Magnitude 2025: A transformational week for Scotland’s youth

Rev Ruth Kennedy, digital ministries adviser, writes about attending this year's Magnitude Festival, a five-day annual Christian youth festival at Scripture Union's rural centre, Lendrick Muir, near Kinross.

Gathering hundreds of church youth groups from across Scotland, Magnitude keeps the local Church at its core. Its vision is to see a generation of young people captivated and transformed by encountering Jesus who go on to transform their Churches, communities, nation and the world!

And from what we saw in and from the Church of Scotland village this year, Magnitude is growing and succeeding for God!

Our village had grown significantly from last year with 110-120 campers supported by dedicated group leaders and a village team of 12, including Faith Action staff, Presbytery workers, Ministry Candidates, and volunteers. Together, we cared and catered for each other, growing in friendship and the things of God.

In addition to the main gatherings were: ‘wee top' gatherings – safe, relaxed worship for neurodivergent and quieter youth, seminars, sports, arts, Youth Alpha, prayer, campfire worship, ceilidh, silent disco, talent show, karaoke, and a colour run.

The importance of our youth ministry and those involved can never be emphasised or honoured enough. Magnitude ran out of ‘welcome to faith' packs there were so many new Christians!

A special thanks goes to those who provided evening meals: St Mungo's Alloa, St Michael's Linlithgow, Faith Action staff, Arbroath and District, and Dunfermline East – you won a special place in the hearts of our youth.

Churches from Inverness Nitelife, Devana, Eyemouth, Dunfermline East, Drymen, Kirk at the Cross Motherwell, Lochside Union, St Michael's Linlithgow, St Andrews Leckie Peebles, and Upper Annandale pitched up and witnessed our youth coming to and returning to faith, celebrating communion, and setting out to change the world with unity and love. We honoured those who encouraged us by sharing their testimony at the twice-daily main gatherings in front of around 1,500 people and served by washing the dishes!

Other Churches, including Arbroath and District, Sandyhills, Martins Memorial, John Knox Stewarton, Kiltarlity and Kirkhill, and Holy Trinity Wester Hailes came along to the Magnificent Candy Bar to eat sweets but also to share their ideas about the future national children, youth, and young adult development work.

We also welcomed friends from Christian Aid, Open Bible Podcast, Scottish Bible Society, Lectio 365, Boys Brigade Scotland, Open Doors, and the wonderful Rev Kenny Borthwick.

All of us in the village team have been left inspired by how this generation is running after and with Jesus. Their pace is fast. And they are built for endurance. God is doing something particular and we, across the Church and ages, are up and running with them!'

Yes, it was an incredible and full 5 days of faith!

Worship was amazing

Some of the feedback from young people attending:

"Magnitude was great. Worship was amazing. The Church of Scotland were amazing; the leaders were lovely and the food was great. All round, amazing!"

"Magnitude was amazing. I think everyone was feeling like they were connecting with God."

Some of the feedback from other attendees:

"Magnitude is awesome - and for ministers, like myself, and leaders, it gives us the understanding and tools we need to reach the young people in our parishes."

"This is our first year and we brought quite a big group but couldn't manage catering too. The Church of Scotland village meant we could actually come."

Sarah Johnson, Mission Support Manager, Village Team, said "Magnitude was a significant week in the lives of 100s of young people. I believe that for many it will be formational. I know from my own experience that such times, set aside for God, often result in spiritual encounters that shape faith and change the direction of lives."

Next year's Magnitude Festival will run 18-22 July 2026. Email faithaction@churchofscotland.org.uk for more information.