MESSENGERS OF GRACE 2020
THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA TERRITORY COMMISSIONING, ORDINATION AND SENDING OUT For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves – it is the gift of God EPHESIANS 2:8,9
MESSENGERS OF GRACE 2020
Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson
7PM AEDT SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2020
Premiere of Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out of the Messengers of Grace
Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett
Event link
evaburrowscollege.edu.au/resources/ whats-on/2020/12/05/messengers-ofgrace-commissioning/
OFFERING Account Name: The Salvation Army Description: Comm. Offering Account #: 81-0661 BSB: 033-174 Open until 31 December 2020 This year's Commissioning offering will go toward the College for Officer Training, Myanmar Region. Please prayerfully consider giving online. All funds raised will go towards renovating their main building and deteriorated roof that is in great need of repair.
For it is by grace you have been
PURPOSE STATEMENT
saved, through faith – and this is not
The Officer Formation Stream facilitates environments for the formation of individuals as Salvation Army officers of Christlike character who are innovative leaders, Spirit led and functionally equipped for current and emerging contexts, who love God, understand themselves and live God’s mission.
from yourselves – it is the gift of god EPHESIANS 2:8,9
The Salvation Army Australia Territory Territorial headquarters 95-99 Railway Road, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130 PO Box 479, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130 P 03 8878 4500
Dear Messengers of Grace, It is a joy to greet you through this letter and always a privilege to be involved in significant occasions such as the ordination and commissioning as Salvation Army Officers. You join with Salvationists across this great land and throughout the world called to proclaim and share the life transforming news of Jesus. We recognise your desire to give of yourself to God’s mission as you sacrifice the different calls upon your life and respond to the call of God to covenant yourself to God as Salvation Army Officers. As recipients of God’s grace, our responsibility is to show God’s wonderful grace that reaches out to everyone. Regardless of status, background or circumstances. God’s grace is available to all. Ephesians 2:8-9 [Contemporary English Version] “You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” We challenge you to live out this message each day, in the life you live, the choices you make, and the way you respond to others. So, preach this Gospel and live out your message so that everyone can see that Jesus Christ transforms lives. As you do this, our communities will be places of hope, generosity and grace. Colonels Winsome and Kelvin Merrett join us in supporting you over the days of Covenant and Commissioning. May God’s sustaining grace and peace be with you.
Janine and Robert Donaldson Commissioners
THREE STEPS IN THE COMMISSIONING OF SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS
THE SIGNING OF THE COVENANT All cadets sign a covenant recognising that the essential basis of commissioning is that God calls and empowers them to be ministers of Christ. Therefore, the covenant is made between the individual and God: “Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant.”
THE COMMISSIONING AND ORDINATION Following the act of personal dedication, the cadets make an affirmation of faith. By signing their covenant and by their commissioning, they declare that they will be loyal to biblical truths and the principles and doctrines of The Salvation Army. Through this commissioning, the new officers dedicate themselves to the people of God called The Salvation Army. They affirm that they will, by example in life, word and selfless service, be true to their calling as a Salvation Army officer.
APPOINTING The newly commissioned lieutenants are charged with the responsibility of showing the saving grace of God in the ministry of officer leadership within The Salvation Army. This is the outward sign of the inward call from God, and the appointing to be a servant of Christ for the sake of all people.
The Salvation Army AUSTRALIA TERRITORY
Officer’s Commission In consideration of satisfactory reports having been received at the completion of training
Cadet
is hereby commissioned as an officer of The Salvation Army and by virtue thereof will receive appointments from time to time and in accordance with the instructions issued therewith will be required to proceed to such appointments and faithfully discharge the duties and responsibilities attached thereto for the glory of God and the salvation of the people. The said [Cadet] will also be required to abide by the covenant which has been entered into, ever to be ready to do, give, or suffer for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom, and at all times and under all circumstances to be true to the principles of The Salvation Army. As witnessed by my hand on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army this, the twenty-sixth day of November, 2020.
