Scottish Christian.com

Home > News > Scottish Christian News Monitor

Proposed changes to Free Kirk's remittance system

Proposals for a "more efficient and Biblical Scheme" for congregational remittances will be presented to the Free Church of Scotland's General Assembly by its Board of Trustees later this month.

At present, congregations are expected to remit a substantial percentage of their income to central funds.

There has been a growing feeling that this is having a detrimental impact on the ability of many congregations to grasp opportunities for local ministry and outreach, thereby stifling their ability to grow.

The percentage is set at such a high level because, as well as supporting a fairly substantial programme of central projects, the Church has a relatively small number of larger congregations who are asked to support a large number of small congregations, some of whom are weak and declining.

The Trustees believe that the new proposals shift the balance from obligation to voluntary giving, increase opportunities for local ministry without which the Church cannot survive, create a mechanism to increase support for central projects, and enhance efficiency at local and central level.

Full story at the Free Church of Scotland.