For better or worse, decisions are being made that are closing the doors on some of our communities most treasured buildings.  But let's be honest... What's going on inside these buildings isn't always meeting the full need of the local community.  Or it may be that the regular church members haven't got the energy to do what they used to.  Or there isn't a minister to take the lead.  Or quite simply, the building is needing lots spent on it and the church just hasn't got the resources to sort it.

 

But these buildings hold so many memories in our communities.  Christenings. Weddings. Funerals. School Assemblies. Community Gatherings.  The list is endless.  Someone in your family might even have a memorial plaque somewhere in the building to their memory.  

​

So we can't let these buildings just be converted to housing.  Our communities need them.  But what for?

​

Well, this is where I can help you and where the name of this project makes sense.  Jesus told us in Luke chapter 10 verse 37 to Go and Do Likewise.  This was at the end of the story of the Good Samaritan which even the person furthest from attending a church will have heard about.  But this instruction from our Lord was more than just a line at the end of a parable.  It was a command that still stands today.  And as we face changes to how our churches look, it is even more important to live out this instruction.  We must meet the needs of our local community - and that may be very different in each area - but each community still needs the church - or at least the building from which so much good has come over the years - to provide support, care, love and maybe even a bit of fun too.  Let me just clarify something here though.  I know that the Church is more than just the building - after all, Jesus wasn't really a huge fan of buildings either.  And I also know that the Church is not a heritage society to preserve ancient buildings just for the sake of it.  But, these are often well built buildings, holding great importance to communities, and still with the ability to support more people for many years to come - in the right hands.

​

So, if you fall into any of the categories at the start of this page, or anywhere close to them, I can help.  As my other pages on here will tell you, I've been working with communities in Scotland since 2003 to develop people and projects that benefit even more people.  And since 2016, that has included repurposing church buildings either through direct development work, or from remote advice and support.  Many of you will have skills that could be of use.  I can help bring that together, plug any gaps, bring learning from other projects, and ensure that as many of these buildings retain their prominent community support role.  Whether its A listed or just well loved, let's talk.

 

Today, don't wait.  

 

Go, and Do Likewise.

​