Burghead Free Church’s minister Peter Turnbull is full of positivity about the church’s future.
While many churches are closing, the Burghead church has gone from strength to strength.
They have an increasing congregation and plans to breathe new life into their hall.
He credits the church’s success to community engagement and the power of God.
The rise of Burghead Free Church
In 2015, he left his 900-strong congregation in Sheffield’s Christ Church Fulwood to lead the Burghead church of only 20 members.
The relocation followed several trips to Moray with his wife Morag, who is from Elgin.
Meanwhile, in 2017, the church underwent a £100,000 to help modernise the 19th-century building.
Since then, attendance numbers have grown while other churches are dwindling. Although numbers are small, it is seen as a positive sign.
He told us: “The church we arrived at had a small congregation of around 20 members.
“There has been some growth, with an average Sunday service now getting between 60 and 65 people.
“Meanwhile, there are around 30 people that go to the evening services.
“I think God has been at work here.
“The growth has been down to the power of God and community engagement.
“We have been active in starting groups and events in church and inviting people of different ages to church.
“It is great to see growth against a background of wider decline.”
Importance of adapting to the digital revolution
He says it is vital for churches to adapt to the ever-changing digital climate.
Burghead Free Church live streams its services on Facebook and uploads them on YouTube.
They also use social media to spread God’s word.
He said: “The teachings of the Bible and what we believe will never change.
“However, we can be flexible about how we communicate the word.
“We like to do it in a modern way through live streaming, social media and other methods.
“Embracing technology is key in spreading the message.
“The message may be old, but it is still alive.”
“We want to be a church at the heart of the community and with the community in our heart.”
Burghead Free Church hall project
In January, we revealed the church wanted to build an extension and refurbish their church hall and kitchen.
The £300,000 project will preserve the hall for the next generation.
The church has already raised £100,000 largely from the sale of the Burghead
Brethren Hall, which was gifted to them.
What is the project?
Their church hall badly needs transformation. It is currently damp, inflexible and lacks storage and up-to-date catering facilities.
The renovations will bring new facilities like a church office for staff and volunteers.
Upgraded toilets, a new kitchen and audiovisual equipment are also proposed.
The hall is already widely used by the community and church.
This includes the Blessing Box which is a community food project in partnership with the Burghead and Cummingston Community Council.
He explained: “It is positive, we are upgrading the hall, while other churches are getting rid of buildings.
“This hall is used by all ages, with an afternoon school club, youth club, Sunday School and school groups taking place there.
“Bible study groups, community organisations and the Blessing Box are also based there.
“The hall is old, damp and confusing in layout.
“We want to extend it and make it fit for purpose for the church and community.”
Fundraising challenge
Mr Turnbull and eight church members are running 1000 miles this month between them to raise funds for the hall refurbishment.
Donations can be made here.
Conversation