In a previous appointment, my husband and I lived near a nature reserve, and at certain times of the year we would marvel at the hypnotic starling murmurations – thousands of birds all moving in time together. While sitting in the bird hides, we observed the different migrating birds as they passed by on their long journeys, and watched the geese as they flew in V-shaped formations en route to their winter feeding grounds.
So how can migratory birds fly thousands of miles and arrive at the right place, when sometimes I can get so easily lost, even with all the technology I have at my fingertips? Most researchers agree that such birds have an inner compass that helps to direct their flights. Taking their readings from the earth’s magnetic fields, they instinctively fly in the right direction. How amazing is that?
An equally fascinating discovery is that many night-flying birds calibrate their inner compasses by using polarised sunlight at dawn and dusk. They do this every day before taking off. We can learn a lesson or two from these wonderful creatures.
I believe that we, too, are on a migratory journey, from hostility to hospitality, darkness to light, sin to righteousness, from the things of this world to a Kingdom of God, and from self to Christ. To help us make the journey to our eternal home, God has given each of us an inner spiritual compass.
The General has described Compass, The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, as ‘a framework that gives direction to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army into the future. It sets our direction and we want everybody to be involved.’ With Compass, we’re dedicated to leaving a God-honouring legacy by adopting three areas of focus: Empower People, Enhance Mission Impact and Establish an Enduring Legacy.
For us to really contribute, we must understand our own spiritual compass and road map. How do we maintain and regularly calibrate our compass and familiarise ourselves with the map? So my question to you is, in what direction is your compass taking you?
Paul exhorts us in 2 Corinthians 13:5: ‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.’ His advice is echoed in the Old Testament by the prophet Haggai, who writes of the Lord Almighty saying: ‘Give careful thought to your ways’ (Haggai 1:7). Check your compass and make sure we are all going in the right direction.
Compasses need maintaining and routine calibration. The right direction of a Spirit-led life must point towards Jesus, for surely the purpose of our spiritual journey is to become more like him? A compass is best used with a map, which is why reading the Bible and meditating on it is an important spiritual discipline that we must practise faithfully. A Christian who does not have a working compass and a map will be lost.
It is time to take up the unused compass and unfold the map. May God help us to check our directions and find the life that is truly life: ‘Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord’ (Lamentations 3:40).
Direction is everything and, like the migratory birds that always arrive in the right destination, the purpose of our spiritual journey is to become like Christ and find our true eternal home with him.
Articles in The Officer may not be republished without the approval of the General. For approval please email IHQ-TheOfficer@salvationarmy.org. Articles in The Officer do not necessarily reflect the official view of The Salvation Army.
All Bible quotations are from the New International Version 2011 unless otherwise stated.
Norwich NR6 6SA United Kingdom
FROM THE GENERAL
The General and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham are welcomed to Poland
Compass: Global Strategic Framework
Where to from here?
GENERAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM
Happy New Year! By the time you read this, we will be truly into 2025!
I take the opportunity to thank each of you for your passion and commitment to your covenant as officers in The Salvation Army. I am aware of the privilege and burden such commitment affords. I pray that the Lord will provide each of you with all you need for doing his will as you minister in his name in 2025.
2 Peter 1:3 says, ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.’ This is a beautiful way to begin the new year – thanksgiving for God’s providence, his presence and his purpose for our lives and calling. It is a covenant verse for which I am grateful daily.
It will come as no surprise to readers that I want to begin the year with a focus on Compass, the Global Strategic Framework (GSF) – Empowering People, Enhancing Mission Impact, Establishing an Enduring Legacy.
In September 2024, it was a joy for me to officially launch the GSF. I am so grateful to the many territorial leadership teams around the world who have already begun to work with the framework, in conjunction with their Territorial Strategic Plans. I am also pleased to hear of corps leadership teams that are asking significant
“I pray that the Lord will provide each of you with all you need for doing his will as you minister in his name in 2025.”
Right:
questions concerning people, mission and legacy as it relates to the flourishing and growth of their corps. It is my prayer that throughout 2025, more and more leadership teams will embrace the concepts and take positive action to ensure we value our people, enhance the impact of our mission and take decisions today that will ensure we pass on an Army fit for purpose in the 21st century. An Army that is fruitful, faithful and sustainable: a Growing Army; an Enduring Army.
If you have had the opportunity to read the Compass material, you will know that we are targeting three overarching principles: People, Mission and Legacy. ‘People’ is who we are – it is us – our officers, soldiers, employees and members. We want our people to know who we are and what we are about. We want everyone connected to the Army to know that they have a place and a purpose within our ranks. There is a role for everyone.
Our mission is what we do – the purpose for which God called The Salvation Army into existence. Compass will help to prioritise our work, directing us towards improving mission effectiveness. In this complex and increasingly diverse world, we want to ensure that our vast array of ministries is fit for purpose, always pointing towards our foundational mission to preach the word and meet human needs.
Legacy is about what we leave – working now to ensure the long-term sustainability and endurance of our mission. Our programmes, funding sources, operating systems and policies must reflect our commitment to those who depend on us, and those who will follow us. As Catherine Booth famously said, ‘If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.’
We have established a number of workstreams as part of our commitment to the framework. Terms of Reference have been developed, members identified and groups have already begun to meet.
The General speaks to the congregation in Siegen, Germany
“Let’s get started! ... take an honest look at ourselves and consider carefully what we see. ... There are challenges ahead – but also great opportunities! Compass will guide our path, pointing the way forward.”
The workstreams will focus their attention on:
1. The deepening of our Spiritual Life.
2. Leadership Development.
3. Officer Wellness.
4. Officer Compensation – equitable and global.
5. Membership and Belonging.
6. Mission Integration.
7. IHQ/THQ – accountability and discretion.
8. The place of Covenant in the 21st-century Army.
9. Resource Allocation – a review of global resource allocations.
10. Review of Institutions – right-size, designed with a desire to maximise excellence and be sustainable.
11. Global Partnerships – establishing strategic funding models to ensure sustainability.
12. THQ Operational Health – fit-for-purpose governance and management structures with appropriate staffing.
Focused attention in these areas is important to the current and future mission effectiveness of our movement. This is important work. It will take time and it needs to be done well, but without unnecessary delay.
Focus Team Leaders will provide progress updates to the Chief of the Staff, with a more formal report to The General’s Council in April 2025. Please pray for God’s guidance and direction as consideration is given to these important matters. International Headquarters will communicate results as they become available.
In the meantime, there is every reason for leadership teams at all levels to start considering their plans and strategies through the lens of the GSF – People, Mission, Legacy. Begin asking the questions,
exploring options and looking towards how you and your teams can engage. Let’s get started!
Compass will challenge us to dig deep; to take an honest look at ourselves and consider carefully what we see. It will ask us hard questions, encourage us to face choices and make difficult decisions. There are challenges ahead – but also great opportunities! Compass will guide our path, pointing the way forward. As officers, this is our commitment. We share this calling to win souls and meet needs. Compass helps us to do just that.
I believe that 2025, which also sees us celebrate 160 years since our commencement, is a vitally important year for The Salvation Army internationally. All around the world we will explore how we advance through a focus on our people, our mission impact and our courage to deal with legacy issues that we may have put off for too long. I have every confidence that, at 160 years old, our best days are still ahead of us.
These words become important for me as I begin this new year: Faith, Courage, Creativity, Innovation and Now! I want more than ever to rely on God, I want to try new things, explore new opportunities and step into 2025 with all the confidence of God’s presence.
As we launch into this new year, let’s deepen our faith, innovate boldly, seek creative solutions – and let’s not wait! I encourage each of you to embrace the focus, make use of the resources and help implement the concepts of Compass, believing God will bless and lead us in these days for his glory and the extension of his Kingdom.
God bless you.
OUR TIME
Empowering people
People are at the heart of our mission
International Secretary, Americas and Caribbean Zone
International Headquarters
When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus responded, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ We know this! We understand this! We preach this! We do our very best to live out this principle in our lives! As stated in Compass: Global Strategic Framework (GSF), ‘People are at the heart of our mission. We want to ensure our people understand our mission and how they can participate in making it happen more effectively.’ Loving God and loving people is our determination and highest honour.
Compass guides us in asking the question: how are we loving God and people? The intent of the framework is sharing the love and transforming work of God in word and action. The vision of the strategy states that we envision a renewed global Salvation Army of empowered people, equipped to share the love of Christ and the transforming power of God in local communities around the world.
The GSF is encouraging us to ask the important questions, such as how are we caring for our people and how are we empowering people? Army leaders are entrusted to be the shepherds of God’s people. We all recognise and fully admit that life has become more complicated. We all experienced a global pandemic, and since coming out of those days, the world seems different. Compass is giving us an open door to consider where have we been, what is happening now and where we are going. ‘Empower People’ is more
than just a statement – it’s a deeply reflecting, probing and honest consideration of the realities of living out our faith and serving God in an increasingly challenging world.
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on spiritual life development. The well is deep, but how are we drawing out of the bountiful fullness of God, going from strength to strength? The ‘Spiritual Life’ workstream is actively considering how to increase and how to best engage people and utilise the resources that are available.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Patti Niemand, World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, the team is endeavouring to increase active engagement that every believer is growing in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. The goal is not simply statistical increases as a demonstration of greater engagement in spiritual life development, but a natural outcome of living out Christ’s values, evidenced in the testimonies of believers being salt and light to a world in need, which will ultimately be reflected in growing corps and ministries.
The workstream will be considering many different avenues to enhance spiritual development in the international Army, including such things as the role and effectiveness of the Spiritual Life Development Secretaries and how to strengthen their influence. They will review what resources are available and evaluate what might
COMMISSIONER CHERYL MAYNOR
1 people
be lacking or needed. Other areas of exploration include the practice and priority of prayer, and a review of the awareness of Salvation Army theology and holiness teaching and living.
After considering these various elements, recommendations will be made for greater influence and practice in every setting for believers to engage in spiritual life development in order to grow in their relationship with God, impacting people for the Lord. Through the efforts of this workstream, may we all be challenged to live in a more Christlike way, bearing greater fruit for the Kingdom of God, loving God and people wholeheartedly.
