After a Service of Induction on Tuesday 16 March 2010 the Rev Alan B Telfer was confirmed as Minister of Avendale Old and Drumclog Parish.
Interview with Alan Telfer
Where were you born and brought up?I was born in Glasgow and attended primary school in Giffnock and Eastwood High School.
Did you go straight into the Ministry?
No, I worked in a stockbroker’s in Glasgow for 2 years before studying social sciences at Paisley College and I then went on to study Divinty at Glasgow University.
Has Christian faith always been part of your life?
Very much so. I was raised in a Christian home and attended what was then Cathcart South Church throughout my childhood and adolescent years. Boys Brigade, Sunday School, Bible Class, Youth Fellowship and Scripture Union all played an important role in my formative years. At College and University I was active in the Christian Unions. I was also a leader at numerous SU camps and summer missions.
Which charges have you held before coming to Avendale & Drumclog?
I have now been at Mauchline for 19 years. Before that I was at Falkirk St James’ for seven and a half years, and prior to that I served as probationer in Dundee St Mary’s.
Can you tell us a bit about your own family?
I’ve been married to Marjory for almost 27 years and we have 3 of a family. Our older son Andrew married Caroline last year. He is a char-tered accountant and she is a primary school teacher. Peter is a marketing executive, and Fiona is in 6th year at Auchinleck Academy. She goes to college in September to train to be a primary school teacher, following in the footsteps of her Mother who teaches part time at Auchinleck Primary School.
Marjory, has always participated fully in the life of the congregation, not in fulfilling "the traditional role of the minister's wife", but according to her own personal gifts, interests and availability.
What is your vision for the Church here in Avendale and Drumclog?
My vision for the Church is for all members to share in regular worship and fellowship, to be discipled and trained to exercise their gifts in the ministry and mission of the Gospel, and to see their everyday contacts in the home, workplace and community as their mission-field. In our current society it is crucial for the local congregation to be seeking to engage with its community, with a view to presenting to adults and young people the claims and call of Christ and his Gospel. Building up the faith of one another to encourage us all in the fulfilment of this task would be our shared priority and vision.
Finally, what do you do to relax?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sport on television, curling, walking and I am a season ticket holder at Kilmarnock FC.