Commissioned By God is the lively and compelling account of Hugh Sawers’ different and varied experiences, first as he serves as student assistant at Newlands South in the Presbytery of Glasgow and then as an ordained minister at Penicuik South, Croftfoot Parish Church and Motherwell St Andrew’s.
‘This is a detailed description of my life in three specific parishes of the Church of Scotland and provides considerable insights into the life of a minister. The Church is constantly changing and evolving – not always to the satisfaction of all,’ says Hugh, whose book Commissioned by God examines his growing conviction that he must do what he can to assist the Church of Scotland to overcome the financial malaise into which it has sunk.
‘The Church stands at the crossroads of our national identity. As a consequence of my experience in three distinct and differing parishes, I offer my observations as a possible model of the way forward,’ observes Hugh.
Dealing sympathetically with the ups and downs of all human relationships, this is also a journey of exploration into the realms of faith healing, given the author’s privileged access to those nearing the end of their natural lives.
Hugh’s first book Gorbals...and God was published in 2013, and Commissioned By God continues his fascinating story.

Hugh Sawers was born in The Gorbals, Glasgow and was brought up there during World War 2. He was forced to leave school before attaining a full education and joined the army at eighteen. On returning home to Scotland and civilian life, he experienced a change in his atheistic outlook to a complete and deep faith in God. This led to a call to the ministry, and matriculation and study at Glasgow University and Trinity College. Thereafter he served in three different parishes of the Church of Scotland.