The second area of ‘Empower People’ in Compass is ‘Leadership Development’ under the guidance of Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge, IHQ Chief Secretary. The purpose of the ‘Leader Development’ workstream is to develop leaders who are servant leaders – spiritually mature, competent and equipped for their current and future roles.
We recognise that the Lord calls people to lead from all walks of life, vastly different backgrounds, multitudes of experiences and countless educational studies. This workstream will consider how to engage with officers and ministry leaders to ensure that across the global Army, leaders are flourishing in their roles, effective in ministry and focused on the mission, making the most of the opportunities in every appointment.
One of the many goals of this workstream is to ensure that all leaders have the ability to be life-long learners with access to increasing their knowledge, skills, training and education. An evaluation of current leadership training models will take place and review the effectiveness of leader development to ensure that every leader is being developed to their full potential.
Colonel Cheralynne Pethybridge will be leading the workstream team on ‘Officer Wellness’. There are countless definitions of the word ‘wellness’, but primarily it concerns the health of the whole person: body, soul, mind and spirit (emotion).
“An evaluation of current leadership training models will take place and review the effectiveness of leader development to ensure that every leader is being developed to their full potential.”
The purpose of the ‘Officer Wellness’ workstream is to establish a holistic approach to officer wellbeing, which includes the provision of suitable living conditions, and will focus on physical, mental and emotional health.
One of the workstream’s goals in this vast global Army of 134 countries is to consider the basic needs of officers regarding the provision of adequate housing, and access to support and services for overall well-being. The desire is for all officers to receive holistic care and support to live and serve to their fullest capacity.
The final workstream of the ‘Empower People’ focus area is one that will bring many shouts of ‘Hallelujah!’ and answers to the prayers of many, as it will address the matter of ‘Officer Compensation’. This workstream will consider that officers are provided with a full allowance consistent with territorial policies, with the goal that every officer receives 100 per cent of their officer allowance. This has been the desire of the present and past Generals, with efforts already made to support this stated need.
Supported by their team, Commissioner Merle Heatwole and Colonel Alfred Banda will take on the herculean task of the ‘Officer Compensation’ workstream, exploring funding strategies, study allocations, access budgets and much more. The research and data collection will develop shortand long-term goals to implement best practices to make this a reality. The workstream will work through many complexities and consider adequate education, retirement and basic medical benefits. This is a truly ambitious goal, but with God all things are possible.
Each workstream will have the opportunity to make recommendations to The General’s Council regarding practical, immediate and aspirational actions that could be taken, at both international and territorial level.
As we move forward with Compass, we are committed to empowering people, which lies at the heart of The Salvation Army’s mission. By nurturing the spiritual life of individuals
and keeping Christ central to everything we do, by investing in leader development and by prioritising officer wellness, including ensuring officers’ allowances are in line with territorial policies, we strengthen the foundation for serving Jesus more effectively in the world.
I invite you to partner with me in prayer for God’s wisdom and guidance for the workstream leaders and teams, that the outcome of their work will advance God’s mission through The Salvation Army in the 21st century.
Enhance mission impact
We choose faith, not fear!
COMMISSIONER
MIRIAM GLUYAS
Territorial Commander
Australia Territory
In our world today, so many things are changing at an ever-increasing pace and none of us are immune. The way we do mission may require change, but Jesus doesn’t change. We have good news to share. We know and love Jesus. We are led by the Spirit of God. God is not finished with this Salvation Army of his. The best days can still be ahead of us! So, let’s take the journey.
We are called to ‘keep the faith’ in the areas of our ethos, in our identity and mission, and in our impact and outcome. How does this all look in these days? Are we faithful to who God has called us to be? Are we men and women of Issachar, who know the days, and do we walk in the ways of the Lord? We choose faith, not fear.
The call of every Christian is to be actively involved in the Mission of God (missio Dei). To that end, The Salvation Army plays a distinctive role in the Church today. We are called to enhance mission impact, to see the Kingdom advance. Imagine if every person associated with The Salvation Army was on mission. If each week we were all involved in:
• one worship service…GATHER
• one discipleship group…GROW
• one ministry…GO.
It matters! The world needs Jesus. And he has called us to share his love.
The use of screens – including mobile phones, iPads, computers and gaming – COVID-19 and hate
LIEUT-COLONEL
ANDREW MORGAN
Territorial Commander
Italy and Greece Territory OUR TIME
“...Gather
“A growing Salvation Army, advancing across the world, where people belong, believe and behave, to live and be like Jesus.”
speech has led to many people being robbed of happiness. People need ‘real community’ – loving and being loved, serving and being served, knowing and being known, and celebrating and being celebrated is vital in people’s lives. Loneliness is an epidemic, and we are the people called to love and serve those who need us and who need the Lord. What an opportunity!
So, what does that look like today and how do we collaborate, in every expression of The Salvation Army, to see God’s best in every community in which we minister?
This is what we are moving forward with and we invite you to come with us:
• a determination to develop new and relevant ministry models, which will release innovation and new missional growth
• clearly understood definitions of congregational membership and covenant, which will lead to spiritual commitment
• affirming, embracing and belonging are contemporary concepts that will bring clarity to Salvation Army congregational leadership
• greater awareness of the integrated missional distinctives of The Salvation Army will help to mobilise congregations to address community needs.
And this is what we expect will be the outcomes:
• creation of new forms of congregational worship in territories throughout the world
• development of clarity on adherency and corps membership
• establishment of contemporary understanding of covenant to help define officership and soldiership
• development of ‘non-negotiable’ identity features
• territories having a clearer understanding of their relationship with International Headquarters
• employees and volunteers knowing their role in the fullness of the mission statement.
And so, we will look at four distinct areas: membership; mission integration; IHQ/THQ; covenant.
Membership
A growing Salvation Army, advancing across the world, where people belong, believe and behave to live and be like Jesus.
• What does it look like to be a member?
• Is the term ‘adherent’ relevant today or is there a better name?
• What are the implications of membership?
• Are we making disciples who make disciples?
Belonging is key. We are ‘light and salt’ in the world and are called to be ‘higher’ in our spiritual lives. How do we live this out well in very different days?
Mission integration
An advancing Army where mission is integrated, faith expressions can look different, where people discover the joy of real community and find Jesus. A growing, healthy Army, where people are saved and discipled. We need to be:
• distinctive
• true to who we are
• impacting neighbourhoods across the world
• bringing hope, love and joy as we move into communities and meet needs and share Jesus
• flourishing.
Imagine different kinds of corps and faith expressions, where the Spirit of God inspires and we step out in faith to see it become a reality.
2 mission
International
Headquarters (IHQ)/Territorial Headquarters (THQ)
Clearly defined relationship between IHQ and THQs around the world.
• redefine parameters of zonal and territorial authority
• policy and practice: non-negotiables are clearly defined
• territorial leaders feeling greater freedom to address local needs
• systems that ‘match the hour’.
Covenant
• we will reach and consider contemporary understanding of covenants and their impact
• the Soldier’s Covenant and Officer’s Covenant will be reviewed to determine their appropriateness to a 21st-century Salvation Army
• clearly articulated covenants lived out in these days
• a renewed desire for spiritual education and personal growth
• a greater commitment to action.
Recognising the pace of change in the world around us, the development and implementation of the Global Strategic Framework will require us to embrace the concepts of adaptive leadership – focusing on the adaptations required of Salvationists and our Army in response to changing environments – and participative leadership – involving Salvationists working together to identify goals, and to develop strategies and procedures to achieve those goals.
Because of the global presence of The Salvation Army, we must also acknowledge variables such as culture and context in any proposed change.
As we consider membership, mission integration, IHQ/THQ relationship and covenant, we must be willing to adapt if it will enhance mission impact. We trust God to guide us through an everchanging future, helping us to adapt so that the mission entrusted to The Salvation Army can be fulfilled through ever-changing means.
What do we believe will become the Army’s future reality in the missional space because of this?
I love the story of Commissioner Ian Cutmore, who, when he was a young lieutenant, was called in to see the commissioner of the day and was asked two questions:
1. Do you have a girlfriend?
2. Is there any reason you couldn’t go to Papua New Guinea?
He answered ‘no’ each time. He then went back to the commissioner and asked what he wanted him to do. ‘Just go and do something!’ was the response. And he did, led by the Spirit of God, and look what God did! Salvation Army, go and do something led by the Spirit of God. Imagine what he will do.
I also love the story of Elijah. We need great prophets again today. They are in our Salvation Army. Let them arise. We need the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. God is doing a new thing.
Three things from Elijah’s story:
1. Special strength was given to Elijah, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit…’ (Zechariah 4:6). By my spirit, friends, says the Lord.
2. He felt the power of the Lord come upon him, giving him special strength, and after ‘tucking his cloak into his belt’, he began running at such a pace that he was able to overtake a chariot (1 Kings 18:46). God has work to be done. There is work to be done! There is a harvest to come. Just go and do something.
3. Elijah got there first – to transform the nation. God can do it.
These days are urgent and exciting! God is with us – we need more Elijahs!
Imagine what God might/will do!
Let’s put our trust in him and believe big!
OUR TIME
Establishing an enduring legacy
God will lead us
COMMISSIONER GARTH NIEMAND
International Secretary for Business Administration
International Headquarters
Colossians 3:23-24 says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.’ Our discipleship and our holiness demands that we ensure that Christ always remains at the centre of our movement, and we have a sacred responsibility as proclaimers of the gospel to give only our best in all things – including the fiscal and business matters of our movement.
In this article, I want to address two related topics. The first is Compass, the Global Strategic Framework (GSF), and more specifically the ‘Legacy’ focus area; the second is the outcomes of the International Finance Conference held at Sunbury Court in 2024. Both of these relate to the way forward as we navigate post-pandemic realities across the global Army, and as we consolidate and invest our tangible resources for the next generation of leaders. Like those who have gone before us, we too want to be counted as faithful stewards.
Introduction to the ‘Legacy’ focus area
‘Legacy’ refers to something that we leave behind both for others and in others. A legacy is what you leave for the people you are closest to after you are gone; an inheritance for those who remain behind; what lives on after you die; how you will be remembered. Legacy is the mark you leave on this earth; the impact you have made in this life while you were here. Although our
legacy is a common thread flowing through the Compass document in relation to our people and our mission, the ‘Legacy’ focus area has a special emphasis on our financial and institutional sustainability, and deals with four specific workstreams related to legacy:
• Resource Allocation: The purpose of this workstream is to recommend how the Army can ensure the more effective global collection of income and distribution of resources to the field. Essentially, to ensure that we are strategic in the allocation of global Salvation Army internal funding that is raised and gifted annually. This, for example, is money that territories contribute for world missions and self-denial efforts.
