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Chief encounters: For Andy Bathgate there is nothing else he would rather be doing

This feature is about 9 years old
 

The Scripture Union Scotland chief executive has confidence in Jesus to arrest the decline in Church numbers

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in the office?
I leave the house at 6.30am so I’m ready for my first coffee of the day when I get to the office.

What are you working on just now?
Staff development; how can we be more intentional about enabling people to grow and develop their skills?

How many hours do you normally work in a day?
It varies enormously but eight is fairly average.

What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
People who send things out without seeking feedback first.

What makes a good day at work?
Working with a creative team and arriving at a united solution.

Chief encounters: For Andy Bathgate there is nothing else he would rather be doing

In my previous job I sensed my successor was on the team; it was time to leave and when the job at Scripture Union came up there was nothing else I would rather have done.

What do you procrastinate over?
Budget setting (or getting up to take things to the recycling box).

How did you end up in your job?
In my previous job I sensed my successor was on the team; it was time to leave and when the job at Scripture Union came up there was nothing else I would rather have done.

How should the Church arrest its decline in numbers?
Have confidence that Jesus really is good news for the world and living as people of hope and compassion.

Do you ever wonder ‘what would my predecessor do’?
Can’t think I ever do, good as they were! There are enough pressures without adding more!

Is this a step on the rung to success or your final destination?
My final destination is heaven!

What was the last thing you did that scared you?
Facing the prospect of staff redundancies and not knowing how far it would go – in the end it was very limited, thankfully.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?
Collecting car radiators for repair.

How often do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
Sadly, not often. The office is in Glasgow and I live in Edinburgh which doesn’t help.

Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
They would think I was ancient and impressed that I could still see and hear.

Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
Who is who? But I really like the actor; a Scottish legend. Have you seen his YouTube clips teaching Shakespeare to children?

 

Comments

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Harry
about 5 years ago
Glad to see you are still at the helm Andy
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