24 September 2023| Dundee, Scotland [Hellevi Walker]
Over the weekend of 22-24 September, nearly 40 elders from different parts of the Scottish Mission gathered for the first-ever Elders Symposium. The event’s primary objective was to establish a platform for pastors and elders to connect through shared learning, allowing them to openly network and engage in discussions about leadership challenges.
Held at the Invercarse Hotel Dundee, the symposium welcomed guest speakers such as Karen Holford, the TED Women, Children, and Family ministries director, and Julian Kastrati, the NEC Ministerial Association secretary. A diverse range of vital subjects was explored, encompassing pastoral care, the essential groundwork required for effective outreach, conflict resolution strategies and techniques, the significance of engaging in difficult conversations, the planning of intergenerational services, and the cultivation of compassionate and caring church communities.
One of the topics that appeared to resonate deeply with many was the topic of conflict and conflict resolution. Through engaging presentations, attendees were reminded that conflict is a natural facet of life, not inherently negative. Elders were equipped with practical tools to approach conflict constructively, fostering growth, understanding, and, ultimately, stronger and more harmonious connections among individuals and within communities.
Jose from Edinburgh appreciated practical conflict resolution techniques, such as initiating challenging discussions with positive statements and openly expressing gratitude to reduce the likelihood of conflicts. Jennifer, also from Edinburgh, gained a fresh perspective on conflict resolution, valuing the focus on comprehending individuals’ perspectives and backgrounds.
Outreach and values
When discussing outreach, elders highlighted the importance of patience in the process. Leaders emphasised that “outreach should be seen as an ongoing effort rather than a one-time event.” They encouraged attendees to “shift their churches’ focus from a to-do list to a more empowering can-do list” and to realistically assess the resources within the church, avoiding the imposition of ill-fitting initiatives.
Elders had the opportunity to explore their values through a questionnaire, revealing that compassion, spirituality, teamwork, health, and integrity ranked as the top values among Scottish Mission elders.
Numerous elders shared their experiences of personal growth and fellowship during the Symposium, expressing their desire for future events of a similar nature. Grant from Crieff described the content as “mind-opening” and wished he had encountered it earlier, recognising its potential for both personal growth and enriching the church community.
Pastor James Botha, president of the Scottish Mission, expressed his delight at the remarkable turnout, with nearly 90% of all Scottish Mission elders in attendance. He emphasised the significance of meetings where pastors and elders could come together to discuss ministry and church development, fostering a sense of togetherness and recognising the vital role of elders in shaping the church and propelling it forward.
The original version of this story was published on the Scottish Mission website.
[Photos: Hellevi Walker]
