Minister

Rev Jonathan Clyde Fleming was inducted as the Minister of Lyle Kirk on Tuesday 11th May 2021.  

Originally from Bearsden and Milngavie, Jonathan attended The Glasgow Academy, before studying French Language and Literature, followed by Information Management and Preservation at The University of Glasgow.  

Due to family circumstances, Jonathan joined his family-run food wholesale business in 2005. Having studied for five years for his MA, it came as a shock when he obtained a forklift licence in 80 minutes and used it a lot more than his first degree!  

Feeling God’s call to Ministry, Jonathan returned to The University of Glasgow in 2008 to study Divinity, graduating in 2011.  

Ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in November 2012, Jonathan lives in the Lyle Kirk Manse with his wife Karyn and his two daughters, Rachel and Hollie.

Lyle Kirk is his third charge, having been the Minister of Erskine Parish Church from 2012-2017, followed by the linked charge of Largs: St John’s & Cumbrae from 2017-2021.  

Jonathan has a passion for taking the church out of her doors and into the community as well as embracing technology that allows people to remain connected with the church from across the miles. He is very passionate about Chaplaincy and is currently National Chaplain to Girls’ Brigade Scotland.

In 2015, Jonathan was awarded the title of ‘Citizen of the Year’ by Erskine Community Council for his leadership of the community work undertaken by Erskine Parish Church.

During his time in Largs and Cumbrae, Jonathan led a core team in the establishment of a project called ‘The Living Room’ - a community hub in Largs Town Centre that works with people who are struggling with issues such as bereavement, poverty or family issues as well as supporting people with emotional and spiritual issues.

Along with his late friend Ron Gilchrist, he also established a Plant to Plate project on the Isle of Cumbrae in conjunction with Cumbrae Primary School, which grew completely organic vegetables, tomatoes and herbs to use in their community café.

In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan was part of a small working group responsible for creating Weekly Worship services that were curated by the Moderator of the General Assembly of that year, Rev Dr Martin Fair.

Jonathan is also a contributor to a lectionary resource called ‘Spill the Beans’ as well as writing Weekly Worship resources for the Church of Scotland and Sanctuary First.

When he is not spending time with the family, Jonathan loves playing and listening to music, designing graphics and working with technology (especially anything with a certain fruit on it!).

Rev Jonathan C Fleming MA BD Min
333 Eldon Street, Greenock. PA16 7QN

Mobile: 07393 995 397
E-Mail: minister@lylekirk.org