Commissioner Janine Donaldson William & Catherine Booth Founders
Brian Peddle
General
The Salvation Army AUSTRALIA TERRITORY
My Covenant M E S S E N G E R S
O F
G R A C E
Called by God
To proclaim the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army. I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant:
to love and serve him supremely all my days; to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life; to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unloved, and befriend those who have no friends; to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army and, by God’s grace, to prove myself a worthy officer. Done in the strength of my Lord and Saviour this, the twenty-sixth day of November 2020.
Signed
Witness to this covenant
Commissioner Robert Donaldson Territorial Commander
William & Catherine Booth Founders
Witness to this covenant
Captain Brenda Young
Leader, Officer Formation
National Training Principal Brian Peddle
General
DECLARATION OF FAITH
In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, and in the presence of the officers, soldiers and friends of The Salvation Army here assembled, we declare that:
ONE
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
SIX
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by his suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will be saved.
TWO
SEVEN
THREE
EIGHT
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead — the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost — undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.
FOUR
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
FIVE
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that those who believe have the witness in themselves.
NINE
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
TEN
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ELEVEN
We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
COMMISSIONER Do you promise faithfully to maintain and proclaim these truths? CADETS We do! COMMISSIONER Do you regard it as your duty to bear this witness everywhere, to strive to lead all persons to their only Saviour, and for his sake to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unloved, and befriend those who have no friends? CADETS We do! COMMISSIONER Do you promise by holy living, boundless charity and adherence to the principles and discipline of the Army to show yourselves at all times to be faithful officers of The Salvation Army? CADETS We do! COMMISSIONER In the name of God I accept the declarations and promises you have made this day. We will now proceed to your commissioning and ordination.
A message from the leader of the Officer Formation Captain Brenda Young: At the beginning of 2019 when we welcomed the Messengers of Grace into training, we were aware that no single person in this group was going to have the same training program. Bringing with them a variety of theological and other qualifications, along with significant ministry experience, this group brought new meaning to the concept of individualised training. Fast forward to November 2020, they are also to be the first Australian Officers commissioned online from various states across the nation. Five of them are already in their appointments, and there is very little about this Commissioning that resembles what we have always known. The Messengers of Grace really are pioneers in a new world of officer training, and the Officer Formation staff feel an enormous sense of pride in each and every one of them for the way they have handled immense change and uncertainty in this difficult year. They are Messengers of Grace, not just by name, but by the graciousness of their character. In many ways, this graciousness of character stands in contrast to the spirit of nastiness that has been so prevalent in all forms of media throughout the pandemic. In a world where criticism is toxic and hatred is openly expressed towards public figures; where questions about what is truth are played out against a backdrop of suspicion and conspiracy theories, a quality such as grace is not always easy to find. That’s why it stands out when we do see it. That’s why it becomes so important as leaders of the Christian faith that we are carriers or messengers of grace. Ephesians tells us that grace is what saves us and that this comes as a gift of God.
“For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves – it is the gift of God.” EPHESIANS 2:8,9
This gift of God turns our lives around when we acknowledge that there is nothing we can do to earn favour and acceptance from God; when we realise that God’s love extends, even to a sinner like me. Grace comes from an open heart that reaches out with love and acceptance to others and brings a message of light and hope to spaces of darkness. I have every faith that this group of new leaders in The Salvation Army have both a message and an experience of grace to share with the world, and that because of that, wherever they go, they will make the world a better place.
Captain Brenda Young OFFICER FORMATION LEADER
APPRECIATION We acknowledge the significant input of those who have contributed to the formation and training of the cadets to bring them to Commissioning. In particular, we acknowledge previous Officer Formation staff: Major Alwyn Robinson Captain Katie Parker Captain Maks Walton Captain Sonia Jeffrey We extend our thanks to the collaborative efforts of Eva Burrows College in particular: Lt. Colonel Chris Reid, Secretary for Personnel Captain Richard Parker, Head of College Lt. Colonel Terry Grey and the Higher Education Team Kristina Gladman and the Support Services Team Philip Clark and the Learning and Development Team Kylie Casey and the Vocational Training Team Cadet friends Visiting lecturers Officers and staff of mission expressions across Australia who have contributed to cadet formation through placement opportunities.
