Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) Spring Colloquium

1. Pass on our FCC heritage to the next generation of office bearers;
2. Discuss practical problems we face in the work of the ministry;
3. Give us time on a regular basis to visit with one another, enjoy fellowship, and to spend time in prayer;
4. Provide an opportunity for the students to discuss with the Presbytery the problems they encounter in preparation for the ministry.

These are important and strategic goals for the Presbytery. I believe that they are well thought out and needful. As for my impressions: ecclesiastically, for me, these meetings are one of the highlights of the year. In them, there is a tremendous opportunity for iron to sharpen iron and to continue to grow as a church officer. The colloquia create a collegial environment where ministers can challenge each other in their understanding of Scripture, doctrine, and piety. In addition, some addresses will have us consider God’s working in history through biographical addresses which challenge how we labor for Christ’s kingdom and to have us grow in piety by following those who have followed Christ before us. To imitate their graces and to steer clear of their sins.

In other circles, many ministers cease being actively stretched in their learning (outside of sermon preparation) once they graduate from Seminary. That becomes abundantly clear in church courts when men have to debate matters or deal with doctrinal controversies. But in these FCC meetings I continue to find things which stretch me and lead to continued growth as a minister.

The US Presbytery’s colloquia also have a strategic planning session. In these meetings, topics such as plans for an indigenous denomination are considered prayerfully as well as other Presbytery wide concerns such as standardized curriculum for Sabbath School and Catechesis of the children of the Church.

If you are an officer in a Reformed Church, I highly recommend you consider asking for an invitation to these meetings. The times of fellowship and prayer are sweet. The joint outings are edifying. In at least two of the meetings I have attended, the ministers have went out street preaching to proclaim Christ to the local community. On the Friday night meeting is a public worship service that all are invited to where one of the ministers will preach.

These colloquia are a rich time of spiritual fellowship so that those who water can be watered. In addition, they continue to reinforce upon her church officers the reasons for the attainments of the denomination so that they not be lost and so that students of the ministry may learn how to conduct themselves in the house of God by observing their godly predecessors and be encouraged to press on in their own service to the Lord.

The 2024 Spring Colloquium of the US Presbytery takes place in Greenville, SC between March 27-29.