Jesus told His disciples,' I am among you as one who serves'. It is so easy to lose sight of what 'Ministry' is all about. Jesus made it clear that His purpose in coming into the world was to serve, and if we are called to 'Ministry', in whatever form, we also are called to serve. This calling is to the service of Christ and His Kingdom and that must be the motivating factor in all our activities and endeavours. Those engaged in 'Ministry' can easily allow personal feelings such as ambition, hopes or fears, perceived slights and lack of support to become a distraction from the high calling to Christian Service that comes from God. The common complaint of the workplace of being overworked, underpaid and unappreciated seem inappropriate in the context of serving Christ and His Kingdom.

However, whilst it is true that material and personal things can too easily assume an importance they ought not to have, there are areas relating to payment and working practices for ministers and pastors which need to be dealt with in a fair and proper manner. Among the many matters with which the Committee on Ministry and Home Affairs has to deal are some of these issues such as ministerial status, stipends, salaries and ongoing training. It is the responsibility of a Church which rightly expects a high standard of service from pastors and ministers to make sure those engaged in the service of the Church are given the financial, prayerful and moral support they need to perform their task to the best of their ability.

The call to the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments is a call to what is without doubt a difficult and at times demoralising task yet it is also one of immense privilege and great responsibility. The Committee is in no doubt that God is still calling people to Ministry and in a society where there are fewer personal contacts and at a time of many social ills, there has possibly never been a greater need than exists today for a strong Pastoral Ministry. The Committee believes the Church must continue to encourage our people to consider the Call to Ministry and give prayerful support to those already engaged in the task.

STUDENTS

During the course of the last few months the Committee has recognised two new students as candidates for the Ministry. Mr. Alexander Ritchie is a member of Aberdeen: Torry congregation and is in the final year of a B. D. degree at Aberdeen University. Mr Ritchie is completing an attachment with the congregation of Aberdeen: Northfield and will then commence an attachment with the congregation at Montrose. The Committee is grateful to the Ministers and Kirk Sessions of both these congregations for their help. Mr Ritchie is due to complete his Church requirements early in 2002.

Mrs Amanda Reid is a member of Glasgow: Millerston and is currently having a year out from her studies following the birth of her daughter. Mrs Reid is studying for a B. D. degree at Glasgow University and will complete her studies in 2004. The Committee is grateful to all those who offer support and encouragement to the students and in particular to the Woman's Home and Overseas Committee and the Friends of the Students Association for their financial support.

PROBATIONERS

The Committee was pleased to note that the Rev lan Boa had been Ordained and Inducted to the congregations of Alloa and Blairlogie and the Rev. Margery Collin appointed as a part-time chaplain at Falkirk Royal Infirmary.

The Committee also agreed the appointment of Rev. Craig Wilson to serve the congregation of Westray on a part time basis and are greatly encouraged by the congregation's appreciation of Mr Wilson's ministry.

Rev Derry Meredith is completing his B.D. (Honours) Course at the University of St Andrews and awaits a Call.

ENQUIRERS' COURSE

Consideration is being given to the possibility of holding a day conference for those who may be interested in ministry. A small planning group has been appointed and it is hoped such a venture may take place in the near future.

NEW MINISTERS

The decisions of last year's General Assembly with regard to Ministers in the first year of their appointment have been implemented and thanks are due to those who are acting as advisors to new ministers.

A conference was arranged at St. Ninian's, Crieff in February to which all new ministers, students and Assistant Ministers and Pastors were invited and at which Rev. Mike Marsden was the main speaker.

ASSISTANT MINISTERS AND ASSISTANT PASTORS

There are now seven Assistant Ministers and Pastors serving in all three Presbyteries. Three of these appointments have been made since last General Assembly. They are

Rev. R. Henderson Edinburgh: Blackhall

Mr. R. Ralston Glasgow: Shieldhall and Drumoyne

Rev. J Creelman Dounby

The reports from all are most encouraging and the Committee is generally pleased with the way this system is working. This is in no small measure due to the commitment and hard work of those serving in this capacity. Inevitably, as with most new things, some fine-tuning of the regulations may be required and the way this new form of ministry continues to develop will be closely monitored.

One of areas requiring amendment is with regard to Manse Allowance which is currently paid at a flat rate regardless of the number of days someone is working. The recommendation is that as from January 2002 the Manse Allowance be abolished for all Assistant Pastors and Ministers and the appropriate amount be added to the salary.

AUCHTERARDER

The Church Re-extension project at Auchterarder is now at the end of its first year and the reports received have been most encouraging. In particular it is good to note the progress made in the Congregation's work among the young. Excerpts from the reports from Auchterarder appear as an appendix to this report. It was, of course, the General Assembly which agreed that this congregation be given Church Re-extension status and the Committee would encourage the whole Church to offer continued prayerful support for this congregation.

NEW PROJECT

The Committee has been looking at several ideas for a new project. Contact was made with builders and local authorities but no definite plan has emerged. However discussions are taking place with a view to further church re-extension.

CONCLUSION

The Committee recognises that this report contains little in the way of new proposals. However in recent years a number of new schemes and plans have been brought to and accepted by the General Assembly in the name of this Committee. Most of these will certainly need to be evaluated and, where necessary, amended and it would be our intention to do this in the context of a wider review of Ministry. The Committee has already given time and thought to future forms of ministry but much work still needs to be done. This will be a priority for the coming year with a report on the Committee's vision for the future of ministry in the United Free Church being brought to the next General Assembly.

The thanks of the Committee go to all who have assisted our work in the past year and in particular to the Office staff for all their help and guidance.

In the name of the Committee

COLIN C BROWN, Convener

GRAEME G McKAY, Vice-Convener

DONALD MACKENZIE, Vice-Convener

JOHN O FULTON, Secretary