• Institutions: This workstream will recommend how the Army can maximise excellence in institutional services and minimise reliance on international funding. This may require consideration of resizing or repurposing some institutions at a territorial level in order to improve them and make the ministry of the Army more effective and more efficient. Long-term sustainability is an important aspect of these deliberations, and territorial governance/leadership teams may be faced with tough decisions.
legacy
“‘Legacy’ refers to something that we leave behind both for others and in others. A legacy is what you leave for the people you are closest to after you are gone...”
• Global Partnerships: This workstream will help the Army to strengthen global partnerships that lead to a better funded and more sustainable international Army. We are global partners in the gospel.
• THQ Operational Health: The final workstream is tasked to submit recommendations that will help each supported territorial headquarters (THQ) to have fit-for-purpose governance and management structures and corresponding budgets.
Financial sustainability
‘People, Mission and Legacy’ are integrated and require an adequate financial strategy, both globally and locally, to realise the objectives. More specifically, ‘Legacy’ speaks to the area of financial sustainability. Financial sustainability remains the ultimate goal for the funding aspect of our mission and will ensure a lasting legacy. In a Salvation Army context, sustainability effectively means the ability of a territory to meet all financial obligations with limited, or without any, International Headquarters (IHQ) grants or funding. Of course, it is expected that some territories will continue to require different levels of international funding for a sustained period and for different purposes. That is the beauty of being a global Army that is quick to support each other. Financial sustainability at a territorial level is essentially growing the capacity of the territory to raise, manage and allocate resources to enhance effective and lasting mission.
Financial stability
Financial sustainability has always been a strategic move to a position of financial strength. Every territory, division, institution, corps and programme around the world has experienced the effects of inflation and the cost of carrying out ministry. As believers, you and I know that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can comprehend and we are assured that God will always come through for us. However, our faith comes with responsibility. We need to be good stewards of the resources with which God provides us daily. Therefore, I believe that if we truly want to leave a lasting legacy for those who will come after us, and while our eyes remain on the goal of financial sustainability, it is an opportune time for us to also direct our global efforts to ensure that we address the immediate need for the short-term financial stability of territories in a post-pandemic world. The ultimate goal remains to move from a position of financial stability in the short-to-medium term to a position of financial sustainability in the long term – leaving a lasting legacy.
The Five-Step Plan I, along with my team, have proposed a five-step plan (a road map) for the global Army in relation to financial stability (a milestone on the journey of financial sustainability):
Step 1(A) – Adequate Liquidity: The immediate objective is to ensure that a territory has sufficient cash to settle daily expenses and invoices. This is a simple starting point, but the reality is that not every territory has the ability to cover its bills.
Step 1(B) – Adequate Investment Cover for Restricted Reserves: This step, which cannot be divorced from Step 1(A), ensures that the territory has sufficient cash to cover restricted reserves held. Funds allocated for a specific purpose by a donor must be used for the purposes for which it is intended. This step ensures that THQ is not borrowing funds from restricted reserves to meet operational expenses.
Step 2 – Payment of 100% Officer Allowances:
At this step, territories have ensured that all officers receive 100% officer allowance as per approved scales. The income for officer allowances will include the IHQ contribution (Officers’ Support Endowment Fund) plus a THQ contribution, plus a local contribution.
Step 3 – Adequate Accumulated Surplus:
International Financial and Accounting Standards (IFAS) is clear about the requirement that working capital (accumulated surplus) needs to be at a 90day level of expenses cover. Effectively, a nest-egg of unallocated funds that will cover three months of expenses under any severe conditions.
Step 4 – Adequate Capital Designated Reserve
Cover: Essential designated reserves include, for example, vehicle replacement reserve, property maintenance reserve and computer replacement reserve, before any other non-capital reserves are to be considered.
Step 5 – Territorial Multi-Year Financial Plan:
The final step towards stability is a realistic threeyear territorial budget incorporating Steps 1–4 above. Step 5 is the goal for financial stability. Every territory will have an annual budget that will incorporate allocation of income to a specific step, with the goal of eventually reaching a three-year financial plan that incorporates all four stability levels. Financial stability sets the foundation for financial sustainability, which in turn ensures mission sustainability.
What are some immediate implications of the road map?
The road map to financial stability will include several strategic elements, such as:
Funding: Financial stability requires an immediate cash injection in the territories that are furthest away from financial stability.
Innovation: There will need to be continued consideration of new processes, new methodology and a new way of working, while embracing technology.
People: Investment in people to build capacity and enhance continuity and stability is essential. This is not only in the area of finances, but also in administration, management and leadership, etc. This is included in Compass.
Financial Management: Including realistic territorial budgets; accurate and timely financial reporting and key financial indicators; review and restructure of THQ finance departments; appointment of a qualified chief accountant; full NetSuite implementation for supported territories; finance training at all levels, including IHQ Learning Management System e-learning courses.
Right-sizing: A review of the structure and size of each supported THQ/DHQ will need to be undertaken, including standard minimum staffing levels and must-have roles. Operational and economic efficiencies must be maximised. A major part of this is captured in Compass.
Institutions: A holistic assessment of the territorially supported institutions in relation to sustainability and mission impact. An assessment tool will need to be developed, tested and applied. This is also addressed in Compass.
Properties: The assessment of under-utilised properties/buildings (to sell, develop or repurpose) must continue. Territories will need to evaluate their property portfolio without fear or favour. This may also include the potential leasing out of Army facilities for sustainable income. It may not need to entail the selling of property to boost cash, but rather include a more strategic approach of how to make surplus properties work for the territory.
Business plans: Realistic and tested business plans for new mission opportunities and diversification of revenue streams will need to be designed and utilised. New plants and openings and expansions need to proceed with a written plan for long-term sustainability. We must have the financial means to support new opportunities for missional growth.
Stewardship: There will need to be a renewed focus at corps level on stewardship, financial giving and tithing. Economic efficiencies must be balanced with environmental sustainability. Assets will need to be adequately maintained. High ethical standards have to be practised at all levels.
Accountability: Good governance and accountability to stakeholders must be embedded in every structure, process and activity. Legal and constitutional compliance are nonnegotiable. Internal audits, external audits and international audits (our ‘three lines of defence’) will require intentional follow-up of outcomes and recommendations. There will need to be transparency at THQ to share the financial state of the territories and divisions, etc.
2024 International Finance Conference (IFC) outcomes
Against the backdrop of the above and within the overarching context of the ‘Legacy’ focus area in Compass, the 15 outcomes of the 2024 IFC are briefly summarised as follows:
1. Development of a new international financial strategy focused upon all financially supported territories achieving the five steps to short-term financial stability, while working towards long-term financial sustainability.
2. Restructuring of the Mission Support Project Funding model to allow release of additional operational funding to territories.
3. Financially supported territories to consider setting aside a portion of their mission support allocation to be held in interestbearing territorial accounts to strengthen working capital.
4. Territorial funding categories will be as follows: Financially Independent – receives no IHQ funding; Financially Supported – receives IHQ funding; Mixed Funded – some, but not all countries in a territory, receive IHQ funding.
5. The 2023 edition of IFAS was noted with the ongoing journey towards full IFAS compliance in territories.
6. The detailed feedback will be considered and progressed by the IFAS Implementation Committee at IHQ and the IFAS Drafting Committee.
7. Allocation of global resources to ensure a suitably skilled and experienced Chief Accountant is in place in every THQ.
8. The recent launch of an International Finance Database as a central repository for sharing of finance-related policy templates among territories was welcomed.
9. Detailed feedback will be considered and progressed by the International Finance Database Committee.
10. The progress towards NetSuite implementation in financially supported territories with the final software roll-out targeted towards the end of 2025.
11. The recent launch of the International Finance Support Section to provide proactive additional assistance to targeted territories was welcomed.
12. The key objective for all officers to receive 100% allowance per the approved scale was supported. The longer-term goal remains that a full adequate cost-of-living allowance must be paid to every officer in every appointment all the time.
13. IHQ Business Administration to engage with stakeholders with a view to at least two territories being identified to participate in pilots for centralisation of payment of officer allowances.
14. The Officers’ Support Endowment Fund to be prioritised, with further funding pledges to be considered alongside fresh marketing initiatives.
15. IHQ will apply an increase to the existing annual IHQ Administration Levy.
Conclusion
The concept of legacy and financial sustainability affects all levels of the movement – THQs, DHQs, centres, corps and programmes. The journey never ends. Even financially independent territories have continual challenges of funding specific aspects of mission in the territory. Financial stability (short term) and financial sustainability (long term) is an all-in objective: whole Army, whole territory, all ministry units. And, importantly, we need to share our success and best practices with each other across the globe.
Leaving a healthy legacy in terms of our fiscal stewardship will require unprecedented resolve from a united global Army to support and implement various initiatives; it will require sacrifices for the greater good of Army mission; it will require robust planning and decisive decision-making; it will most certainly require innovation; it will require change; and it will require the highest levels of stewardship. I am convinced that this can be done.
2 Chronicles 20:12 states: ‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’ Of this I am assured, God will lead us.
MY TOPIC
Street level Jesus, the Army and us
COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET
Living in retirement
United Kingdom and Ireland Territory
Holiness is a relationship
Since its earliest days, The Salvation Army has advocated holy living. Its focus has been integral to making the Army what it has become. It has shaped the character of Salvationists worldwide and, by doing so, has made a vast and positive impact on the quality of service they have given, as well as on their motivation and relationship with God. A Salvation Army without an emphasis on holy living is a contradiction in terms. Holiness has been a hallmark of its people. It still is.
I have been familiar with the term ‘holiness’ since I was a boy. The Salvation Army corps that I attended held a Sunday morning ‘holiness’ meeting and an evening ‘salvation’ meeting – as did all corps. Each had different aims. The evening gathering was to attract non-Christians to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The morning event was to help those already committed to find the spiritual resources to live holy lives. And, as I grew older, I came to value the morning meetings as a means of strengthening me for daily living and developing my relationship with Jesus. They were good for me – and countless others.
