A Glenrothes DJ turned reverend is hoping X Factor judges will be singing from the same hymn sheet when he auditions for the show.
Reverend Scott McCrum from Christ’s Kirk got as far as an audition with the talent show’s producers at his last attempt and is planning to try again in 2017.
Rev McCrum, whose varied jobs outside the clergy include being a DJ and hair transplant consultant, said: “I had some videos online and I got quite a lot of good feedback. I sent them to X Factor for a laugh and I got called down to Manchester.
“I really wasn’t expecting that and wasn’t prepared for it. I definitely didn’t do my best so I’m going to go back next year and have another crack at it.”
Rev McCrum was caught on camera demonstrating Psalm 23 because he records services for sheltered housing residents who are unable to make it to church.
The enterprising minister, who runs a company providing light and sound systems, has also been trying to attract more young people to the church.
A hall at Christ’s Kirk has been kitted out with disco lights and each weekend a bouncy castle and play equipment is laid out for “Funday” school.
He added: “I start every sermon with a joke to get people laughing. Usually, you get to the sermon and a lot of people drift off.”
But there is also a serious side to Rev McCrum’s work.
He set up the church’s Depression and Anxiety Support Group after struggling with his own mental health.
“I wanted to set up a group to serve other people who have this problem and this has proved to be something people needed,” said Rev McCrum.
“I chose to ‘come out’ about my depression when I was still a full time DJ after two 20-year-olds in one of the towns I regularly played in committed suicide within a few months of each other.
“I decided that depression was actually nothing to be ashamed of and so people needed to be willing to stand up to the stigma that prevented people seeking help.”
Church projects were recently boosted by a visit from Fife crime writer Val McDermid.
Ms McDermid spoke at the church last month, with the event helping to raise more than £2,000.
