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NEW LAIGH KIRK
A caring and welcoming church at the heart of Kilmarnock, reaching out to you with the Gospel of Jesus Christ
MORE THAN A CHURCH
New Laigh Kirk is a well known landmark at the centre of Kilmarnock. We welcome you to join our community of faith as we journey together on our spiritual paths. New Laigh Kirk is not a closed shop or a Holy Club, but a caring community, reaching out to all.
The church is more than the building – it’s the people. We consider ourselves a community hub, outreaching to care homes, hospitals and schools within Kilmarnock. Our church halls on John Finnie street also hosts community projects and groups suited for all ages, from tiny tots to senior citizens. We welcome you!
Vivid Vision
Our Vivid Vision for New Laigh Kirk will describe what a thriving, faithful Church of Scotland congregation in Kilmarnock will look like in 2–3 years’ time. It is not a strategy or action plan, but a compelling picture of the future that will guide decision-making, prioritisation, and resourcing.
To help shape the development of our Vivid Vision, Elders, office bearers, members and visitors, friends and families including Trekkers, are all asked to share their thoughts on key areas that the working group should initially concentrate on developing. These themes have emerged from discussions and workshops with the Kirk Session but we now need to prioritise about is important to us all to ensure the vitality, success and future of NLK as “A caring welcoming Church at the heart of Kilmarnock reaching out to all with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Using the link below, please indicate your top 3 areas for inclusion in the plan. This is not to say that those areas not selected are less important, they will be considered within the Vivid Vision with a longer timescale for change. The Vivid Vision will be presented to Kirk Session before end of June. Oversight of this work will be provided by Kirk Session.
Please note that information for each section is provided on section 2 of the form as well as below.
Outreach and Mission
Keep outreach and mission work active and Bible-based; outreach in NW areas of parish; greater involvement with EACHa (music, food); collaborate more with other churches and ecumenical partners; revive community outreach initiatives (e.g. with other ministers, summer clubs, family meals); reach out to supplementary roll members; support new parish area (St John’s) and its people.
Community Activities and Inclusion
Maintain and expand daytime activities for those unable to attend evenings; Music for All concerts, cake & coffee events once new kitchen is installed; increase use of sanctuary by self-supporting community groups; appeal to wider community beyond toddler groups or music events; promote inclusivity for all backgrounds and ethnicities.
Youth, Families, and Generational Renewal
Encourage young families and children to attend; appeal to younger people and understand what attracts them; retain and grow youth involvement; Amy needs more support for her initiatives; youth to take part in Sunday services regularly; succession planning and leadership pipeline for younger volunteers; address ageing congregation (many 60+).
Worship and Spiritual Growth
Make services more varied musically to attract younger people while balancing traditional worship; explore flexible worship times; build on successful formats like Unplugged; encourage training of new worship leaders; strengthen Bible study and prayer life—make it relevant and engaging; offer more resources for personal prayer and study; never underestimate the power of prayer.
Volunteering and Leadership Development
Encourage more people to volunteer; recruit enthusiastic younger helpers; succession planning for ageing volunteers and elders; balance time commitments for volunteers; get more people involved in daily church running and outreach; avoid reliance on a small core group.
Communication and Connection
Improve communication with those without internet access or with hearing/communication difficulties; share info better with Pastoral Care Group; increase publicity for special services and events; seek feedback from online worship viewers; communicate better with supplementary roll and absent members.
Accessibility and Facilities
Improve accessibility facilities; sustainable arrangements at sound desk; funding for development work; make the church building more user-friendly.
Faith Development and Discipleship
Help members express their faith more confidently; actively grow disciples among current and new believers; highlight that being part of a church is unique and spiritual; encourage reflection on discipleship and service.
Encouragement and Spiritual Vitality
Encourage members to act, not be complacent; remind everyone the church faces real change (“express train coming down the track”); foster spiritual renewal through prayer and engagement.
Ecumenical and Wider Church Relations
Encourage more NLK members to attend Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches’ events; learn from other worship styles; maintain cooperation through EACHa and joint outreach.
Community Demographics and Future Planning
Acknowledge ageing congregation and declining active membership; plan for long-term sustainability; funding for development and mission; support needed for outreach in newly added parish areas (e.g. St John’s).
