Glasgow City Mission: Pioneer of the Urban Rescue Movement

Glasgow City Mission was the world's first rescue mission. Established in 1826, it was an interdenominational lay movement. The mission was founded at a time of great poverty and distress in Glasgow. It practiced and proclaimed the gospel among the city's poorest. The mission also devised creative partnerships with churches and civic agencies to provide spiritual and practical care for youth, offenders, the sick and needy.

The latter part of this century saw a decline in the mission's fortunes as it became increasingly tied to mission halls and the quasi-church tradition that went with them. By 1992, the decline was potentially terminal.

In the last three years Glasgow City Mission has been revitalized. A new strategy document was adopted in 1992, taking the original vision and applying it to modern city issues, leading to: 
  • a biblical/theological approach to urban needs
  • new leadership with professional and management skills
  • new standards of quality in care and administration
  • training at all levels of the organization and
  • development of a healthy new public image. 

This recovery of values and practices has led to great improvements. The mission's caring work is now regarded by many as exemplary. People's lives are being transformed, and public and charitable resources are being better directed to meet the needs of the neediest. Resources and income have increased four-fold, and the mission's workers have a renewed commitment to their mission.

We believe God has led us to this point. We also remain committed to change and are presently recharting our future strategy. Four development tracks are apparent: establishing a multi-disciplinary care center in Glasgow's city center, adding new staff members, establishing a residential crisis care center and building an increased emphasis on our educational role.

The church faces a crisis of confidence within Europe. Our experience in Glasgow suggests that a revitalized city mission motivates and encourages local churches to reach their cities effectively with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

by Graeme Clark,
Executive Director, Glasgow City Mission

From the Summer 1995 issue of City Voices. Used by permission of International Urban Associates

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