But when it came to being taught the doctrine of holiness, things weren’t so straightforward. My teachers varied in their abilities. Some lessons seemed to contradict others. The language in which they were presented belonged to an earlier age (in many places it still does) and there were statements in printed material that occasionally managed to make things confusing. I was not
alone in my questioning. I was taught – correctly, as I understood it – that if I gave my life to God in repentance for my sins, I would be blessed with a clean heart, cleansed by God – a fresh start. Such an experience was and is wonderfully liberating and covers all. But when we studied holiness, I found myself being encouraged to seek ‘the blessing of a clean heart’ again. This seemed like repetition. I didn’t understand the logic. It wasn’t clear to me what the difference was or why I should seek something that I had already received.
And this was when I began to encounter terms, or what I might call ‘labels’, to describe Christian experience. Among them were ‘second blessing’, ‘sinless perfection’ and ‘entire sanctification’. I won’t discuss them here, except to say that the more I studied them the less clear things became. Although ‘holiness’ was initially presented to me as a liberating experience and a gift from God, some teaching seemed to demand constant faultless behaviour – a heavy burden. I began to question the wisdom of using labels to describe what should have been, in essence, simply a loving, progressive, growing relationship with God.
In time, I became an officer, preparing and conducting holiness meetings. I was determined not to confuse those who sat under my ministry and to keep the teaching as clear as possible. The more I taught and interacted with others, the more I understood that a desire to live a holy life could only be fulfilled by means of the kind of relationship with God that I had already naturally
developed. It seemed to me that putting an undue focus on labels, terms or keeping rules ran the risk of overlooking this vital fact. Yet I observed sections of the Church using labels – such as ‘the Toronto Blessing’ – to describe what was or should have been essentially an expression of a relationship with God. As far as I could see, giving it a label implied it was a phenomenon. I felt the label cheapened what should have been a precious expression of a growing relationship with Jesus. Spiritual experience or experiences seemed to become an end in themselves. Judging people’s spirituality by whether they had this or that ‘blessing’ happened all too frequently. Such focus appeared to have little to do with an ongoing, mutually loving, everyday, growing, one-to-one relationship with God. And as loving God is not only the greatest commandment but also firmly rooted in relationship, I saw the labelling distractions as decidedly unhelpful. For me, there was no better or clearer way of nurturing a holy life than through sharing every day with Jesus.
Happily, I realised I was in good company. General Frederick Coutts (1963–69), in his writings, described holiness as Christlikeness – essentially meaning that by following Jesus we would grow more like him. General John Gowans (1999–2002) wrote a simple chorus for the musical Spirit (SASB 328) that became widely used and much-loved:
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me, In every thought and deed, This is my aim, my creed.
The chorus concludes with the words, ‘His Spirit helping me, Like him I’ll be’. It is so simple. So sincere. Uncomplicated. Pure in intention and expression. When world-renowned preacher John Stott wrote his final book, he called it The Last Word. And he summed up his life’s teaching by saying that, when all is said and done, the object of life is to grow more like Christ – everything else we are and do depends on that, and it can only be done through relationship with him.
When the International Spiritual Life Commission met in the late 1990s, it too called for holiness teaching to be simpler (not simplistic). The doctrine of holiness itself – ‘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’ – was not in question; it is directly rooted in Scripture – ‘May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). But the language used to explain it was in need of being updated. With this in mind, I wrote Holiness Unwrapped, using John Gowans’s ‘To be like Jesus’ as the framework for the book, purposely avoiding all ‘labels’ and simply looking at what Jesus was like and how he can help us. The language of the 18th and 19th centuries had no place in its pages. I saw it as unnecessary.
What difference does living everyday with Jesus make or mean? It means that however ‘good’ we may think we are, we become better – more selfless, less self-centred. Our loving care for one another increases. We find security and acceptance in knowing we are loved unconditionally, and are enrichened by what we give to others. We feel the benefit of mutual support. We don’t make getting our own way a priority. We discover the peace of God in our hearts – whatever happens.
We are helped to become more trustworthy, dependable, forgiving, non-judgemental, supportive. And, as Paul wrote, God’s love in us makes us kind, not envious, not boastful nor proud, not rude, not glad when others fail, nor prone to keeping a record of their wrongs against us (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). The eternal hope that Jesus gives is constant and it provides strength to endure.
We don’t necessarily find life easy. Living as Jesus did is costly. He was dedicated to doing God’s will, knowing that avoiding it means our being less than we could be or were meant to be. There are times of opposition and frustration, too. Life doesn’t suddenly become fairer, nor are all our problems solved by bonding with Jesus, but we find strength in knowing that we are supported and empowered by God’s Spirit. As John Gowans wrote: ‘His Spirit helping me, Like him I’ll be.’
Life is about relationships. The two great commandments – to love God and to love others – are about relationship. Holiness is about relationship. ‘To be like Jesus’ – pure and simple.
MY STORY
A miracle in Polonnaruwa
Praise God for his enduring legacy!
Public Relations and Communications Secretary
Sri Lanka Territory
Somawati’s spirit was light as she carried her large plastic can, ready to fill it with clean water from the community well near her home deep in the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. The Salvation Army had just completed and opened another of its Safe Water wells in the Polonnaruwa District of the province, and Somawati knew that water contamination would cease to be.
Doctors at the Polonnaruwa General Hospital had confirmed that there had been at least a 90% drop in new cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) wherever the wells were built. Somawati was relieved that such a well had come to her village. No longer would she need to worry about her six-year-old daughter Sriyani or her beloved niece Ruby developing CKD due to contaminated water poisoning their young bodies.
‘What you have done for us is a meritorious act,’ said Somawati to The Salvation Army team in her native Sinhalese. An ardent Buddhist, she believed that accumulation of merit was the path to nibbana (or nirvana), the release from striving or the quenching of human worry. What she was trying to express was a deep feeling of appreciation and respect for the blessing of clean water that people in Western contexts can so often take for granted.
An urgent plea
The journey of the Sri Lankan Safe Water project began when a Salvation Army team visited Polonnaruwa to investigate what the Army could
do to alleviate the growing incidence of CKD, particularly among rice-paddy-farming families. They met with community and government leaders in Polonnaruwa, who shared their grave concerns about the numbers of people contracting and dying from the disease.
The year was 2013 and the team, led by then Programme Secretary Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi, invited North Central Provincial Councillor Amarakeerthi Athukorale to visit The Salvation Army headquarters in Colombo for talks with leadership.
It was a steamy day in the nation’s capital when Mr Athukorale arrived shortly afterwards and shared his heart with the Army’s leaders.
Commissioner Malcolm Induruwage, now retired, and Colonel Hettiarachchi, now the Territorial Commander in Sri Lanka, recall the meeting. ‘Mr Athukorale was desperate for help,’ says Colonel Hettiarachchi, remembering how deeply moved they were. ‘He described the hopeless situations and incredible sadness, with numerous deaths in his community, and made an urgent plea for help.’
The disease was spreading its toxic tentacles all through north central Sri Lanka. ‘We have to do something’ was the decision made by Army leadership – and the idea of the wells was born. What happened then became the building blocks for a miracle. The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka reached out to The Salvation Army in Canada, which agreed to invest significant funds in an
CAPTAIN TARA MCGUIGAN
Right: Another Salvation Army Safe Water well is opened in Sri Lanka
attempt to curb the situation. Then, The Salvation Army in the United States decided that it also wanted to contribute.
Over the years since then, ongoing funding from North America has empowered The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka to bring transformation to the lives and circumstances of hundreds of thousands of people across the province through the Safe Water project – first in Polonnaruwa and now in the adjacent Anuradhapura District. In October 2024, the honour fell to Colonel Hettiarachchi to open well number 31. All wells come complete with powerful industrial filtration plants and are officially opened with a community-wide celebration.
What is noteworthy is that Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are situated in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heartland. In these parts, one would rarely come across an organisation of another religious belief making such a vital contribution to people’s lives, let alone being noted for its non-discrimination.
The Salvation Army’s Safe Water and Livelihood Development team has operated with humility, sensitivity and transparency throughout what is now an 11-year project. Its members have acted in thoughtful and strategic collaboration with local communities and their leaders, government departments and officials, contractors and their workers, and local hospitals and their medical staff.
Below top: Safe Water team manager Dinuka Rajapaksha with local people in the grounds of a Safe Water well in Polonnaruwa
Below bottom: Captain Tara with women at a Safe Water well
Above: Each Safe Water well comes complete with an industrial filtration
As a result, The Salvation Army has put down its roots through the Safe Water project and its associated livelihood development programmes. Polonnaruwa now talks about ‘our Salvation Army’ and sees what we have brought to the 500,000-strong district as ‘like a gift from God’. In June 2024, after much work from the territory’s development and property teams, and with further funding from the USA, a property was purchased for a new centre of operations. In January 2025, the centre will be officially opened as a ‘Mission Point and Community Service Centre’, and Polonnaruwa will receive its first Salvation Army officers.
A gift that keeps on giving
Like all good examples of transformative mission, each well story depicts a gift that keeps on giving. The Salvation Army trains the village-appointed council to manage the well, with villagers being charged for the water at the very low rate of one or two rupees per litre. The income is saved in a bank account, some of which now boast hundreds of thousands of rupees. A regular contribution is also made to The Salvation Army for its ongoing support and accountability visits.
Villagers can receive loans for building houses, extending their paddy cultivation, creating and maintaining home gardens, and also for micro-businesses such as mushroom-growing, beekeeping and sweet-making. Many families are finding pathways to sustainable livelihoods. One woman leader proudly informed us that since the Safe Water well was built, the village is thriving and able to say that not one person any longer goes without at least one square meal a day. In another case, a village boasts that they have sent their first young adult to university.
News of the success of the Safe Water project has spread, and one of Sri Lanka’s leading universities is now engaged in studying the project and looking at how poverty can be alleviated across the nation.
Praise God for this enduring legacy!
