As we launch the new Forge Scotland website, Helen Brough, our Forge Scotland Director encourages us to think of new things to come

I love the “new” – whether it’s spring, a new term or opportunity. The space of the blank sheet, a fresh start and new possibilities always energises and excites me (even if combined with a certain amount of trepidation!) So now that the “Beast from the East” has done its worst, the clocks have changed and a new season is upon us (whether the weather reflects this or not!) it’s time to pay attention to how God is on the move – both within and beyond the church.

Getting in step with God’s mission

As we engage with those who are spiritually open but culturally distant from our practises and gatherings as the church, questions are raised in us:

• What are people looking for?
• How can we articulate and embody the Gospel in a way that actually sounds like Good News to those who are looking?
• What is discipleship?
• How do we help people to understand fully who God is, who they’ve been created to be, and be equipped to follow Him in the contexts that He has set them?
• How do we equip the Body of Christ to engage more missionally?
• And what are the steps that will begin to orient us to that purpose?                       

Facing forwards with faith

As Joshua and Caleb scouted the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14), they did so both recognising the immense fruitfulness of the land, and the challenge of the “giants” present. Their example is a lesson for us to see beyond the obstacles and into the future that God calls his people into. For us in Scotland what will it look like to face that which lies before us with honesty and expectancy – confident that the One who had called us, is with us and will equip and provide for us?

Over the years of equipping missional pioneers through Forge, there are themes that recur through the stories of people stepping into the plans and purposes God has for them. We see them including:

• Faith Filled Honesty – to see the opportunities and challenges in front of them in the light of the reality of who God is
• Equipping – the courage to acknowledge where they need to develop skill and thinking
• Community – the need to be connected to those who are asking the same questions and learning in different contexts
• Intentionality – the courage to make a plan, step out, review, learn and adjust in light of what God is doing

Where is it that God has placed you? What is it that will equip you to embrace the opportunities before you? As we consider all these possibilities, let us remember the greater reality around us:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT)

Forge Scotland equips and networks missional pioneers throughout Scotland and beyond. Look out for news of the Pioneer course, blogs and events on the website