ASR Scott Witherick at the 2022 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo © SASRA
Scott Witherick recently completed his two years training at Cornhill Belfast, a training course dedicated to equipping students for expository Bible Ministry in the local church. Scott shared what some of his experience was:
My one hope going into training at Cornhill, was that it would be a course that takes the Bible seriously and doesn’t hold back on its in-depth study of it. It did just that and I very quickly began to appreciate being on the course and being able to weekly go deeper into studying God’s Word more than I ever had previously. While I enjoyed my studies, I couldn’t hide very well the fact that I was itching to finish the course to get out there as a full-time Scripture Reader. Looking back however, I realise that over the last two years one of the most positive things I’ve taken away from Cornhill is confidence. The confidence to knowingly share the gospel with a much deeper understanding of His Word and a deeper confidence in God’s ability to use me for His works. While perhaps I could have done the job full time without the last two years studying, I’m grateful that now I have a deeper and stronger conviction in God’s authority and power to change lives.
One of the most positive things I’ve taken away from Cornhill is confidence. The confidence to knowingly share the gospel with a much deeper understanding of His Word and a deeper confidence in God’s ability to use me for His works.
The big challenge for me was probably starting the course at the same time as becoming a part-time Scripture Reader. Trying to manage and split my focus and time between the two as well as juggling a young family wasn’t an easy task. However, this became manageable after a short time, and I enjoyed being able to switch hats from Reader to student throughout my weeks. One of the unexpected blessings from the course was being able to share this experience and time with my fellow students. Having lived in Northern Ireland for five years and worked in the church environment I thought I’d grasped the intrinsic link between religion and culture here, but I was very much wrong. Having two years learning with a largely Northern Irish class from all different backgrounds gave me great opportunities to learn, ask and understand the cultural religious challenges which I work in. Having had this experience I’m thankful that it has now better equipped me to do my job and share the gospel with a better understanding of the city and country I am in.
Pray with us
- Give thanks for the opportunity that Scott had to study and for all the Lord taught him through this experience.
- Pray all that Scott learnt would strengthen and equip him as a Scripture Reader but also in his personal walk with the Lord.
