The Scottish ideal: Lay education and training in the Church of Scotland

Abstract

This article argues that in the face of an unprecedented crisis in ministry and mission in the Church of Scotland decisive action is needed in the area of the education and training of its lay members. It examines how the church’s theological and cultural heritage shaped a negative attitude towards lay leadership, and reviews attempts at reform in recent years as well as proposals regarding education and training contained in the Kirk’s current Radical Action Plan.