Left: A community member leaves a Safe Water well after filling his water container at two rupees a
Left: Dinuka Rajapaksha and Property Secretary Major Peter McGuigan on the site of a well construction
plant
Above: Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi with a village Buddhist priest and Dinuka Rajapaksha
Below: A child enjoys clean water from a Safe Water well
OUR STORY
Staying faithful to our covenant
An amazing adventure in God’s service
COMMISSIONERS CEDRIC AND LYN HILLS
International Secretaries, Europe Zone
International Headquarters
When anyone asks the question ‘How did you first meet?’, the response – at a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics – usually ends the conversation quickly! The more accurate answer is that we worked together as teenagers in the East End of London at the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centre, Greig House. We started dating at the age of 18 and, following our engagement, we left to get what we described as ‘proper’ jobs: Ced to train as a retail manager and Lyn to become a civil servant. We married when we were 21 and settled into creating a home, busy with corps activities, in the Hertfordshire town of Harpenden in England.
Lyn sensed God’s call to officership when working at Greig House during her teenage years, and thought this was an indication towards service within The Salvation Army. However, she was quite happy when, after meeting Ced, she discovered that he had no interest in officership and felt she had escaped.
Ced grew up in a home with strong Salvation Army connections – his grandmother had been an officer – but officership had never crossed his mind. In our early 20s, we purchased our own home, and Ced settled into a career in retail management. With our first baby due, Ced was shocked when God spoke clearly to him one morning as he was getting ready for work: God wanted him to be an officer. Ced wondered how he could tell Lyn when life seemed so settled. However, when he broached the subject after work later that same day, he was amazed to
discover that God had actually kept Lyn awake all night with the same calling upon her life for officership.
We sold our home and entered training almost immediately. Covenant Day in 1986 was a significant moment, kneeling together at the mercy seat at the William Booth Memorial Training College in London. Signing our covenants, we shared this conditional prayer: ‘Lord, we freely offer ourselves to you – but please, never ask us to go overseas.’ We’ve since wondered if God has a sense of humour!
Just five years later, we moved to Germany to serve with the British Red Shield Service (a division of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, based in Germany). We loved the work and ministry, but our lives changed dramatically when Ced was deployed to Bosnia to open a welfare centre for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) troops serving in Sarajevo. After just a few weeks there, he was redeployed on behalf of International Emergency Services (IES) to commence a humanitarian programme in a small village that had been destroyed during the war. It changed his life and was the catalyst for 12 years of international emergency ministry.
Lyn recalls that when Ced was busy with IES work, she found herself in appointments alone, firstly in corps and then as chaplain of the Army’s Hadleigh Farm Training Centre. Single ministry was not what Lyn had planned, but she quickly
Above:
tsunami of 2004, but relocating to the far side of the globe was something altogether different. Our married daughters responded well to the situation, and we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful Salvationists of Indonesia. The Chief had described the territory to us as ‘a jewel in the crown’, and he was right!
Moving to a territory that was growing at a fantastic rate exposed us to new challenges, such as dealing with expanding divisions, a training college bursting at the seams and hundreds of officers to be developed. Supporting the territorial leaders of that time was a privilege, and we learnt so much from them about strategy and vision. The enthusiasm of the officers and soldiers was an inspiration.
discovered that God is able, and working with the trainees at Hadleigh taught her so much and was an opportunity for which she became very grateful.
Our joint international service began with appointments as the regional leaders in Estonia in 2013, followed by a move across the Baltic Sea three years later to take up appointments in Helsinki, in the Finland and Estonia Territory, as the Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively.
While queuing for breakfast during a holiday in Mallorca in 2019, we received a call from the Chief of the Staff, who surprised us with news of a move to Indonesia. Ced had visited the country while responding to the terrible
Ced recalls how he will never forget the commissioning that we attended in Jakarta: ‘From my vantage point on the platform, I had tears in my eyes as immaculate young men and women marched smartly into the appointment meeting in white uniforms; they proudly saluted the territorial commander and received their appointments joyfully. Even when that meant a long motorbike ride into the jungle, or a day’s trek by foot, they responded with a huge smile and a loud “Hallelujah”. As a seasoned officer, I was greatly encouraged by their response to God’s call. I learnt something new about covenant, and a willingness to serve God faithfully and enthusiastically, whatever the situation or circumstance.’
Our journey continued, and in 2022 the General appointed us as territorial leaders of the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory, based in Germany. It was a return to a country we had loved living in, and with the territorial headquarters situated in Cologne, this meant we would be located about two hours’ away from Gütersloh, where we had spent five happy years with our family in the early days of our officership.
In some ways, after our appointments had seen us working in more than 70 countries around the
Above: Commissioner Lyn Hills highlights the new territorial theme in Germany
Left: Commissioner Ced Hills in Bosnia, en route to Sarajevo, 1996
A typical Indonesian welcome
world, it felt as though we were coming full circle. Leaving a rapidly growing territory to return to Europe, where church life and attendance had been experiencing challenges for decades, was a new test. What might we bring to our new roles?
As we prepared to relocate, Lyn revealed that God spoke to her very clearly and reminded her of the well-known story of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37): ‘He showed me that the story was not a negative one but a positive truth of God: he still puts flesh on bones, he continues to breathe new life. It was a promise that I gladly accepted and a message for our new territory.’
We were surprised but honoured when, less than two years later, we were appointed as the International Secretaries for Europe. When we left the United Kingdom in 2013, we had one grandchild. In the subsequent 11 years of living abroad, three more had been added to the family, with limited opportunities for us to see them and watch them grow. With our daughters living close to International Headquarters, the chance to be reunited with our family is a blessing.
As we look back on 38 years of officership, we are so pleased that the conditional prayer we uttered on our Covenant Day has not been answered! We marvel at the experiences God has given us, and the blessings poured upon us. Staying faithful to our covenant has not always been easy, and there have been moments when we have needed the support and encouragement of colleagues to keep us faithful to our promises. But what an amazing adventure we have had in God’s service.
Now, as we view the map of Europe on the office wall, we rather nervously wonder how we might contribute to leadership in this significant and historically important zone. Lyn explains: ‘At the beginning of each year, I ask God for a promise that I can carry through the following 12 months. This year, before we received the news of our current appointment, God reminded me of the simple but profound truth, “God is able”, and took me to the verses in Isaiah 43:18-20: “Forget the
former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland…I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland…”.’
Today, we both accept these promises for our new appointments; we salute our colleagues for the innovative and courageous approaches taken around the zone; and we look forward with excitement to see the new thing that God is going to do in Europe.
Above: Commissioner Lyn sows seeds in Germany
Right: Commissioners Ced and Lyn help to serve food in Stuttgart, Germany
Above: The opening of the Red Shield Centre in the German city of Gütersloh, 1993
MY TOPIC Making room for the next generation
Building a bold, young Army together
CAPTAIN MARC POTTERS International Youth and
Children’s Officer
International
Headquarters
I remember when I began my journey as an officer and attended one of our officers councils in the Netherlands. Although I was a lieutenant with only three years in ministry, I had already worked for The Salvation Army for around 14 years, and I saw my fellow officers as long-time colleagues. During lunch, I was seated at a table with several fellow officers comprising some captains, majors and, yes, me – a new lieutenant. A retired officer approached our table, looking at us intently with amusement, and remarked, ‘How wonderful to see so many young colleagues here. You are the future of The Salvation Army.’
At the time, we simply laughed and nodded, and perhaps some of us thanked him as well. But later, as I thought about it, a touch of sadness crept in. The average age at our table was probably in the late thirties or early forties. Could we really have been considered the ‘young’ generation in The Salvation Army? Wouldn’t we be seen as the ones who still have much to learn before we can lead, strategise and make decisions? If so, that didn’t bode well for our future. Fortunately, now that I am in my (very) late forties, I know that the Army is indeed full of genuinely young people who are eager to step forward and shape our movement according to God’s will – both for the present and the future.
In this article, I will offer a biblical perspective on children and young people, along with a few heartwarming examples of youth engagement within the Army. I would also love to provide a historical view of young leaders in The Salvation Army. There are many, such as Kate Booth, Jack Addie and Eliza Shirley, though I’ll focus on today’s generation. Feel free to look up those early pioneers if you’d like to know more – their stories are truly inspiring!
Youth participation is not a novel idea. It’s biblical principle that is highlighted in many ways. You can see it in the calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 3), where we find an example of God speaking to a child, or in David (1 Samuel 17), when he combines his youthful boldness with complete obedience to God. And what do you think about the boy with the five loaves and two fish in chapter 6 of John’s Gospel, who didn’t forget his lunch unlike all the wise grown-ups around him?
Together with the Youth and Children’s section at International Headquarters, the International Theological Council has created a biblical perspective on children and young people. The Bible consistently highlights the value of young people, presenting them as a central part of God’s design from Genesis to Revelation. Created in his image, they hold inherent worth and dignity, seen as gifts and blessings to their families and communities. Scripture describes young
Hackathon photos by Dave Haas
people as developing, dependent and models of faith, offering guidance on how they should be nurtured. They are recognised as active partners in God’s mission, with the potential to inspire others and contribute fully. Young people deserve respect, encouragement and the opportunity to grow within the faith community, discovering and living out their God-given purpose.
So, how do we do this? How do we give respect, support and create space for young people? Let me give you a few examples from across our Army world.
In 2019, while I was the National Youth Coordinator in the Netherlands, the Territorial Commander Commissioner Hannelise Tvedt asked me to organise a youth congress for the territory because she wanted to hear directly from the young people. I was excited about the idea and shared it enthusiastically with our youth think tank. However, after my inspired pitch, the young people simply stared at me. Then, one of them raised his hand and said, ‘That sounds really boring. Can’t we do something different?’ He then suggested a hackathon.
Traditionally, a hackathon is an event where a tech company tests its digital security by inviting the best hackers to attempt to breach its firewalls within 24 hours. For participants, it’s a great chance to test their skills, and for the company, it’s an opportunity to learn in a safe, controlled setting.
“When God calls us to live a resurrected life and help younger generations experience the same, we need to let them stand on their own two feet...”
Could this concept work for The Salvation Army? I was sceptical. Would we find young people willing to spend 24 hours together tackling the challenges faced by the Army and developing new ideas and strategies? Reluctantly, I decided to let the young people take the lead. The result was an incredible event with creative ideas about evangelism, reconnecting social work with the Church, promoting inclusion and diversity, and addressing mental health issues.
