A CROSS-country running champion from Greenock has become a Church of Scotland minister.
Former nurse Chris Barlas will serve at Craigowl Church in Dundee.
Mr Barlas, who remains chaplain for Inverclyde Athletics Club in Greenock, said he believed with “every fibre” of his being that God has great things in store for his new church family and the communities it serves.
Mr Barlas (43) came to faith later in life, following what he called a “long period of real personal struggles”.
He explained that it was through a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that he experienced first-hand the “wonderful grace, love, and forgiveness that can only come from God”.
Mr Barlas attended Greenock Academy and later Glasgow Caledonian University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
He worked in the city’s Southern General Hospital as well as at a Greenock care home and in the field of community development, supporting people leaving prison, before he moved towards “answering God’s call to ministry”.
To prepare, the minister enrolled at the University of Glasgow in 2021 to study a Bachelor of Divinity and graduated in 2024.
Mr Barlas has served in various church settings, including as a part-time church officer at Lyle Kirk in Greenock and as parish assistant at Inverkip, Skelmorlie, and Wemyss Bay, where he led worship and developed many outreach initiatives.
“These experiences taught me that the power of Christ works most powerfully through ordinary people, willing to share His extraordinary love,” he explained.
“I am extremely passionate about sharing the hope and transformation that comes through a relationship with Jesus.”
As chaplain to Inverclyde Athletics Club, Mr Barlas provides pastoral care and spiritual guidance to athletes, coaches, and parents of young members, the first such role in athletics in Scotland.
The minister, who did his probation at the Mount Kirk, Greenock linked with Greenock East End Church, represented Scotland in cross-country running in his youth and returned to the sport in 2018 and won medals at the Scottish veteran indoors and outdoors events, over 800 and 1500 metres.
Married to Marion, the proud dad, stepdad and grandfather said: “Having experienced the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit in my own life, I always seek opportunities to be able to point others towards the love of God found in Jesus Christ.
“I am a deeply passionate and empathetic minister, with a proven track record of pastoral care and influential preaching.
“I bring a strong foundation in theological studies from the University of Glasgow, combined with extensive practical experience through multiple church environments.
“I am known for keeping Christ at the centre of every aspect of my ministry and have such a heart for sharing His love with all people.”
Addressing his new congregation, Mr Barlas said: “From the very first time I read your parish profile, the Holy Spirit was stirring my heart.
“I could see your love for Jesus, your love for your community, and your deep desire to make His name known in these communities.
“Your vision statement, ‘loving Jesus, loving our community’, says it all, that’s what it’s all about. You have welcomed me and Marion with such warmth and kindness.
“You have prayed for us, encouraged us and made us feel right at home from the start, that means everything so thank you.”
He added: “I can’t promise that I won’t make mistakes, I am absolutely sure I will, but what I definitely can promise is that everything I do, every word I preach, and every decision we make together, will be centred on Jesus.
“That’s what ministry is, it’s about a whole church, a whole community, walking together in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, to make Christ known.”
