Church of Scotland Appoints Two 19-Year-Old Elders in Glasgow

Two teenagers have made recent Church of Scotland history after being ordained as elders at Sandyhills Parish Church in Baillieston, Glasgow.

Erica Matteo and Luke Anderson, both aged 19, were appointed during a special service on Sunday, October 25, becoming two of the youngest people in recent Church of Scotland history to take up these leadership responsibilities.

Their appointments represent an encouraging development for a denomination that continues to consider how best to involve younger generations in the life, leadership and future of the Church.

Both teenagers participated in an 18-month internship programme established by the church’s minister, Rev Norman Afrin. The programme gave them opportunities to attend Kirk Session meetings, understand how the congregation is governed and gain practical experience of church leadership before taking up their new responsibilities.

As elders, they will become members of the Kirk Session, the body responsible for the spiritual oversight and local leadership of the congregation.

Speaking about the experience, Erica said she initially questioned why she had been selected, particularly because church elders are often associated with older members of the congregation. However, she described the support she received from her church family as an important part of her journey.

Luke, a third-year sports business management student at the University of Stirling, also described the opportunity as a rewarding experience. He spoke about the privilege of serving communion and contributing to the work of the congregation. He is also considering a future in ordained ministry.

Sandyhills Parish Church has seen encouraging growth in recent years, welcoming more than 50 new members. Around a third of its congregation is under 30, while its Sunday evening gathering for young adults attracts people from other parts of Scotland, including Ayrshire.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy, welcomed the appointments, describing them as inspiring evidence of young people’s commitment to Christian service.

The development offers an important reminder that young people should not simply be viewed as the future of the Church. Given the opportunity, training and encouragement, they can make meaningful contributions to its leadership and ministry today