With hindsight, we could have done better with implementing these ideas, but the hackathon
concept was repeated in January 2024 in Switzerland, where the outcomes are currently being put into practice. The result? An Army rooted in the gospel, yet more attuned to the times. Perhaps more importantly, we now have engaged, connected and leading young people.
One initiative that I am particularly enthusiastic about is the International Children and Young People Advisory Group, established in 2021. This group consists of 40 committed young people from across the Salvation Army world, providing advice to the General on important topics such as human sexuality, mental health, the environment, alcohol and drug use, and human trafficking.
The group is self-led, setting its own agenda and priorities. To learn more, I recommend reading the article by the group’s chair, Fernanda Rivera, in the January–March 2023 edition of The Officer magazine. She writes: ‘This is what youth participation is all about – to create that space for young people to be able to turn their hopes and dreams into a reality and to make a difference.’
When we consider our intergenerational Army and the challenges we face, my ‘Western’ perspective often focuses on increasing young people’s participation. We benefit greatly from the wisdom and leadership of senior members, but we often need a nudge to make room for younger voices. However, this isn’t the case everywhere. In many countries where The Salvation Army operates, the movement is youthful! In several African nations, the average age of Salvationists is around 30 or even lower. Similarly, in the Philippines, it’s common to find corps sergeant majors in their twenties. Their call is for older people, asking, ‘Could you send us some experienced mentors?’ I couldn’t help but smile and think, ‘I have a few I’d be glad to send! ’
In October 2024, together with my better half Mariska, I had the privilege of visiting Trondheim in Norway, where participants and mentors of the Lederutviklingsprogram (LUP) were gathered for a weekend. LUP translates as the Leadership Development Programme, aimed at young people aged 15 to 23. The programme is quite unique, focusing on young individuals interested in taking on local or regional leadership roles. They are nominated by their corps leaders and paired with
local mentors and practice teachers, who also receive training and support to be effective guides. While the LUP is primarily local, the participants come together at a central location in the territory for three weekends each year. It was wonderful to witness the interaction and the growing relationships between the young people and their mentors throughout the year. Interestingly, it wasn’t just the participants who developed their leadership skills and deepened their discipleship – the mentors also experienced significant growth. Just imagine how a programme like this could transform your corps, leaving a lasting legacy.
One of the books that has significantly influenced my view on youth work and youth participation in the Church is Growing Young by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder and Brad Griffin. In Chapter Three, the authors note: ‘When young people feel welcomed, seen and known by adults, they are more likely to stay. Intergenerational relationships provide young people with a network of support, wisdom and discipleship that fosters long-term faith.’
If you’re reading this and you’re a bit older, like I am, may I ask: ‘Do you genuinely welcome, see and truly know the young people in your corps and community? And can they truly be themselves?’ I wish I could always say ‘yes’, but honestly, I sometimes find myself expecting them to worship, lead and live out their faith in the same way I do. But that’s not what God asks of us – he calls us to make space for them to express their faith in ways that are true to who they are, not just in ways that look like our own.
When God calls us to live a resurrected life and help younger generations experience the same, we need to let them stand on their own two feet and make their own choices. There’s not much resurrection happening if we don’t.
And if you are reading this and you’re a bit younger, like we all once were, please remember this is your Salvation Army too. We share it across all generations, from the youngest baby to the oldest veteran. We will make room for you because you are part of us, co-leading the mission of preaching the gospel and meeting human needs. Let’s leave a lasting legacy for future generations. And you know what? That legacy starts right now!
OUR THEOLOGY
Spirituality
What is it?
MAJOR (DR) MARUILSON SOUZA
Training Principal College for Officer Training
Mozambique Territory
Major (Dr) Maruilson Souza will present a series of four articles in the 2025 editions of The Officer magazine, addressing questions on spirituality and what it means for us as individuals and also for The Salvation Army.
Introduction
Spirituality is a polysemic and multifaceted term and is therefore complex. Depending on the author, culture and period, it can have different meanings. It initially appears in the world of religions, but in recent decades it has transcended these roots, and today there are those who advocate that there is also a spirituality in science, business corporations and in atheism – a noninstitutional, ‘secular’ spirituality, without beliefs, religions and gods.
Due to the complexity of the issue – there is no single definition that is universally accepted by everyone – the understanding of spirituality requires a transdisciplinary approach. And so, departments of spirituality have been opening in academic and religious institutions – even in The Salvation Army.
This first article aims to face the difficulty of defining spirituality and, from a broad perspective, invite readers to reflect on its meaning as a human phenomenon beyond religion and also its Christian meaning.
A glimpse of the term ‘spirituality’ Spirituality has a long history, and, even in Christianity, it has different meanings. Although in its early days the Christian experience was unaware of the separation between ‘matter’ and ‘spirit’, around the 12th century the Latin word spiritualitas began to qualify the ‘realm of the spirit’ in opposition to corporeal things considered
contaminated and unfit for divinity. As a result, over the centuries spirituality came to designate that which is opposed to corporeality and any concerns with the earthly.
On the other hand, the use of the term ‘spirituality’ is recent. It dates to the French School of Spirituality of the 17th century and, since then, its use has been related (almost) exclusively to the interior life of the individual Christian, with little and sometimes no connection to the historicalcultural-social and contextual reality.
The meaning of spirituality in culture
Usually, there is confusion between spirituality, religion and religiosity, even though they differ from each other. The term ‘religion’ has to do with beliefs, dogmas, rites, symbols and traditions; while ‘religiosity’ is related to the desire and the various human attempts to reconnect (religare) to something ‘big’, ‘immense’, ‘total’, ‘mysterious’ that is within us, beyond us and throughout the universe. In contrast, the word ‘spirituality’ is associated with values; the search for meaning in and for life; what energises and sets a person in motion, regardless of whether they belong to an organised religion. However, spirituality is, or should be, the centre of religion.
In the ancient languages, there are words used to describe both spirituality and breath or wind – ruchah in Hebrew; spirituality and mind – pneuma in Greek; spirituality and that which relates to heaven and earth – ruhaniyya in Arabic; spirituality and soul, courage, inspiration and vigour – spiritus in Latin. But these words are not necessarily related to religious experiences. On the contrary, they are also found in the classical texts of philosophers, and indicate everything from mind, human inspiration and invisible human qualities – such as love, courage, peace and truth – to something that shapes and energises and empowers.
The meaning of spirituality in religions
In contrast, all religions defend and seek to protect and emphasise the relevance of spirituality. Spirituality, therefore, belongs to the transcultural heritage of humanity. Consequently, ‘religions are seen as particular modalities of the broader phenomenon than spirituality’ (Guillaume Cuchet). On the other hand, religions are limited by their rites, dogmas and hierarchies, while spirituality presents itself as free from institutional
constraints, adapted to the times, culture and people, in addition to being tolerant and engaging with the complexity surrounding reality.
However, the concept of spirituality in religions is not simple either. There is a fusion of objective elements (beliefs, rites and dogmas) with other subjective elements (intuition, feeling and recognition of the existence of something greater, cceanic, cosmic) which make the subject sophisticated and difficult to understand. It is therefore possible to affirm that spirituality is an integral and indispensable part of religious belief systems.
In its religious dimension, spirituality is always present in the search for ‘Something’ apparently absent, mysterious and unattainable; or for ‘Someone’ superior who leads the faithful and humanity itself to a greater purpose, to a full realisation – which is impossible to achieve in a short earthly existence. It also features in the effort to find a broader and deeper understanding of the very meaning of life and the interrelationship between all things.
From this perspective, spirituality is everything ‘that which produces an inner change in the human being’ (Dalai Lama) seeking to reconnect with the divine, but also something that acts in solidarity with other human beings, especially in situations of vulnerability.
History shows that since the most remote antiquity in different cultures, eras and nations, religions have always been involved in a solidarity service to the underprivileged and to those who, due to some misfortune, have found themselves in a situation of social vulnerability, lacking support to survive or overcome adversity. Thus, it is possible to find examples among religions of antiquity of actions helping those who are in need:
• Egypt (3500 bc) – Egyptian religions emphasised the seven acts of mercy: feeding the hungry; giving water to the thirsty; clothing the naked; helping strangers; visiting prisoners; caring for the sick; and respectfully burying the dead. Centuries later, six of these acts of mercy appear in Jesus’ discourse on the judgement of the nations: ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:35-36).
• Mesopotamia (2000 bc) – Mesopotamian priests pressured the ‘state’ to assume responsibility for defending what is right; for not tolerating evil; for appointing judges to judge the various social conflicts and not allowing each citizen to take justice into their own hands; for protecting the poor; for defending workers so that they would receive fair wages on time.
• India (1500 bc) – The Code of Manu establishes values such as truth, justice and respect. It also encourages the practice of actions that are beneficial to all, as those who did so would receive eternal good in return.
• Greece (600 bc) – In ancient Greek society, the prevailing belief was that the poor and the rich were the result of the will of the gods. Nevertheless, the priests were responsible for guiding the wealthy faithful to be generous in helping those in need.
• China (6th and 7th centuries bc) – Buddhists preserved the ethical teaching of compassion as an attitude of respect to minimise the suffering of others, to perform acts of kindness and generosity towards everyone, as well as to make donations for the construction of hospitals and shelters for the elderly and orphans.
• Ancient Roman society (2nd century ad onwards) – Concern for the underprivileged was gradually replaced by an emphasis on the construction of sumptuous works (theatres and temples) which gave great political visibility. However, in that same period, a minority movement emerged in Christianity that demonstrated care for the poor, regardless of their religion.
As we can see, service to alleviate the suffering of the needy and unprivileged people was a way to express Christian spirituality.
The meaning of spirituality in Christianity If defining spirituality in culture and religions is not a simple task, within Christianity the task is equally complex, because there is no biblical definition that is universally accepted for all Christians in all cultures and times. In truth, there are movements, schools and traditions that express various conceptions.
“Christian spirituality is also based on the spirituality of Jesus of Nazareth as a founding model of an existence embodied in reality, of openness to God, compassion, solidarity and service to the poor.”
In the Church’s history, we can find spirituality in many contexts: based on personal experiences; developed by Christian theologians; that which connects (or separates) spiritual development from chronological age and aspects of human development; those that include separate spirituality from institutional components (baptism, Eucharist and confirmation) and external behaviours (prayer, worship, reading of the Scriptures); or those that emphasise more interiority or active participation in the transformation of society.
