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More Bravehearts Let Loose - Glasgow
01 April 2001
Glasgow, Scotland, is definitely not a city for the faint-hearted!
Famous for its love of football and a rowdy good time, this city has come a long way in recent years, developing a strong cultural heart and a 'can-do' mentality.
As is often the case, this is being shaped by the vibrant life of some of the churches in the city, particularly churches like Covenant Life, which is drawing hundreds of people through its doors every week.
This church, just a decade old, is successfully reaching out to young and old alike with a variety of cutting edge programs designed to express the contemporary relevance and prophetic edge of Christian faith.
Andrew Owen, pastor and founder of the church, heads a team who are committed to building a model church for the whole of Scotland.
What started with just a handful of people meeting in a hotel room, has grown to occupy a large and historic former Church of Scotland building, which would have closed down had it not been for the vision of this new church. The building, which has been purchased by Abundant Life, is being rennovated inside to take on a very contemporary feel while respecting the church's history.
In March, Mal Fletcher spoke to leaders from across Glasgow, and then to the church itself. The results were exciting, with people released to have new influence in the community.
After this second visit to the church, and third to the city, Mal said, 'One of the things that really impresses me about this church -- aside from the positive, big-thinking attitude of its pastors -- is the number of outstanding young adult leaders who are emerging from its ranks. You can see that this is a group of people who have a very strong eye on the future and a clear idea of what God has raised them up to accomplish in the long term. This is a great church -- and the best is yet to come.'
Pastor Owen and his team have an immediate goal of breaking what they call the 'One Thousand Barrier' -- attracting one thousand people every Sunday. They are well on the way to that goal, and are also planting new churches in Germany.
Mal adds: 'John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, prayed "Give me Scotland or I die". There's some of that same spirit in this church. I'm going to be watching it with interest!'
Find out when Mal is visiting a city near you.... See 'Coming to A Town Near You'
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