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).