“I came home today! I thought I was doing it right, but God showed me how lost I was, and He forgave me!” – Young Person sharing how Jesus met them at the youth festival
By Marc Fraser, BUS INVEST and Increase Assistant
Where to start with Magnitude 2026! Another amazing year of around 1,900 young people from all across the nation gathering at Lendrick Muir, pitching up their tents in nearly 25-degree heat in anticipation of a week of fun, teaching, worship, fellowship and a level of sunshine that would put mallorca to shame.
There was a surreal sense of anticipation as to what the Lord was going to do as Lendrick Muir was quickly populated with volunteers, vendors, youth leaders and young people on the afternoon of Saturday 18 July, making the number of people onsite a whopping 2,700. People had clearly come ready to meet with the Lord, and leave better prepared to live out the call of God in their life.
The first main session on the evening of Saturday demonstrated the desire and hunger of the young people, as the ‘Big Top’ echoed with the noise of the old hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’. This felt like a particularly fitting way to kick the festival off, as 104 church youth groups from various denominations were united in sung worship to the Lord.
The teaching theme for this year’s festival was based on the Old Testament’s heroes of the Faith ; Moses, Abraham, Enoch, Noah, David, Rahab and Sarah. Unpacking these stories reminded young people that the individuals God used throughout Scripture were not perfect, but were willing to trust Him and step out in faith. Their stories became a springboard for young people to reflect on their own faith and ask what it might look like to follow God courageously in their own generation.
Something for Everyone
Throughout the week, there was never a shortage of things to see, do and explore. You could wander between the different sporting tournaments, head to the “Base” to tackle the climbing frame, grab a coffee or challenge your friends on the gaming consoles. For those looking for a quieter space, the “Space” provided a place to stop, chat and receive prayer, while the Epicentre buzzed with stalls from a whole host of charities and organisations.
Further across the site, the Mission Aviation Fellowship marquee drew young people in with its flight simulator and the irresistible smell of fresh popcorn. For those wanting to slow down and spend time with God, the 24/7 Prayer tent and Pause van offered spaces to pray, reflect and encounter God. And, of course, when the energy levels started to dip, there was always the Wee Pink Coffee Trailer ready with a much-needed caffeine refill!
With so much happening across the site, every corner of Magnitude offered something different – whether you came looking for adventure, connection, conversation, prayer or simply a place to rest and recharge.
The Baptist Family Comes Together
It was incredibly encouraging to see ministers and leaders from across the Baptist Union playing such a significant role throughout the week, sharing their wisdom, experience and passion for Jesus with the young people gathered at Magnitude. Douglas Crabb (Pastor of South Beach Baptist), Odele Harding (Pastor of Abbeyhill Baptist), and Ali Laing (BUS Younger Generation Lead), each brought meaningful and engaging teaching to the main sessions, helping young people explore what it means to follow Jesus in their everyday lives.
The contribution continued through the seminar programme, with Dee Jess (Pastor of Tillicoultry Baptist), Jonathan Boyers (Pastor of Denny Baptist), and Scott MacDonald (Pastor of Aberdeen Christian Fellowship) each delivering relevant and inspiring sessions. It was a wonderful picture of the breadth of people and churches across the Baptist Union, coming together to invest in the next generation and encourage young people in their faith.
Another highlight of the week was the BUS Camp, where around 500 people from 25 different churches across the Union were fed lunch and dinner. Behind the scenes, an incredible team of volunteers worked tirelessly to make it happen. The team tackled all sorts of tasks, from cooking, cleaning, setting up, doing the Asda delivery runs, serving, and generally lending a hand wherever it was needed. Their willingness to give their time and energy was a wonderful picture of the generosity and servant-heartedness that exists across our Baptist family. It was a beautiful reminder that while Magnitude may be centred around young people, it takes the whole body of Christ to make a week like this possible.
Lives Changed, Faith Strengthened
Throughout the week, young people chose to follow Jesus for the first time, said yes to God’s call to share the gospel, witnessed friends experience healing, and encountered the Lord in ways that will continue to shape them long after the tents have been packed away. We give God thanks and honour for another year of the ministry of Magnitude, and for the generations that are impacted by the preaching of the Gospel.”
Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”
