Church of Scotland sees some signs of growth despite fall in membership

The Church of Scotland has seen a fall in membership while seeing some signs of growth, with over 1 / 4 of congregations saying they welcomed latest members last yr. 

A report back to the General Assembly meeting in Edinburgh showed that as of 31 December 2025, the Church of Scotland had 229,000 members across its congregations, a 5% drop on 2024 figures. The Church said the first explanation for this fall was death.

At the identical time, the number of individuals professing faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour has also nearly doubled because the pandemic – from 428 in 2021 to 820 last yr. Overall, there have been 3,292 professions of religion between 2021 and 2025. 

Some 27% of congregations reported welcoming latest members last yr.

St Paul’s Church in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, is one in all the churches seeing growth, with average weekly attendance at around 200. It welcomed 14 latest members and had three baptisms in March. 

Rev David Cameron, convener of the Assembly Trustees, said it was “very encouraging” to see professions of religion on the rise again across the Church of Scotland. 

“I feel this growth reflects the undeniable fact that even in uncertain times there stays a deep spiritual hunger inside our parishes,” he said. 

“The increase across quite a lot of congregations is the fruit of welcome through relationships, faithful worship, and acts of care.” 

He also recognised a necessity for targeted investment. 

The General Assembly opens in Edinburgh on Friday and might be asked to back two latest programmes aimed toward making disciples and reaching students. Under the proposals, worshipping communities might be planted in areas near universities where the Church of Scotland currently has limited reach. 

“The challenge just isn’t simply to have a good time growth but to nurture it well,” said Rev Cameron. 

“We must proceed investing in discipleship and intergenerational ministry by creating spaces where younger people can explore faith truthfully and belong meaningfully.

“If we’re willing to stay outward looking and daring in our mission in Christ’s name, then I feel this upward trend can turn into a part of a deeper renewal within the lifetime of the Church.”