St George’s-Tron Building Redevelopment Update

Click here for the nicely-formatted version (716K PDF)

Over the past 50 years in particular, God has blessed us as a fellowship at St George's-Tron.

Led by the Bible-teaching ministries of Tom Allan, George Duncan, Eric Alexander, Sinclair Ferguson and now William Philip, God has been so good to us. His faithfulness to us has been immeasurable.

But, we must look to the future, building on our foundations so as to continue our Lord's great commission to spread and teach the Gospel as previous generations in St George's-Tron have done.

We know that many who pass our doors have never heard the Gospel, or been faced with its challenge for their lives. But nor can we presume that they would find it easy to just walk into a Sunday service here. They might-and some do, for which we thank God. But, many more might come into the church during the week, especially if it was seen to be open, and welcoming, and looked like somewhere they could feel comfortable. If it were a pleasant place to sit and chat, one to one over a cup of coffee, or in a small group over lunch with some friends.

Our church is at the heart of a desperately needy city—a city, like ancient Athens, given over to idolatry. We are custodians of an unchanging Gospel, but in the midst of a changing world. So, the challenge before us is to improve the facilities to conform to the standards that people now expect from public buildings.

Of course as a church we are already reaching out throughout the week, through the lunchtime service, Christianity Explored, the 12–2 opening of the church, the ministries of Alex and Agnes. But, just think how much more the church building could be made to serve our mission—with more attractive and visible entrances and proper disabled access, with flexible multi-purpose floor space inside, with a kitchen and room to serve food & coffee and hold small meetings. And with bigger and better toilets we don't need to be ashamed of!

The potential is limitless and exciting.

With facilities that really do assist the ministry, rather than hinder it and God-willing with more mission staff added over time, we can be a church open to the city all day, every day—a real beacon for the Gospel in the midst of the busy marketplace of Glasgow.

In contemplating a major redevelopment we need to lift up our eyes to the bigger story. Whatever we do here, we are not an island, not alone. We play our part—albeit a very small one—in God's eternal plan, in his great mission to the world. Our calling is to be faithful in 'our small corner', to steward what God has given us, in terms of both resources and opportunity.

We build on a privileged heritage, to pass on the gospel faith to future generations. It is a project that will need us to be courageous and committed. But God has been so faithful to us in the past; we need not fear. If we are working to glorify his Name, he will surely continue to bless our efforts now and in the future.