgh

A lot has happened in Edinburgh in recent years. Read this account by Ali McLachlan of how grace is extending in Scotland’s second largest city.

Much frantic lunging from side to side is required to get a bicycle into a steady momentum. While that early energy cannot be sustained the direction must not be forgotten: forward.

While six-year-old Grace Baptist Church Edinburgh feels steadier and more predictable, the challenge of forward motion remains.

All growth means change. A growing church plant must change too.

Since 2013 our membership has more than tripled – eight to 29. Six more desire church membership. We have reached 10,000 homes with gospel literature. We have sent out three church planters (Govan, Bydgoszcz and Aberdeen). It has been fast and furious.

How can we meet the challenges of increasing administration? Of pastoral needs? Of children’s ministry? And the increasing demands of our missionary workers?
In relation to churches with no elders and towns with no preachers, we have been content to share.

It is good to look to the needs of others. But to support others, Edinburgh’s own needs must also be met. Please pray that elders may be recognised soon.

All churches require, ‘effective working by which every part does its share, [causing] growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.’ (Ephesians 4:16). But where there is much to carry every member is needed all the more.

With Scotland in alarming need, Edinburgh feels the burden. Please pray that we would not grow weary in doing good, and that the encouragement of reaping would more than compensate the tears of sowing.

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15