What is in Kelvin's Head?

Dinner at the Trades House

09/10/2014

Out last night to a lovely dinner with the Trades House of Glasgow.

Glasgow is one of those cities where the Medieval Guilds of the city still exist. The various trades in the city formed themselves in to Incorportated Crafts which were ways of regulating (and monopolising) trade as the city grew.

Nowadays they give away a lot of money (over £600 000 a year) and maintain various traditions centred around the Trades House in Glassford Street.

Last night’s dinner was the choosing dinner for the Deacon Convener of the House. This is the highest honour for those involved and the person takes on a civic role in Glasgow for their year of office.

This year’s Deacon Convener is the Rt Rev Idris Jones, formerly the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway and so it was good to be there to cheer him on as he took up his new role.

It was a great night out and fascinating to see an institution which dates back to the middle ages still functioning and still doing its bit to offer relief to those in need and training to the young.

The dress code was “Official, Evening (White Tie) or Highland Dress. Insignia and Decorations” so we were all very spruced up.

The best I could manage for Insignia and Decorations was the cufflinks pictured above.

I made them on Monday.

7 responses to “75 questions for people who want to help churches to grow”

Richard Ashby

22/09/2017

Kevin, that’s very interesting set of questions. Can I shamelessly steal some for something I am working on in Chichester? Thanks

Reply
1. Kelvin
  
  22/09/2017
  
  Feel free to share – please give a link to the website where appropriate.
  
  Reply
Alan McCulloch

22/09/2017

Very thought provoking set of questions applicable in large part to many walks of life as well as the Church.

Reply
Richard Haggis

22/09/2017

I should like to share it with my Baptist masters in Oxford if that would be OK. We’re in process of deciding who we are, before starting to look for a new minister to work with and lead us.

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1. Kelvin
  
  22/09/2017
  
  Of course.
  
  Reply
Markus Dünzkofer

22/09/2017

76. What role does Jesus play in your preaching/formation/proclamation?
77. Can you wrap your reasons for going to your church into a joyful and inviting “elevator speach” (a speech taking the amount of time you need to ride a lift/elevator)?
78. Do you know what your neighbourhood is looking for, what its needs and desires as much as its joys and hopes are?
79. What would you miss if your church would close? Would you neighbourhood miss you?
80. How does your church get its “hands dirty” with creating a just society and preserving creation?
81. Do you undergird all you do with prayer and worship?
82. Do you willingly and joyfully give of your time, talent, and treasure to your church?
83. What role does discussing your own resources play in the formation of your church? (Stewardship)
84. Do you share details you spiritual and church life joyfully with friends and neighbours?
85. Do you share the concerns and worries of your friends and family with the responsible people in your congregation?
86. Are there church events happening outside your buildings?
87. Are children neither seen, nor heard; seen, but not heard; or seen and heard?
88. Do you pray for growth?
89. Do you pray for your city and neighbourhood?
90. What role does the cross play in your identity and formation?

Reply
1. Kelvin
  
  27/09/2017
  
  It seems to me that people can help churches grow with the most varied theological presumptions. I’m not convinced that any particular one leads inevitably to growth.
  
  Reply