CADET
BJ BAILLIE
FROM Eastern Beaches Salvos (NSW) Traditional country of the Gadigal people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) The Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways, and airways of this place
SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Craig Baillie and Jody Baillie
ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Bachelor of Ministry Master of Theological Studies - in progress
TESTIMONY I started my training, hoping that it would broaden my perspective of The Salvation Army, excited to be part of what the Salvos could become. I was fearful about taking time to reflect on my thoughts and actions.
"Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near." LUKE 10:8-11 (NRSV)
I have seen people connect with God and others while finding community through the Salvos. I have been challenged by witnessing people experience God in the mess and chaos of their life. I have faced the unpleasant experience of stumbling through “the caves of my essence” – think Luke Skywalker on Dagobah with Yoda – and finding that the only thing that I bring with me to my relationship with God and ministry is myself. Having come this far, I am assured I am not alone, having God’s presence as a guide, while I explore more of myself. I have come to value encountering God in new ways and learning from the people around me. My training has been everything that I’ve needed, something I’ll embrace. I have discovered that it is not up to me to decide how people connect with God; instead I am called to provide an environment conducive to faith encounters – all week long, not just on Sundays. My hopes are also my fears, that as I go forth and share my vulnerabilities with others, I’ll be on a journey of mutual discovery – realising God in action today.
Cadet BJ with Cadet Daniel Jang cooking a BBQ at Indigenous Immersion in Townsville, 2019.
CADET
BETHANY BAILLIE FROM Eastern Beaches Salvos (NSW) Traditional country of the Gadigal people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer, Kalgoorlie-Boulder (WA) The Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways, and airways of this place
SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Major Alwyn Robinson and Major Deborah Robinson
"Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” JEREMIAH 17:7-8 (NRSV)
ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Bachelor of Ministry - in progress
TESTIMONY I was excited leading into this formation experience. Excited for the opportunity to stop and learn more of myself and more of God. I was grieving leaving a church community that I loved, but hopeful and excited for the day that I would be in a community again, serving alongside BJ. While studying, learning more about TSA, and doing some personal inner work, my spiritual connection with God, the world and the people in it grew deeper. All of this would not have been possible without the ongoing support from the Officer Formation team, my ITO, lecturers, placement officers, family and friends. I have had people leading, guiding, challenging and pushing me into spaces that have helped me to grow and develop a greater sense of who I am as God’s unique child.
First day of new appointment
I have become more confident in who I am, my leadership and how God uses me. I have always had a passion for standing up for those on the margins. This passion has grown, and I have a deeper spiritual understanding of the importance of relationships and being connected with my community. This greater confidence in who I am created to be has changed how I see God and makes it possible for me to lead authentically. I do not need to fear, for I know that the same God who created me, goes with me (Joshua 1:9).
AUX LIEUTENANT
ALISON TEMPLAR FROM Brunswick Corps (VIC) Traditional country of the Wurundjeri people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer - Team Member, Brunswick (VIC) Traditional country of the Wurundjeri people
ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Graduate Diploma in Theology.
PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARDS:
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf." HEBREWS 6:19-20A (NIV)
Bachelor of Education Graduate Diploma – Student Welfare Graduate Certificate – Career Development
TESTIMONY As an Auxiliary Lieutenant, my journey to Officership has been different to the traditional residential program. I have been working in corps from the beginning, learning on the job, as well as completing a Graduate Diploma in Theology. I started three years ago at Reservoir Corps working mainly with children and youth. Having been a schoolteacher for over 20 years, I went in thinking this appointment was a wonderful match for my skills and passion. In many ways it was, but it was equally a steep learning curve, with a mixture of joy and heartbreak as I walked alongside these youth and their families.
With colleague Brian Reardon
Two years ago, I was appointed back to my home corps, Brunswick Salvos, a place I love dearly. It is a place where we truly live out our Salvo vision and mission statements, integrating the good news of God’s love into everything we do. One of my greatest learnings is that ministry is not about fixing people’s problems. All the people I have ministered with are resilient and resourceful. Seeing them as made in the image of God and treating them with dignity and respect is every bit as important as providing them with a meal and a shower. I remind myself every day that my role is to “act justly, love with kindness and walk humbly” with the people God puts on my pathway, and I am privileged to be able to do so.
