A North Lanarkshire church congregation is set to welcome a new pastor.
Wishaw Baptist Church has been without a recognised minister for seven years.
But next Sunday, July 31, the congregation will warmly welcome Gordon Ross into the role.
The 41-year-old dad-of-two, who is originally from Hamilton and lives in Larkhall, is looking forward to returning to Wishaw as he already has previous experience there.
Mr Ross said: “I was brought up going to Hamilton Baptist by my mum and dad and I’m still a member and still attending until I take on the responsibilities at Wishaw.
“I’ve had a lay teaching ministry going on at various different places over the last 20 years or so, and I’ve been to Wishaw several times as pulpit supply with the position there being vacant. That’s why I was considered for taking the role up more permanently, rather than three or four times a year.
“I’m looking to bringing the main bible teaching and I believe that will be the main difference. I’m not coming in with fancy ideas. It’s really the response I’ve had from the congregation through the teachings I’ve brought during the times I’ve already been there.
"It’s how folk have responded and feel they’ve been helped by that, so that’s what I’m looking forward to, I’m hoping to have that kind of impact again.”
Gordon will be combining his role at the church while continuing in his day job as a chartered building surveyor.
He continued: “Effectively my responsibilities at the church will be mainly the Sunday service.
“I’ll also help out wherever I can but it will be limited with having a family and working full time.
“This style of worker is probably becoming a bit more common in the church now.
“It’s effectively what would happen with the lay leadership when they take on that responsibility.
“I’ll be a pastor rather than a minister as I’m not accredited to the Baptist union.”
Gordon will be inducted at Wishaw Baptist Church at 55 Belhaven Terrace on Sunday, July 31 at 11am.
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