20Schemes
At 20schemes, our desire is to see Scotland’s housing schemes transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ through the revitalisation and planting of gospel-preaching churches, ultimately led by a future generation of indigenous church leaders.
We believe that building healthy, gospel preaching churches in Scotland’s poorest communities will bring true renewal to Scotland’s schemes.
We believe that building healthy, gospel preaching churches in Scotland’s poorest communities will bring true renewal to Scotland’s schemes.
Momentum in Orkney
Tourists flock to Orkney for the beauty of the dramatic coastline, ancient stone ruins, and wide open skies. But behind the postcard perfection lies a silent spiritual crisis.
Often viewed as a tranquil escape, Orkney is an archipelago of over 70 islands off the northern coast of Scotland. Though breathtaking on the surface, Orkney is not untouched by the brokenness common to Scotland’s poorest communities. In fact, the isolation and tight-knit culture make gospel outreach uniquely challenging.
Even more, Orkney’s culture is subtly steeped in pre-Christian spirituality. Ancient sites like the Ring of Brodgar and other Neolithic relics attract spiritual tourism and a fascination with Norse, Celtic, and pagan traditions. The island’s heritage is romanticized in ways that lead to increasing resistance to biblical truth.
Even more, Orkney’s culture is subtly steeped in pre-Christian spirituality. Ancient sites like the Ring of Brodgar and other Neolithic relics attract spiritual tourism and a fascination with Norse, Celtic, and pagan traditions. The island’s heritage is romanticized in ways that lead to increasing resistance to biblical truth.
Church Planting & Revitalisation
In Community
Our church planters and ministry workers must live in the scheme they are planting and be part of the community. This often means that they must relocate. We want those evangelising the neighbourhood to live and work in the area rather than traveling in and out of the scheme.
Intentional
Getting involved in the community is vital, whether that’s visiting the local café on a consistent basis or volunteering at the local school. Scheme culture is quite skeptical of outsiders, so trust must be built with contacts before one is accepted into the community. This can take months to years of work.
One-to-One
We believe that accountability, along with a consistent intake of solid Bible teaching, is vital to healthy discipleship. Each believer, new and mature, is paired with someone to have weekly one-to-one Bible study as well as accountability.
Support For Planters
Church planting in poor communities has its own set of unique challenges. 20schemes teaches church planters, both new and experienced, how to contextualise to planting in the schemes specifically. Planters receive visits from a pastoral coach as well as maintaining regular contact to work through ministry situations.
Ministry Internships
This is a two-year commitment made up of mature Christians and new believers, both international and indigenous. Interns are assigned to a church planting team where they receive practical, hands-on experience. All interns are enrolled in the Ragged School of Theology.
Ragged School of Theology
The Ragged School of Theology aims to provide Christian ministry training that suits those who learn best practically and actively. The Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology is offered in year 1 with Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications available in years 2 and 3.