International Missions Board

The Free Church of Scotland, although a relatively small Church, is involved in mission work in South Africa, India, Latin America, Central Asia and several other areas.

The Board’s Report says “The rapid pace of change around the globe is dizzying. The changes faced by international missions are similarly breathtaking.  Let’s be in no doubt, the task of mission expands with an ever-mushrooming global population.  It is true also that the nature of the work changes to one of supporting and partnering national believers and churches rather than pioneering and planting them ourselves.  It is in this context that we seek to adapt to change.”

The Report notes the new opportunities that are arising, in Islamic countries and in networking within Europe. But as the majority of the world’s believers are now found in the southern hemisphere and the developing world, the Board believes “there is tremendous opportunity for mutual service and a two-way flow of people and blessing”.

In addition, there is the challenge to hand over mature ministries to national believers, to work more closely with other churches and national workers and to maintain commitments to existing works as well as respond to new callings, doing so cost effectively.

The Free Church of Scotland established the Free Church in Southern Africa, which is an indigenous black church among the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape. One of the main ways in which the Church in Scotland now serves black churches in South Africa is through Dumisani Theological Institute in King William’s Town, by supplying lecturers and resources for the theological education of ministers.

In central India, the church established by the Free Church has been running independently for 20 years. It has now changed its name from the Free Church of Central India to the Presbyterian Free Church. In addition to the churches, there are several schools and a Christian Hospital and community health projects. These all continue to be given financial support by the Free Church, although the Board is encouraging a move towards greater financial self-sufficiency.

In Latin America the emphasis is again educational, with the Principals of both the Biblical Seminary of Colombia and the Lima Evangelical Seminary being Free Church ministers supported by the Church in Scotland. These seminaries serve a wide range of churches including those Presbyterian churches established by the Free Church. In addition, the Church provides the Head Teacher of the St Andrews School (Colegio San Andres) in Lima, which includes Primary and Secondary schools. The governance of the School, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year, is in the process of being transferred from the International Missions Board to a Local Board.

Rev David MacPherson, who has headed up educational, medical and outreach mission work in the Amazonas region of Peru, is returning to Scotland to take up ministry in Bon Accord Free Church, Aberdeen. But the work, including plans for creating a university, is well established.

Click here to download the 2008 IMB report.