Colleagues from Farsi Brunswick Corps: Kevin Amiri, Aux Lt. Alison and Major Colin Elkington
CADET
WAYNE COLLYER FROM Moreland City Corps (VIC) Traditional country of the Wurundjeri people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer, Palmerston + TopEnd Ministry Team Member, (SA/NT), and Assistant NT Social Program Service Manager and Coordinator (Social Mission Department, Office of the Secretary for Mission) Traditional country of the Larrakia people
SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Brian Collyer and Roslyn Collyer
"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Master of Theological Studies - in progress
PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARDS:
The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring"
Diploma of Leadership & Management Diploma of Business Administration Bachelor of Technology
ISAIAH 58:10-11 (NLT)
My officer formation experience has been defined by the realisation that the more I know myself, the more I know God. I have found myself challenged and stretched personally, spiritually and theologically throughout my formation journey. As a result finding myself in places and situations that have given me opportunities I would have never sought out on my own.
TESTIMONY
Through my training I have had the opportunity to be a part of the Melbourne 614 community, complete a placement at Perth Doorways, engage in an Indigenous immersion experience in Townsville and, earlier this year, chaplaincy in our social networks across the Top End. COVID saw a 12 week stay in Darwin turn into a permanent one which has brought its own challenges and a wide range of opportunities throughout the Northern Territory. At Katherine Low Level with Major Sue May
Indigenous Mission Team in Townsville, 2019
I have learnt to re-evaluate my own expectations as well as re-assess the importance I place on others expectations of me. I am created in the image of God and this re-assessment of expectations reminds me that all that God has given me – my giftings, abilities and feelings – are God’s. I bring honour to God, by allowing those gifts to shine from within me, and bring glory to God. Throughout the training experience the common learning for me has been the importance of bringing myself to ministry, I don’t need to be someone I am not. For me, this journey does not end here, it is a lifelong journey of formation into the people God created me to be.
CADET
GRAHAM R. KENNEDY
FROM Torquay Corps (VIC) Traditional country of the Gulidjan people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer - Team Member, Ballarat (VIC) Traditional country of the Wathaurong people
ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Bachelor of Ministry
PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARDS: Diploma Community Services, Diploma Theology
TESTIMONY
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." ISAIAH 58:11 (NIV)
I have been in ministry for nearly 10 years, from being a Salvo Envoy in Australia to Mission work in the UK with Street Pastors and the Church of England. During that time, I gathered some practical skills and came to Eva Burrows College with my family with the hope of learning more about social services in ministry. I have been most surprised by the challenge of personal spiritual formation that has allowed me to distinguish between the intellectual, spiritual and physical self to develop maturity in preparation for ministry. The training experience of sharing with peers, staff, and lecturers allows me to go deeper within myself, to form relationships with others now and into future appointments. Theological learning at college has also been vital as I apply it to my personal life, which helps brings past issues to the surface to allow for both healing and spiritual growth. Jesus shows me to love others regardless of who they are or what they have done. He gave a wonderful example of this when he washed the feet of his disciples, including the feet of Judas whom he knew was about to betray him. It has been a long journey to get to Officership, but I am confident that God has been, and will be present in both the high and low times.
CADET
WEI (BETH) SHAO FROM Hurstville Corps (NSW) Traditional country of the Eora people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer - Team Member, Hurstville (NSW) Traditional country of the Eora people
SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Majors Christine Broadbere and Robert Broadbere
ACADEMIC AWARD
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” PSALM 37:7 (NLT)
Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress
PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARDS: Masters of Business Administration in Accounting
TESTIMONY I started my college life prepared to study hard but what God allowed me to experience was something I never expected. I have had many painful personal experiences that have helped me realise that people’s perfect plans are often useless – only God’s plan is the best. I am so grateful to the love of Jesus that has been shown to me by the Officer Formation staff, placement supervisors, cadets and friends.