Some schools of Christian spirituality distinguish between a life dedicated to prayer and a life dedicated to the poor and public affairs. However, others value and include the religious and secular dimensions, interiority and externality, prayer and action, as well as a desire for God and engagement with ethics and events in the world.
Along the same lines of perception, Christian spirituality is not a doctrine nor perfectionism, and neither is it simply a set of spiritual practices. Rather, as the triune God – as revealed in Jesus Christ –as its ultimate value, it is an ongoing life project, lived in daily existence and the way in which one experiences and lives the mystery of God.
Christian spirituality is also based on the spirituality of Jesus of Nazareth as a founding model of an existence embodied in reality, of openness to God, compassion, solidarity and service to the poor.
However, throughout history, the pendulum of spirituality has swung to mean ‘a pure heart’, ‘immaterial supernatural life’, ‘inner life’, ‘likeness to God’, ‘affective relationship with God’, ‘development’ and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.
For the apostle Paul, spirituality is a kind of lifestyle that evolves from immaturity to maturity in Christ, and for the Christian Gnostic movement (2nd and 3rd centuries) it was seen as a detachment from material matters. In the Patristic Period (2nd–5th centuries), it was dominated by the idea of being guided and set in motion by the Holy Spirit, and to be able to perceive the prophetic message of life in the reading of the Scriptures.
In the life of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45), spirituality is linked to assuming the radicality of the gospel of Jesus Christ of ‘being there’ in and for God’s world, and in ‘being for others’. In this way, both everyday life and society are, par excellence, natural places where humans – religious or not – meet and join hands in the honest search for ‘well-being’ and justice, especially for the most vulnerable.
Conclusion
Christian spirituality is not about religious ritualism or experiences of ecstasy or some hermitical mystical practices, but about being committed to Christ, to his model of being human, to his mission and the values of the Kingdom as justice for the world of the poor. Consequently, as a ‘worldly spirituality’, it can be expressed in secular spaces and in all areas of human existence. After all, God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-8); is over all, through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6); and works to create and renew the earth (Psalm 104:30).
MY TOPIC
God’s love and faithfulness Empower people, enhance mission
impact
and establish an enduring legacy
CAPTAIN GRACIELA ARKELL
The Salvation Army Mississauga Community Church
Canada and Bermuda Territory
In response to God’s love and faithfulness, and his call on my life, it is my prayer that he will use me to empower those I serve, to enhance mission impact and to establish an enduring legacy. I stand in awe of our holy God; my love for him and a desire to live for him continues to grow deeper every day.
I was born in Saint Lucia and raised in the Republic of Panama. From an early age, my sisters and I learnt about God’s love from my mother, Major Shirla Gonsalves, who modelled what it means to follow Christ. Her faith was evident in the way she served: she opened her home to those in need and used every opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus. Thanks to her example, I understood the gospel’s power to transform lives and felt the desire to serve, thus leading me to respond to God’s call to share his message of hope and redemption.
God’s faithfulness
Looking back on my life, I can appreciate the opportunities to serve that God provided for me prior to officership, as these prepared me for ministry. At a young age I was encouraged to serve within the corps and community in various groups. God allowed me to experience the joy of being an assistant music teacher in Panama, and by his grace I later earned a Bachelor of Social Work at William and Catherine Booth College in Canada, which further nurtured my passion for service.
God has also shown his faithfulness in my personal life. I have been married to my love and partner in ministry, Jeff, for 22 years, and together
we are blessed with four amazing children –Gabriela (19), Joshua (16), Graciela (13) and Josiah (11).
At every step of my journey, God’s goodness and faithfulness has sustained me, even in those moments when I feel I have failed him, when I lack the confidence in my ability to lead and serve, through the painful loss of my parents, in the fears and uncertainty that comes with moving to a new country, and throughout the different stages of parenting. Through it all, I have learnt to trust in Jesus and have experienced his faithfulness.
Enhancing mission impact
Over the past 15 years as a Salvation Army officer, it has been a privilege to serve in appointments with social, community and corps ministries, which has allowed me to learn from those I serve, to journey with individuals and families through their joy and sadness, and to grow in my relationship with God.
It has been my constant prayer that God would continue to mould and use my life for his glory, so that others may see the beauty of Jesus in me and be moved to accept him as Lord and Saviour.
Empowering others to serve
A key aspect within my ministry is empowering people to nurture their personal relationship with God through prayer and daily devotions, and to help encourage participation in life groups where individuals can study Scripture together
to deepen their understanding of God’s Word and have meaningful conversations with other believers.
Empowerment is also about encouraging people to discover and use their spiritual gifts within the Church and beyond, to boldly share the message of salvation through Christ, so that they can fulfil God’s calling on their lives as Salvation Army officers or wherever God may be leading them.
Above: Captain Graciela at a local food bank
Above left: Volunteering with the music ministries at Dr Eno’s Home for Girls in Panama Below left: Captain Graciela with her family
Establishing an enduring legacy
Within my life, I have experienced God’s mercy, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness, and so it is my desire to pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation. When I see young people who have a longing to live their lives for Christ, it brings me such joy.
A few months ago, we received a call from a nearby public school asking us to support the students’ prayer group. This particular group had been founded by one of our daughters in response to the mistreatment she had experienced from fellow students. Seeing our daughter start and lead this prayer group has been for me a reminder that, as Salvation Army officers, we must continue to teach and empower the younger generation to grow in Christ, and to confidently and unashamedly proclaim him.
I pray that God will continue to use me for his glory, that I may leave a legacy of love and service to God, and that I may empower those I serve to live faithfully for him. As I follow God’s leading, my hope is that the seeds planted will multiply, inspiring others to share the gospel of Jesus with future generations.
MY TOPIC
‘We are mission!’ Our calling is to live out God’s purposes in the world
LIEUT-COLONEL LES MARSHALL Territorial Secretary for Mission Canada and Bermuda Territory
In recent months, our team in the Mission department at territorial headquarters (THQ) –which includes corps mission, community mission and social mission – has been hearing me chant the phrase ‘We are mission!’ as a rallying cry. While also trying to have a bit of fun, my hope is that this powerful mantra captures The Salvation Army’s unwavering dedication to serving humanity with love, compassion and integrity, empowering individuals and communities to overcome adversity and build a brighter future together, throughout Canada and Bermuda.
Our mission, rooted in God’s love for all people, motivates and guides our beliefs and values. It is founded on our faith in Jesus and his transformative power within us, extended to others through our network of ministries and services, such as our churches, shelters, food banks, long-term care facilities and community centres.
It is our hope that our churches, with open doors and open hearts, serve as spiritual sanctuaries where individuals from all walks of life can come together to find solace, support and guidance in their faith journeys. Through uplifting sermons, engaging programmes and compassionate outreach, we hope to empower individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with Jesus and with one another, igniting a sense of purpose and belonging that transcends barriers and unites hearts in love and service to all people.
While providing spiritual, physical and emotional support, our community and social mission efforts work towards systemic change to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. The belief in the inherent worth of every individual, and Christ’s call to love God and love your neighbour as yourself (see Mark 12:30-31), are the bedrock of The Salvation Army’s efforts in this regard. The rallying cry of ‘We are mission!’ has become both a fun and sacred reminder that stirs us towards our commitments to share the love of Jesus, meet human need and be a transforming influence in our communities.
‘We are mission!’ is true to the ethos of The Salvation Army. As we strive to be part of God’s mission in the world, we are committed to transformative change in people and communities. Our movement adopts an individualised, comprehensive approach to community development. Through initiatives such as job training programmes, educational support and Pathway of Hope, we empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families. Moreover, by fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support, our mission endeavours to cultivate resilient communities capable of weathering adversity and effecting positive change.
This call is for everyone connected to The Salvation Army to embrace and live out ‘We are mission!’ with an unwavering dedication and fervent zeal. Motivated by our faith in Jesus and driven by compassion for the marginalised, let’s stand together as a beacon of hope in a world laden with challenges, through the transformative
Above: Salvation Army work in Calgary Left: Fellowship at Agincourt Corps, Toronto
power of Jesus and our collective action. God calls us to this! We are not to be merely passive observers of a broken world, but rather active participants in the mission of love, justice and redemption (see Micah 6:8).
The good news is that you don’t have to do it on your own. The Mission team at THQ is here to help. Over the last couple of years, our team has grown and worked diligently behind the scenes developing new tools and streamlining approaches so that our mission resourcing, training and delivery will be meaningful, cutting edge and effective for you. Momentum is building and it brings us joy to hear that more people are using these resources, and that God is using them to bring about change in the lives of people throughout the territory. We are here to serve you to the best of our ability.
The communities that form our territory need to know about Jesus and his love, and The Salvation Army is well positioned throughout Canada and Bermuda to share this good news. Friends, it’s time to try new things, be innovative partners, continue to share hope where there is hardship, and build communities that are just and know the love of Jesus. In so doing, we can all embody and live out the phrase, ‘We are mission!’
Reprinted with permission: Salvationist CA, July/August 2024 Canada and Bermuda Territory
Facing page: A homeless man is given a Salvation Army blanket
MY STORY
One backyard at a time
Creating sweet, messy, loud memories for our children is Kingdom work
CAPTAIN BHREAGH ROWE
Community Ministries Officer
St Albert Church and Community Centre, Alberta Canada and Bermuda Territory
When my husband Daniel and I discovered we were moving appointments in 2020, we had two prayers: 1) that God would place us right where he wanted us, and 2) that we would have a big enough backyard for a swing set. Several months later, my two boys and I – with a very pregnant belly – walked through our new front door. They ran right into the backyard and I’m not sure I’ve seen them since.
When you’re a Salvation Army officer, there is little you have control over with respect to where you live. It’s a beautiful, forced practice of fully trusting God and those whom he has placed in leadership to help discern who goes where, why and when. Although that has been a hard pill to swallow for this East Coast girl, who had never left her hometown until she was 21, it has also been a lesson in holding tightly to some things and loosely to others, knowing that God will provide me with the strength to humbly submit to his ways.
