New minister looks forward to getting his teeth into his new role

A former dental tutor is looking forward to getting his teeth into his first charge following his ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.

Rev Thomas MacGregor – better known as Tommy – was ordained and introduced as assistant minister at Kinmylies Parish Church in Inverness, where he completed his final probation placement.

Mr MacGregor, who previously worked as an NHS dental nurse and dental tutor before training for ministry, said: "I have come to the end of the chapter and it's now time to move on to the next chapter and see what that is and where it will be."

That may involve a move away from his home patch of Inverness and Easter Ross, but he is keeping his options open and deliberately sought out a wide range of church experiences, including urban, rural and island parishes, during his training.

"It has been really challenging at times, but it has been fulfilling," he acknowledged.

"Probably I have gone down more of a traditional route, but my time at Kinmylies has opened my eyes to something more contemporary and that has been good for me as well.

"I want something I can really get my teeth into – pardon the dental pun – but somewhere I can really make an impact and help people to come to know Jesus and help them in their journey.

"I feel very strongly that God has called me into the ministry to be with people and encourage, support, and strengthen them in their faith journey, especially in challenging times like we face just now.

"I hope and pray that I can help others to realise that if they also place their hope and trust in Christ, they can also gain the strength to serve God."

Mr MacGregor's ordination was led by Rev Doug McRoberts, Moderator of the Presbytery of Clèir Eilean Ì, the Church of Scotland in the Highlands and Hebrides, who called the ordination "a turning point in the life of Thomas MacGregor, a turning point in the life of this church and a turning point for this presbytery", and pointed out that as well as members of Clèir Eilean Ì, colleagues, friends and fellow former students had travelled from across Scotland to join Mr MacGregor for this special evening.

They were also joined by members of Mr MacGregor's home congregation of Ferintosh and from churches in Inverness, Nairn and other locations where he had done placements or pulpit supply.

"That was very encouraging," Mr MacGregor said.

"It was just a lovely evening. The singing and music was great and I was pleased that so many people could share it with me."

Ready for a challenge

As someone for whom service has always been important, Mr MacGregor feels very called to a "ministry of service".

Away from his church role, he is a volunteer with the local St Andrew's First Aid Corps, the Street Pastors and Highland Hospice.

"One of my placements was with Highland Hospice as a chaplain and I have continued this on a voluntary basis," he added.

"The experience and skills that I've gained from this has been very valuable and although I don't feel called to be a fulltime chaplain, I do feel that chaplaincy will play a part in my future whether it's in school, hospital or any other sector."

One of the things which drives his commitment to voluntary works is a sense that he is helping pay back all the assistance he has received throughout his life as someone born with spina bifida and who later developed hydrocephalus.

This also motivated him to conquer his fear of heights and abseil 131 ft from the top of the Northern Lights Tower at the Kings Church in Aberdeen to raise funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland last summer.

"I probably won't be doing another abseil for a wee while yet: that was interesting enough!" he admitted.

"But it was good to do and I do like to be challenged. Wherever I go I would like to think I would challenge people to do things differently and join me in the challenge of helping to revive the Church and bringing the Good News to people.

"Community to me is really important, and being visible in the community is really important. We have got to go out to the people, that is what we are called to do, and show them that the Church is alive and relevant."