Benjamin and Beth
With a friend at Camberwell Salvation Army
I can see that I have made academic progress, and my accent and pronunciation are no longer a concern. I have become increasingly confident and discovered joy in daily life rather than being anxious. My calling to Officership has been confirmed as a vocation to pass on the love of Jesus to others. A few years ago, God gave my heart the blessing: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. “Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11), which I held onto when entering college. The countless unknowns about Officership could make me nervous. What I know for certain is that God is trustworthy to guide my life. Soon, I will embark on the next stage of the journey and God’s words continue to encourage me as I step out in faith.
CADET
SARAH WALKER FROM Wollongong Corps (NSW) Traditional country of the Dharawal people
APPOINTED TO Corps Officer - Team Member, Parramatta (NSW) Traditional country of the Darug people
SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Karen Walker and Lachlan Walker
ACADEMIC AWARD
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." ACTS 20:24 (NLT)
Certificate of Salvation Army Training Master of Divinity
PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARDS: Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
TESTIMONY My college experience has been about knowing God, knowing myself and knowing others. The people I have met in the past two years – my session mates, our college and university staff and the people connected to the communities I have been a part of – have shaped me for the better. I had the opportunity to be a part of a beautiful small corps family in Moonee Valley, a women’s group at The Salvation Army’s Crisis Services supporting drug users, those who are homeless, sex workers and those suffering through chronic disease. I was privileged to understand more of the journey of people who are living in recovery as I shared in Recovery Church and I loved being part of a multigenerational, intercultural congregation at Box Hill. Street Level in Brisbane taught me how to really do community and our Indigenous Immersion experience in Townsville deepened my empathy and respect for our Indigenous peoples and broadened my approach to spirituality.
A pastoral catch-up
The common thread throughout all these experiences is that all people – despite culture, socio-economic status, age, gender, nationality or position – want to be seen, heard and valued. Each person, made in the image of God, is worthy of these things. I want to lead well, I want to contribute to our organisation and I want to grow the local church. But above all of these things, I want to show all people that I encounter the love of Christ.
Ongoing cadets NICOLE BEZZINA, TONY BEZZINA, RENAE PHILLIPS, SHAUN FEATHERSTON, ANNA KIM, DANIEL JANG, CRYSTAL LEE, KATE CLIFFORD, CINDY ROEHRIG AND KEVEN WILLIAMS.
Officer formation team MAJOR CATHY ELKINGTON, CAPTAIN PAUL LORIMER, MAJOR SANDY MACDONALD, CAPTAIN EMMA MOORE, CAPTAIN RICHARD PARKER, MAJOR MICHELLE OLIVER, CAPTAIN ANDREW WALTON, AND CAPTAIN BRENDA YOUNG.
Dear Friends In these days of the COVID-19 pandemic the need is even greater for us to live out God’s mission and share the love of Jesus. Regarding officer recruitment, we know that many feel their lives are on hold. However, now more than ever we need to recognise God is with us and speaking to us today. Over the last 12 months we have given greater emphasis to preparing those desiring to step into Officership. We are encouraging more thorough development along with broader leadership experience prior to a candidate being considered for officer training. This approach comes out of our responsibility to protect and care for individuals and ensure their long-term flourishing, especially if they become officers in The Salvation Army. It recognises that the ministry of every officer comes from Christ revealed in us (Gal 1:15-16). With such an approach, our focus cannot simply be the number of cadets in training. We must celebrate every person on the leadership development pathway within our corps and across our divisions. I am pleased to see the number of candidate helpers appointed and ministry workers employed in 2020, along with individuals who have entered formal development arrangements within their corps. We pray that these steps will be key milestones on their leadership journey within The Salvation Army. We are at an historic time in the life of our movement and I encourage you to explore what leadership in The Salvation Army may look like for you. It is now possible to be Commissioned and Ordained as a specialised officer within our Social and Community Services, or an Auxiliary Lieutenant appointed to a specific role for a three to ten-year period. These are exciting and important days and I encourage you to respond to God’s leading. Start a conversation with us today.
Janine Donaldson (Commissioner) Recruitment Council Chair
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