One of the things that we hold tightly is our boys’ childhood. Not because we grieve every day they get older, but because childhood is quick and precious and, quite frankly, being stolen by all the distractions of our culture. I must admit that I was caught up in this too – worrying about what opportunities I was missing out on while I was breastfeeding in another room and wishing for a full night’s sleep, instead of intentionally crafting a home and a childhood for my kids that would build the strongest foundation I possibly could. Thank goodness God shook me out of that.
So when we realised our new home had the best backyard in the world, we knew that God was giving it to us for ‘such a time as this’. As soon as the temperature inches closer to double digits, we start making a space to enable our kids to be kids. I don’t mean we fill the backyard with ‘stuff’. We simply create sweet, messy, loud memories.
Every summer, we plant a large garden together. We stay outside all afternoon, riding bikes, scraping knees and hitting balls over the fence (sorry, neighbours!). Someone always wants to pull out the slip and slide. Someone else always gets a splinter that they refuse to let us take out without the promise of ice cream.
They discover how to position their bikes in puddles ‘just so’, so that when they peddle through them quickly, everyone gets sprayed. We hold our breath as they go down hills too fast on rollerblades or when Dad teaches them how to use an axe to chop wood for the campfire. Every night, the bath water looks more like a muddy puddle, and grass and wet T-shirts are flung all over my house.
It’s a lot raising three wild boys who love the outdoors. It’s messy. Someone bleeds almost every day. But somehow, our backyard feels more like ‘on earth as it is in heaven’ than many places I have been, and watching my boys be boys feels like true Kingdom work.
I know many people do not have a big backyard or may not even have one at all. You don’t need to be
in our backyard in St Albert, Alberta to take back the childhood of a kid you have or know (although we would love to host you). We can all make the choice to live out our calling as upside-down Kingdom people by:
• being active and present with kids in our families or in our circle of influence
• letting the marshmallows catch on fire
• letting a three-year-old ‘accidentally’ turn on the hose to soak you
• leaving the messy house for when the kids are in bed
• opening your home for all the neighbourhood kids
• expanding your own little piece of Heaven into all the corners of your neighbourhood.
Here’s the truth: the enemy is after our children. I don’t have to convince you of that; you see it everyday, too. He is working overtime to steal these little ones away. But let me tell you something else: I would give up everything I am to keep my boys in the backyard for as long as possible.
As American pastor and author Tim Keller wrote: ‘You can make the sacrifice or they’re going to make the sacrifice. It’s them or you.’ In these days, join me in sacrificing a little of yourself, your home and your cleanliness to reclaim childhood, one backyard at a time.
Reprinted with permission: Salvationist CA, July/August 2024
Canada and Bermuda Territory
BOOK REVIEWS
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Australia Territory
While it’s aspirational, it’s also inspirational, and the territory has found new missional energy and focus as it seeks to realise this rallying cry.
This new book offers a very clever approach to expanding on and explaining the rallying cry to its readers. Rather than offering an academic theological unpacking of the three-part call, the book provides story after story from Salvationists, corps and social centres that ‘show’ each part of the call in action.
As with any change, new process or new method, while some people get on board quickly (they can envision the outcomes already), most of us need to see what it looks like first. This book allows us to ‘see’ what it looks like. As you read through the stories, you can’t help but be energised by their positivity – lives transformed, God at work.
In February 2023, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas commenced her current appointment as Territorial Commander of the Australia Territory, and from the very start, she has promoted a three-part rallying cry for the territory: Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed.
The book opens with a preface by Commissioner Gluyas as she speaks of her motivation for producing the book. The bulk of the book is then divided into three sections, each containing about 15 short stories (one or two pages) on the elements of the rallying cry: Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed.
In the conclusion to the book, Commissioner Gluyas writes: ‘In a post-modern, post-Christian and hopefully post-COVID world, The Salvation Army, especially in the Western world, has a great opportunity to reimagine. Now is the time to reimagine an Army fit for purpose for the 21st century and take bold steps to make this a reality. Faith needs to rise.’
She then discusses how corps life, as we know it, could adapt and take different forms. ‘Gathered worshipping communities’ are akin to current corps as places
where we gather to worship, serve and grow together. ‘Communities of hope’ serve in the local community, and the focus is on building relationships outside of our church walls; they’re about Salvationists walking alongside people in engaging and helpful ways. ‘Community tables’ are where people gather informally to discuss faith matters. They can take place in a home, at the corps, in a café, in a social centre, in a park – anywhere!
Commissioner Gluyas points out that the focus of all three approaches is relational; they’re about building a community of faith, be it with a few or with many.
At the end of the book, there are helpful links to online resources and more stories supporting the rallying cry, meaning the book moves beyond stories and text to provide help and advice on how to actually move forward in practical ways.
The book is $25 and available from Salvos Publishing, Australia Territory
I also appreciated the inclusion of the lyrics to Charles Wesley’s hymn ‘A charge to keep I have’, especially the second verse:
To serve the present age, My calling to fulfil, O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!
As mentioned earlier, this is a clever book because it is real. It is not the dry unpacking of the theology behind an ecclesiological methodology; it is story after story of how we can do ministry that keeps Jesus at the centre, is led by the Spirit, and reveals the hope that God offers freely to all.
The book is $25 and available from Australia Territory
A 10-year journey was fulfilled at the weekend when Major Peter Brookshaw launched his first self-authored book at Morley Corps in Perth.
More than 50 people turned up on Saturday 27 July to support Peter and his new book, Who Am I to Change the World? – From a Comfortable Couch to a Courageous Calling (Salvos Publishing).
‘The launch went really well...we had the gazebo set up, a barbecue morning tea, the Salvos Store and café was open, so the place was buzzing,’ said Peter, who is the corps officer at Morley with his wife, Major Jo Brookshaw. ‘A lot of our corps members were there, but it was heartening to see four ministers from local churches there as well.’
Book launch celebrations continued during the Sunday morning meeting at Morley when Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker interviewed Peter on the platform. Peter then gave the sermon based on some Scriptures and messages from his book.
Peter said the seeds for the book were planted a decade ago while he was the corps officer at Craigieburn, Victoria. ‘I’ve always enjoyed writing as a creative outlet, and I kind of started out blogging. In ministry, I’ve always tried to encourage people and bring out the best in them, you know, to try to inspire people to make a difference in their world,’ he said.
DEAN SIMPSON Australia Territory
‘A lot of teaching these days is about the words of Jesus – loving with all our heart, soul, mind, strength – and how that leads to a calling and a search for purpose in life. So, I began thinking about a book to put all these thoughts and ideas together...a framework to build upon. I chipped away at it for several years at night-time; then it really began to take shape over the past two years. To see the book actually launched was very satisfying.’
Peter and his wife Jo have been officers for 16 years. They served at Palmerston Corps in the Northern Territory for four years, then Craigieburn for eight years, and now four years at Morley.
Peter describes himself as a pragmatic Salvationist with a Christianity-with-sleeves-rolledup attitude: ‘I think I’ve put into book form what I’ve already been communicating as an officer all these years – albeit with a bit of dad-joke humour – but I really
hope I can inspire people reading it, especially if they are searching for more in their spiritual walk with Jesus. Each of us has a unique calling, which makes each calling courageous. But sometimes, we have to discern what that is. It’s easy to say that if you have the gift of teaching, then teach; if it’s leading, then lead; if it’s helping, then help...but sometimes we need the incentive to get off the comfortable couch and put that calling into action. I hope my book can help someone in that way.’
Peter said Who Am I to Change the World? was a book for all ages: ‘I think it’s accessible across all the generations...it will really benefit a younger reader embarking on life, someone looking to enhance their spiritual walk, right through to the elderly. I mean, we had two 90-yearolds at the launch buying the book
– we’ve all still got something to bring to the Lord. I encourage you to read his book and to also have a friend read it so that you stay accountable, helping to ensure you don’t just get off the couch, but you have the courage to stay off it.’
Consecrate yourselves
CAPTAIN EMMA HOWAN
Area Officer, Northland; Corps Officer, Whangārei Corps; Chairperson, Moral and Social Issues (Ethics) Council
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory
The beginning of our Covenant Day was marked with a period of time spent between our session and that of the first-year cadets. We were each prayed for and offered a piece of Scripture chosen by one of the cadets. My friend could have picked out one or two verses, but she didn’t: she felt led to share the passage of Israel crossing the Jordan and read the whole of Joshua chapter 3. She hand-lettered five of those verses and framed them as a gift for me. Ever since, it has hung on a wall wherever I have been based as an officer, but always in a place where I will see it often. These verses have grounded me in each appointment I have held and I have continually looked to them whenever a task ahead of me feels too great or perhaps even ‘uncrossable’. As I step into another new-to-me space, I have found myself reflecting on that passage once more.
This year holds appointment changes for my husband and me, which sees our family making the move from the top of the South Island to the top of the North Island. We’ve experienced a lot in our Blenheim Corps appointment. While five years is short when compared to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, this has been a place where, alongside its people, we have navigated the difficulties of the COVID-19 years and my cancer diagnosis, treatment and healing journey. We have grown and discovered new things about ourselves here. Our daughter arrived as a baby and leaves as a school kid. We have made friends and memories in Blenheim. While our time here has certainly not been without its challenges, it would be easy to stay with life as we know it on this side of the water.
Joshua gives the people the instruction to ‘Consecrate yourselves’. The Israelites had to take practical steps to prepare for moving into Canaan, gathering belongings and readying themselves to relocate as a nation – they were, after all, taking a physical journey. But they also had to ready their hearts and minds for God’s leading. In all the logistical preparations of a move from one place to another – of packing boxes, applying for a school, finding a doctor, passing on information and so on – I am reminded that this is necessary, but other forms of preparation are needed too. What am I doing to ready my heart and mind for God’s leading? Am I equipped to experience God at work? To witness and participate in the amazing works that God desires to do in and through his people? And to see God’s continued faithfulness?
In this transition season, I am reminded again that there are moments when we must leave behind what is known and comfortable to embrace an unknown future. When we must courageously follow God’s leading, trusting he will fulfil his promises. And so, I step out. Towards a new place, new people and new role dynamics. I stand in the water looking to God’s presence that goes before, confident in where God is leading me for this next season. I expect to see God work in amazing ways as I continue to ready myself to cross.
“Compass will guide our path, pointing the way forward. As officers, this is our commitment.”
