11/05/2026
Congratulations to Michael McMullin who graduated from HTC in 2017 and went on to serve as an MDS in the Church of Scotland, before a call to full-time ministry of word and sacrament then clarified for him. Last week Michael was ordained and inducted to Blairgowrie Parish Church on 23rd April. We pray God’s continued blessing on Michael’s ministry.
Putting on a clerical collar and getting alongside people on the streets of his new parish has been a major highlight for the Kirk’s newest minister.
Rev Michael McMullin said it is a real blessing to meet people where they are, listen to their concerns and highlight the transformative power of Christianity, if appropriate.
In the weeks since his ordination and induction to Blairgowrie Parish Church in Perthshire, he admitted that he is still getting used to people calling him "reverend" or "minister" while out in public and it takes him a moment to realise that they are talking to him.
Born and raised in Fife, it has been a long and winding road, full of laughter and tears, for Michael to get to this point in his life and properly embrace his calling.
He has worked as an accountant, a taxi driver and prior to starting his studies to train for the ministry, he was a mission development worker in the parishes of Gorgie, Dalry, Stenhouse, Priestfield, Craigmillar Park, and Reid Memorial churches in Edinburgh.
Reflecting on his ordination/induction service on 23 April, Michael said: “The laying on of hands was an experience which nothing could have prepared me for.
“I felt what I believe to be was the Holy Spirit ignite my body and soul in a way that was beyond my understanding.
“The feeling of humble affirmation I received towards my calling is a gift which shall guide me through all the opportunities and challenges which I shall encounter in my parish ministry.
“I still look around when anyone calls me reverend or minister and it takes me a wee moment to realise that they are talking to me.”
Asked what his ministry aspirations are going forward, Michael said: “Connecting with the community, getting alongside folks, listening to their needs, engaging and showing them that we are a Church that is relevant in their lives.
“That is what I want to do, and the highlight of my short ministry so far has been walking around the town in my clerical collar and just chatting to folks.
“I could talk for Scotland, so I have been told by my family and friends, so for me this part of ministry is truly a blessing.”
Michael holds a first-class honours degree in Theological Studies from The Highland Theological College in Dingwall and a post-grad diploma in Theology and Religious Studies from New College, the University of Edinburgh.
Married to Jana, the father of three said God has always known when he needed a “wee lift-up or a wee carry up in His arms” and he firmly believed in “Godincidences”.
“In 2018, it was no coincidence that I met the then Moderator of the General Assembly, Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, when we were hitting a logjam in converting a former church building in Stenhouse into an emergency care shelter for homeless people.
“Or in 2022 when I met the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, while on my way, as a nervous student, to my first day at New College.
“Or when I met a future lifelong friend, Tam, the day I walked into his café that was helping people struggling with addiction.
“God knew when I needed something, an affirmation or a nudge in the right direction, and He will know when I need something again in the future.”
Michael did his ministry probation at St Andrew’s High Church in Musselburgh, East Lothian and placements at St Michael’s Parish Church, Morningside Parish Church and Craiglockhart Parish Church, all Edinburgh, and what was St John’s and Kings Park Church in Dalkeith, Midlothian.
The 57-year-old is a self-confessed “history anorak” and collects football cards and sticker albums from the 1960’s and 1970’s and enjoys going to the opera with his wife as often as possible.
Reflecting on the Kirk in the 21st century as it embarks on a new chapter of growth after years of reformation, Michael said he firmly believed that the truth and relevance of the Christian faith is as important as it has ever been, if not more so.
“Today, the Church of Scotland stands where it has always been, at the forefront of tackling injustice and discrimination,” he added.
“I am maybe a hopeless romantic, but when I read the gospels, I can only see love and acceptance.
“I know it’s corny, but I believe we are all Jock Tamson’s bairns, we are all made in His image, and we just need to walk the walk and show that our Church is truly built on love.”
Michael said the Church, through CrossReach is doing “great work” to support the most marginalised people in society via social care services.
But he would like to see the Kirk speak out “even louder” on issues like child poverty, addiction and support for carers.
“We need to be saying things that are real and relatable to everyone, not just Church goers,” he added.
“We need to act but we also need to listen.”
