Cornerstone No. 190, page 22
Mr Blackshaw, who lives near Maybole, says he is a “shoulder to lean upon in
hard times”.
“I go to the local market and call at farms to let people know I am there to
provide support and share in celebrations and happy times as well,” he added.
“My job is about letting people know there is someone there who cares and
wants to help them, especially when they think there isn’t anyone and showing
them that Church is very relevant in their day-to-day lives. It is about
communicating with people in a language and context that they understand
and feel comfortable in. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the faith that
exists amongst the farming community. Special acts of worship have taken
place already with around 250 people attending carols in Ayr market”. A bucket
collection was held and raised £900 for Ayr Farm Support and RSABI. Mr
Blackshaw plans to hold further acts of worship, which will include a lambing
thanksgiving service on a sheep farm, a farm walk BBQ and praise in the
summer and a harvest thanksgiving.
Isabell Montgomerie says the minister brings "warmth, care and compassion"
to the role. Kirk elder, Isabell Montgomerie, a former Presbytery of Ayr
moderator, described Mr Blackshaw as a “huge asset. He brings warmth, care
and compassion to the role,” she said. “People are so impressed by how easy
he is to talk to and happy to share their issues and problems with him. His
background means farmers feel comfortable speaking to him because he
understands them. The majority of farming people in Ayrshire are Christians
and they care more, in a lot of cases, about their animals than themselves. It
is great that Chris is able to really show that the Church cares about the farming
community.” Mrs Montgomerie, a farmer herself, said many people in the sector
are too busy to attend church on Sundays. “Chris is bringing out the faith in the
people he visits and I hope it will encourage them to share their faith with
others,” she added.
Rev Kenneth Elliott, clerk to the Presbytery of Ayr, said the Pioneer Ministry
position was akin to a church with fields and no boundaries. “We are aware that
the farming community has been under a great deal of stress in recent times,
highlighted by the poor harvest,” he added. “Chris has come in at a good time.
People have not just appreciated the fact that he is the Pioneer Minister for
farming, but also the fact that the Church of Scotland has had the foresight to
see there is a need for this type of ministry. I think that shows a very caring
and broad minded Church that is willing to try new ideas.”
The five-year pilot post could be rolled out across other parts of rural Scotland
in the future if it proves successful in reconnecting rural Ayrshire with
Christianity.
From
the magazine of the Church of Scotland