30 Jul 2025, 11:03Amanda Milambo; Renaldo HinesMusselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
Second Congregation Joins the Back to the Altar Initiative
As the second church in the Scottish Mission to adopt the Back to the Altar initiative, Musselburgh Group embraced a renewed focus on prayer and discipleship.
The Musselburgh Group became the second congregation within the Scottish Mission (SM) to launch the Back to the Altar initiative—an effort introduced by the General Conference to deepen both personal and corporate prayer life. This initiative forms part of the Scottish Mission’s three-year strategic plan for its Prayer Ministries Department.
Led by the SM Prayer Ministries Sponsor, Beverley Anderson, the programme drew inspiration from 1 Kings 18:30, where the prophet Elijah repairs the altar of the Lord. Members were encouraged to “repair the altar” in their own lives, whether within families or through individual devotion.
During her message, a reverent stillness filled the room—you could hear a pin drop as Anderson spoke passionately about the power of devotional time, especially when we quiet ourselves to hear the voice of the Lord.
Members actively engaged in discussions on the seven guiding principles which, when consistently applied, nurture a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These principles also empower individuals to fulfil the God-ordained mission of making disciples.
A particularly moving moment came during the ‘prayer circle’, where the entire congregation joined hands to intercede for those with specific needs. This powerful act of communal prayer served as a vivid reminder of the strength found in united intercession—especially during life’s challenges and personal faith journeys.
The Back to the Altar launch at Musselburgh was more than just a programme—it was a spiritual awakening and a call to renewed commitment. As members left the sanctuary, many did so with a revived sense of purpose and a desire to deepen both their personal devotion and their collective unity in prayer.
It served as a timely reminder that revival begins at the altar—and that when we unite in prayer and surrender, God moves mightily in both our lives and our collective mission.
As the second church in the Scottish Mission to adopt the Back to the Altar initiative, Musselburgh Group embraced a renewed focus on prayer and discipleship.
The Musselburgh Group became the second congregation within the Scottish Mission (SM) to launch the Back to the Altar initiative—an effort introduced by the General Conference to deepen both personal and corporate prayer life. This initiative forms part of the Scottish Mission’s three-year strategic plan for its Prayer Ministries Department.
Led by the SM Prayer Ministries Sponsor, Beverley Anderson, the programme drew inspiration from 1 Kings 18:30, where the prophet Elijah repairs the altar of the Lord. Members were encouraged to “repair the altar” in their own lives, whether within families or through individual devotion.
During her message, a reverent stillness filled the room—you could hear a pin drop as Anderson spoke passionately about the power of devotional time, especially when we quiet ourselves to hear the voice of the Lord.
Members actively engaged in discussions on the seven guiding principles which, when consistently applied, nurture a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These principles also empower individuals to fulfil the God-ordained mission of making disciples.
A particularly moving moment came during the ‘prayer circle’, where the entire congregation joined hands to intercede for those with specific needs. This powerful act of communal prayer served as a vivid reminder of the strength found in united intercession—especially during life’s challenges and personal faith journeys.
The Back to the Altar launch at Musselburgh was more than just a programme—it was a spiritual awakening and a call to renewed commitment. As members left the sanctuary, many did so with a revived sense of purpose and a desire to deepen both their personal devotion and their collective unity in prayer.
It served as a timely reminder that revival begins at the altar—and that when we unite in prayer and surrender, God moves mightily in both our lives and our collective mission.
