Rev. Jim Neil and his wife Janette
Q. Tell me a bit about yourself
I was born and bred in Millerston where I enjoyed an outdoors childhood despite being in the East End of Glasgow. I am still not an indoor office type. I enjoy hill walking and swimming. The United Free Church was right across the road from the house, so I attended from childhood. Despite lacking confidence and preferring to be in the background, I led a Sunday School, Bible Class and Youth Club. This was during a time of great growth in the community. I was part of the Scout movement until I was 23, becoming a Scoutmaster myself. I like to know how things work and I served my apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering at Clydesmill Power station in Cambuslang. During this period the call came to ministry.
Q. How did you come in to the Ministry?
I was influenced by good role models from a variety of sources, including the Millerston United Free Church and the Scouts. I was 21 when I felt the call to ministry like a hound constantly behind me but was advised to complete my apprenticeship first. I went back to college at 23 to study for university entrance, then theology at Trinity College in Glasgow followed by postgraduate studies in Pastoral Theology.
Q. Where did you work before coming to Burntisland?
I was in Alloa for five years at my first church, then Cathcart in Glasgow for 26 years. During this time I was also School and Industrial Chaplain. I am currently Overseas Convenor for our denomination, which involves occasional travels abroad to visit church work there.
Q. How has Burntisland struck you so far?
My first impression of Burntisland was of a depressed town on a grey March afternoon. The High Street was deserted with a number of small dingy shops. It struck me as a tired town which had lost heart. Now I have seen it through the summer with the shows and bustle of people, there is a different atmosphere. The High Street is beginning to regenerate and there is a more hopeful feeling, a sense that something is happening. What the town needs is fresh employment opportunities. We need regeneration and employment both for the economy and for people's self esteem.
Q. What do you see as the main role of a Minister?
My role is to preach the gospel and to help the church live the gospel in the community. It is a privileged position. People do look to the churches to play a part in community life. I look forward to exploring my role in the community. I believe in being myself and hoping what I believe in and stand for shows through.
Q. How do you think the Church sees the community?
More interesting is how the community sees the Church. I think the Church is seen in the community as a bastion of tradition. Some see it as a museum piece with no current value. I see the Church being a constant in a world that is changing at a rate that people cannot cope with. A church can be a fisherman or it can be the custodian of an aquarium. The Church is not there for itself; it is meant to be out in the world and seen there, carrying its faith into the community. The challenge is to communicate the values of the Church to society, as contemporary and relevant to today.
Q. There are around 6000 people in Burntisland and only around 10% of them regularly attend church of any denomination. What do you see as the role of the Erskine Church in relation to the other 90%?
I am already meeting many good personalities in the community, who are not committed to the Church. I relish the prospect of getting involved in the community. In a small town it is more achievable than in a city to make a difference to the community rather than just to the church. I look forward to developing the church life in the community with other church leaders within and out with the Erskine Church
Q. What would you like to be remembered for?
It is neither relevant nor desirable for me to be remembered. I prefer to remain low key. I will be happy if the church is one where people have an excitement and a passion for Christian values and community; where people are sacrificially committed to one another, meeting together regularly. I would like to see people loosen up a bit more and be more forthcoming, rather than treat religion as a private domain. Why keep our faith under wraps?
Q. What special qualities do you bring to the post and to the town?
My wife! She and I work well as a team. I can be imaginative, creative, figure out what can be done to bring the community and the church together. I am willing to try new things; this may scare some people in the church and may cause a debate or two so I am willing to go slowly, where necessary.
Q. One Final Question: How do you get on with the neighbours? (His predecessor Rev. John Allen and wife, Sandra)
They don't get in my hair - partly because I don't have much! In fact they have contributed much to the warmth of welcome we have received.
Interview by Isabel Carr Smart