Episode 11 with Gordon Allan

Elim MPower

In this episode, which we recorded by iphone and Bluetooth speaker because of the coronavirus lockdown, we are in conversation with Gordon Allan, the lead pastor of Edinburgh Elim Church.

Gordon opens briefly about his family, background and liking for rugby – and then we discuss the impact the coronavirus lockdown has had on life in the city and in his church and how it has affected the way in which they are ‘being church’ together.

Social isolation has brought a steep learning curve with many challenges of different kinds, even for a ministry that was already ‘tech savvy’.

This has included connecting with the congregation online and via social media and making sure that those on the periphery or who are vulnerable are being looked after.

Pre-existing intentions at Edinburgh Elim to create an online congregation have been rapidly accelerated, in line with so many churches globally in this season.

Technologies they are using include Facebook, WhatsApp, their own website, Zoom and the Life Church online church platform – and of course the phone.

After initial anxieties, people in the church have responded by seeing the season as a time to sharpen their faith, take charge of their emotions and use some of the lockdown for some sanctuary.

Gordon has found himself drawn to Psalm 20:7 ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord...’ By drawing near to Jesus, who is in charge of everything, it brings great reassurance, and this gives us some great opportunities in this season to connect meaningfully with a world too used to living for the ‘here and now’ and without the wider perspective on life that faith can strengthen us with.

Gordon also reminds us that every time the church scatters, the gospel does really well, and this has given him confidence that ultimately the church will be strengthened as a result of the virus in the long term, even as the virus causes so much difficulty and loss.

Being put on furlough is not necessarily all negative for blokes. With furlough, we have a very unusual opportunity to take some time, spend some time in the Word, connect with a few other gents and stay linked – and perhaps some new purposes will emerge.

Gordon suggests we take the opportunity to complete some jobs round the house that we’ve been putting off for years, and connect properly with the kids. It’s about embracing the situation and making the most of it, whilst managing our emotions well before the Lord.

Sometimes being under lots of constraints but simultaneously having more time available, there are some great opportunities to skill up or brush up again on old long disused skills. Gordon talked about recently re-joining a pipe band with his bagpipes, and bringing some of his musical ability back. He stood and played ‘Scotland The Brave’ on his front drive to salute the great work being done for us by the NHS.

‘Spin The Wheel’ came up with ‘car’ – and Gordon confessed to wanting an Aston Martin, and also having lost his Honda Civic recently as a result of a theft, although this has been replaced since on insurance.

It also came up with ‘decision’ and Gordon shared about a recent big decision to bless another charitable organisation with a large sum of money from church funds. This has kept this organisation operational and flourishing, and helped to keep fulfilling Edinburgh Elim church’s stated mission statement ‘Bringing The Kingdom Of God To The City And Beyond’.

Gordon closed by praying for all the gents listening.