The following article, introducing the Stranraer Renewal Cooperative, appears in the current issue of the Banner of Truth Magazine (August-September 2026). Another article, introducing the SRC to Gentle Reformation readers, has recently been written by Kyle Borg: Give Us Scotland Again: The Stranraer Renewal Cooperative
UK pastors have a long history of going to the USA to fundraise. The Irish Reformed Presbyterian minister Robert Nevin spent almost six months in America in the mid-19th century, travelling 3,291 miles to raise funds for the construction of a new church building in Londonderry. (The building was sold during the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland and now, rather galling, is to be turned into a mosque.) While not averse to doing the same, our focus in Stranraer recently has been on trying to encourage mature Christians from the US to come and be part of the congregation here for at least a month. The response has blown us away, and there is scope for other churches to do the same.
Stranraer has a rich evangelical history through men like John Livingstone, Alexander Smellie and William Symington. Yet today less than 0.1% of the population are evangelical Christians. My own congregation went 30 years without a full-time pastor. In my decade here we’ve seen conversions, but we lack mature Christians. Attempts to try and persuade Christian folk to move here have met with limited success – but in 2025 we had five retired American couples (and one young family) come for between one and three months. Most of 2026 is also filled.
Those who’ve come have taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, offered hospitality, helped in evangelism, carried out practical work, supported young families, and just got alongside people who know very few other Christians. They have been role models for our children and for young believers. A generous donation is now covering the cost of a rental house for those coming. As well as those from our sister denomination in the States, we’ve had couples from the OPC and PCA. Those coming don’t need any particular skills, just a heart for people and a willingness to serve. For those interested in coming — or replicating this approach in their own situation — more information can be found at www.stranraerrpcs.org/renewal