Joining the Association

There are three conditions to satisfy if you wish to be included on the list of active members:

You must be resident in Scotland.

You must be in membership of a Scottish Baptist Church and your church must provide you with a letter of commendation to accompany your application.

You must gain or have gained a recognised qualification after following an approved course of theological study, though previous relevant study and experience will be taken into consideration. The association can give advice on suitable courses e.g. the Baptist Union of Scotland run a training course under the Scotbuild Programme.

The Committee has the power to set aside the above conditions if it considers it inappropriate in view of the candidate's age, experience or other qualifications.

You should have some recognised ability in preaching. This is normally through two active members arranging to come and hear you preach.

Applicants who agree to undergo appropriate training as recommended by the committee will be placed on the Probationery Members list pending successful completion of their studies and training. If you would like to apply to join the active list, you should first discuss your plans with your local church leadership to gain their support and willingness to provide the letter of commendation. Then contact the General Secretary by letter to make a formal application. Alternatively, you can send an email to gcartwright@sblpa.co.uk.

If you feel you do not qualify for membership or do not wish membership of the active list, but have a desire to support the aims and objectives of the Association, you can identify with the SBLPA by becoming a "Friend of the Association".