I didn’t take pictures in the schemes mainly because of privacy—they are people’s homes—but I did grab some random shots in the public spaces.

Nearly five centuries ago, John Knox thundered across Scotland with sermons that shook the nation. His fearless preaching called people to turn from the spiritual decay of the Catholic Church and to recognize both the sufficiency of Scripture and the true gospel of salvation found in Christ alone. Knox’s boldness drew both followers and fierce opponents—including Queen Mary of Scots, who summoned him frequently to debate matters of church and state. Though fiercely opposed by many, Knox died in 1572 after a lifetime of ministry, and the gospel continued to spread as both commoners and nobles bent the knee to Christ alone.

It’s hard to believe that this same land once pulsed with such spiritual vitality. Today—centuries later—Scotland is in grave spiritual decline. Ethan and I saw this firsthand as we visited church history sites in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and Perth. While plaques and monuments commemorate Knox’s legacy, the reverence of his message has long faded. His gravesite, a modest stone embedded in the pavement of a parking lot—literally able to be parked over by whomever—symbolizes Scotland’s current attitude: a polite nod to the past but little interest in the faith that once defined it. Even “The John Knox House,” now a tourist stop, featured more material on witchcraft and Queen Mary than on Knox’s own writings or theology. (To be clear, our grief wasn’t about his name being forgotten—it was that the gospel he preached has been buried under layers of secularism and cultural pride.)

On paper, Scotland may seem favorable towards Christianity as the national church is Presbyterian, and about 38.8% claim a Christian identity—but according to this article from the UK Guardian, “Data from the latest Scottish census, carried out in 2022, shows 51% of the population reported they belonged to no religion – a sharp increase on the 36.7% in 2011.” In other words, Christianity continues to trend downard in Scotland and the reality on the ground tells a different story, especially in the schemes where it’s estimated that less than 2% know Christ.

What is “20 Schemes”?

Schemes are government-housing communities throughout Scotland, usually weaving together generational families, the working class, and immigrants into neighborhoods. Life in these communities is often marked by unemployment, addiction, mental health struggles, and generational poverty. The welfare system, though well-intentioned, often traps families in dependency—offering greater financial incentive to remain in poverty than to work their way out.

One pastor we met shared the story of a church member who left a life of drug dealing after being saved. He took a legitimate job at a diner, only to discover that his income now disqualified him from government aid but wasn’t enough to afford rent outside the scheme. When he called the local scheme (or city) council for advice, he was essentially told it would be better to quit and go back on assistance.

With so much idle time and little hope, these communities often become breeding grounds for abuse, addiction, and despair. But at the root of every problem is a deeper one: the need for new life in Christ.

This is where the ministry of 20 Schemes comes in. They don’t parachute in, hold an event, and move on. They plant and strengthen local churches in the schemes—slowly, relationally, and from within. The pastors of 20 Schemes embody this commitment. They move their families into these communities, not as distant missionaries but as neighbors—planting roots to show they are there for the long haul. They learn names. Sit in kitchens. Meet the needs of the community. And over time, Lord willing, hostility and suspicion begins to wear away.

It sounds simple on paper but is profoundly difficult in practice. Winning trust in the schemes takes years of presence, patience, and love. Many residents are suspicious of churches, often viewing them as cults or irrelevant. One woman on staff with 20 Schemes shared her story: after coming to Christ, her family thinks she is stuck in a cult. Some relatives have cut her off entirely. But her faithfulness stands as a testimony that God’s family is stronger than bloodlines, and His kingdom more enduring than cultural approval.

But through building relationships, earning trust, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples as they preach the whole counsel of God’s word, they aim to transform these communities one person and one home at a time. Ethan first heard about 20 Schemes at the exhibition hall of the most recent Ligonier Conference, and after prayerful consideration about a potential partnership, the Lord opened the door for us to visit and learn about their mission firsthand.

I randomly snapped this photo trying to get a surprise shot of Ethan but ended up liking the shot, lol. This is an example of some apartment style housing.

Witnessing the Work

During our visit, Ethan and I saw this ministry at every stage—new church plants preparing to launch, congregations celebrating five years, and a church that has served its community faithfully for over a decade. Watching that arc—from fragile beginnings to steady, fruit-bearing churches—was deeply moving. As outsiders looking in, we caught glimpses that can be easy to miss in the daily grind: new believers being discipled, small groups taking shape, elders caring for the flock, and communities quietly noting, “These people aren’t going anywhere.” Sometimes, when you’re in the thick of ministry, you don’t always get to see the visible “progress”.

As a pastor’s wife, I have seen firsthand the unique weight of ministry. Before Ethan entered full-time ministry, I never fully understood the spiritual and emotional toll it carries. (It reminds me, in some ways, of motherhood—you love deeply, serve constantly, and sometimes feel drained by the endless needs around you. Yet your love never wavers.) Hearing the burdens of these Scottish pastors—their prayers, struggles, and perseverance—reminded me that ministry is heavy no matter the context, but the grace of God sustains His servants everywhere.

What encouraged me most was the spiritual depth among so many believers there. Without the padding of cultural Christianity, they’re being built from the ground up—their Bibles aren’t collecting dust, their doctrine is clear, and their community is intentional. Of course, smaller numbers allow pastors shepherd closely. But I also believe that pressure from the outside has a way of uniting believers together faster than comfort ever could. “I will build My church,” Jesus promised (Matt. 16:18). We witnessed that—brick by brick, person by person.

Hope Community Church in the Bingham Scheme celebrates their 5th anniversary during this Sunday Worship Service

A Shared Mission

If you’re wondering, “Okay, how do we respond?” here are simple, faithful steps:

Pray for perseverance—for pastors and their families, for unity in their churches, and for wisdom as believers battle former addictions, trauma, and ongoing struggles. Here is a link to their monthly newsletter with specific prayer requests.
Learn—take time to explore 20 Schemes and see what their ministry is all about.
Support wisely—as 5 Bridges prayerfully considers partnering with 20 Schemes, pray for the elders to discern how best to come alongside these churches, and consider how you might support their work. If you’re not a part of 5 Bridges Church, consider reaching out to your pastor about a potential partnership or give directly through their website.

Scotland may feel spiritually dim, but it’s not hopeless. What Knox once stood for—the supremacy of Christ and the power of His Word—has not been entirely lost. It is alive in these faithful men and women laboring in the schemes. The same gospel that turned the world upside down in Knox’s day is still at work in kitchens, living rooms, and community centers across the schemes. God’s plans will not be thwarted and His Word is living and active for those who have ears to hear. We flew home to Panama City Beach both humbled and fired up—to keep doing the slow, ordinary things that God loves to use. And now we carry the Scottish church in our prayers—asking the Lord to strengthen pastors, steady saints, save many, and let the light of Christ shine bright again in that beautiful land.

Ethan and I left Scotland profoundly encouraged. The same gospel that turned the world upside down in the 16th century is still transforming lives today. Though we minister in a very different context in Panama City Beach, Florida, we share the same mission: to glorify God, proclaim Christ, serve His people faithfully, and delight in Him forever. And now, by God’s grace, we carry Scotland in our prayers and hearts—interceding for the pastors, churches, and people we met, trusting that the light of Christ will shine ever brighter in that land once again.