BrianIngraham.com | ASPIRE

Over the last few months we have been working hard at Re:Hope to create an infrastructure to enable to the maximum number of people to use their spiritual gifts in service to Christ. Last Saturday we held an event called ‘Simply Philippians;’ essentially a one day seminar dedicated to in-depth teaching on the letter to the church of Philippi and the latest in our ‘Simply’ series.

We started doing ‘Simply’ events about two years ago with two purposes in mind. First, they are a great way to provide solid Biblical teaching on a given subject, encouraging our church to grow in spiritual maturity and in knowledge and understanding of the Word. Secondly, they are designed as a forum to nurture new leaders. There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing new leaders use their gifts for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. Bring it!

It is encouraging to see so many capable, gifted people getting directly plugged into the areas where God can use them most.

Exactly 6 months ago I posted a blog to announce that Brian Luse (who originally came to Scotland to work with us in Re:Hope) had been welcomed as the Pastor of a local church called Renfrew Baptist. I felt like now might be a good time to update you on his progress and situation.

Since September, it seems like Renfrew Baptist has received a new lease of life - they are excited to have their own pastor again (for the first time in 2 years) and the last months have seen the church celebrate 7 new members and numerous baptisms. In Brian’s own words, ‘it seems God is exciting hearts for the next chapter, people can sense the moving of the Holy Spirit and are excited to be a part of what God is doing.’

Renfrew Baptist is in many ways very different from Re:Hope - by far the largest demographic at Re:Hope is students and 20-somethings. Renfrew has the full spectrum of ages. Brian tells me their eldest member is 92, yet at the same time they have a growing ministry for kids and families.

As far as Brian is concerned, the thing that ties the two churches together is that they are both ‘church plants’. While Renfew is not a ‘church plant’ in the literal sense that Re:Hope was, it is instead about revitalising a congregation who are in need of leadership and guidance and rekindling a passion within them for Godliness and a thirst for His word.

I can really see both of our ‘church planting’ experiences being individually useful to God in advancing His kingdom throughout Scotland. I also think we can learn a lot from each other according to where our different strengths and experiences lie.

While it was sad to see Brian move on in September, I think it is clear that his presence in Renfrew Baptist is a real blessing on the congregation and I pray God will continue to bless both him and the church as they continue to ignite that passion for Him.