Spiritual leaders called to shepherd God's people need support, prayer and understanding from their flock

I need to share something that may shock you. The man or woman leading your church is a flawed shepherd. That’s right; they are flawed to the core. I’ll tell you what I know about it and you can judge for yourself whether what I have to say is true.

The man who preaches to you every Sunday, who exhorts you to live as Jesus did, sometimes lives his life in such a way that his actions don’t always match his words.

The woman who prays with you so confidently at the Mercy Seat, often feels woefully inadequate to be your spiritual leader. The display of confidence that inspires you may at times be just an act.

The man who listens to you pour out your heart about your family troubles, does himself have family troubles: wayward sons and daughters that don’t know the Lord; marital problems; aging parents that demand his time and attention; family issues and baggage that makes him want to throw his hands up in the air and cry, “Enough!”

The woman who so devotedly encourages the women in her corps to grow in their faith is sometimes scared of these very same members of her flock. Scared that she won’t measure up to their expectations. Scared she’ll be told, “Dear, that’s not how we do things here.” Scared that if she’s not crafty enough, or can’t cook, or can’t sing, that she’s somehow unworthy of her calling.

The man who encourages you to get involved and take on leadership within the corps may sometimes have a hardtime letting go of authority and surrendering control. Because when he empowers you to lead, he gives up some say in what that ministry looks like and how it is run.

The man or woman (or the man and woman) leading your church has a very fragile ego. A misplaced word or subtle criticism that is not done in love may be forgotten by you 10 seconds after it is said but it is remembered by them for many weeks to come. Many sleepless nights occur in the lives of these flawed shepherds because of a thoughtless word given, or because of a legitimate criticism that was stated badly.

And yet…

The man who preaches to you despite not always putting into practice what he preaches does so anyway with passion and conviction knowing that he is following in the footsteps of Peter and Paul—deeply flawed men yet men whom God used to preach and teach the Word of God. So with great humility and much prayer, he preaches on.

The woman who shakes in her shoes when she has been called by God to be a spiritual leader, leads with confidence and certainty that “…he that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Phil 1:6).

The man who has family problems of his own will continue to help you with yours because he believes that “All things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

The woman who is scared to not meet the expectations of her more difficult members will probably not meet them. Or if she does, the standard will be set higher and higher as such people are seldom easy to please. Yet, she will labour on seeking to please “Not men … but God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

The man who finds it hard to surrender control will in the end joyfully surrender it when he realizes that it is a stubborn spirit of pride within himself that says, “Hold on to this; don’t let it go.” He’d rather follow the words of Paul: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).

The men and women who lead you in your spiritual walk despite their sins, despite their easily bruised egos, despite their flaws, count it a privilege to grow with you in the ways of holiness. We count it a privilege to receive that text message, phone call, e-mail or conversation that says, “Pray with me.” And when we respond to the call, whether it’s a request to celebrate a joyous milestone or to sit with you in the depths of despair, we do so not in our own strength but in God’s.

While this piece is not necessarily autobiographical, it is a biographical account of every officer and every spiritual leader that God has called to shepherd his people. So hold us accountable; pray for us; walk with us—because together we comprise the true Body of Christ.

Lieutenant Robert Jeffery is the corps officer of Spryfield Community Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Married to Hannah, they have two children.

In this round-table discussion on Salvation Army officership, John McAlister, features editor, speaks with Major Fred Waters, candidates’ secretary, Captain Mark Braye, corps officer, Temiskaming Community Church, Ont., Kevin Slous, youth pastor at Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ont., and Megan Smith, a student at the University of Toronto.

JM: What is officership? How would you describe or define it?

MB: It’s an avenue of full-time ministry, although in a sense all Christians are called to full-time ministry. It’s giving up secular employment to be a servant.

KS: It’s a life surrendered to full-time service and leadership within The Salvation Army.

MS: It’s a calling and purpose that God has for your life. It’s a life-long commitment that is sealed by a covenant.

FW: That’s a key difference between employment and officership. I am a covenanted leader in The Salvation Army. I could have done ministry in a variety of different avenues, but I felt God specifically calling me to this ministry. So, I entered into a covenant with him to be an officer and then allowed The Salvation Army to focus how that calling is worked out.

Kevin Slous: “Salvationists should take an active role in encouraging people to consider officership”

JM: What is the difference between someone serving as a covenanted soldier or a covenanted officer?

FW: A soldier’s covenant revolves around behaviour. Much of it has to do with lifestyle issues, so there are the “I promise to” or “I promise not to” statements. With an officer’s covenant, the aspect that keeps me awake at night is the haunting phrase, “I will live to win souls.” Our mission is held in the hands of our officers, not by function but by covenant.

KS: I don’t think you can be a soldier and not give officership serious consideration. The officer’s covenant is different in that officers give their lives wholly in service to the Army. It’s necessary to have officers as leaders who embody the mission of Salvationism.

MS: God raised up The Salvation Army, and part of its DNA is the role of officers. In order to fulfil his purposes for the Army, God needs officers who will maintain and lead us in our mission.

JM: Will the Army always need officers?

FW: When General Linda Bond installed Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle as our territorial leaders, she said that we will know when God is finished with us because he will stop sending us leaders. It seems that mission and leadership are always tied together. In The Salvation Army, we view that in terms of officership. As the demographics change, it will be a greater challenge for officer leaders who can help us find our way forward. We’re not only looking for people to answer God’s call, but people who will bring with them the skills and abilities to lead in a complex and ever-changing world. We not only need officers; we need many different kinds of officers. We’re starting to see that with our officer training programs, people come to us from around the world with different languages, skills and education. Rather than sending out missionaries, we need people to come and be missionaries here. The challenge for us organizationally is to find a spot where those people have valid ministry. There needs to be an openness to changing the way that officership—and training—looks in the future.

KS: Officers must carry the mantle of leadership in the Army. How that looks can change over time. But we still need officers who are willing to offer their lives and serve where they are most needed. We need that mobilization to be an effective Army.

FW: That’s the tension of our present generation. As an organization, we’re still looking for people who will say, “Tell me where you need me and I’ll go.” I think that’s a great adventure, but we’re dealing with a generation that wants a greater say in where they serve.

MS: Not only that, our education system and societal norms are influencing people’s career choices. More people are pursuing specialized and graduate degrees, and even in high school, students are already choosing—and being encouraged to choose—intentional paths to follow.

KS: It’s a reality of our culture. For example, I feel a strong calling to minister to children and youth and to resource their leaders. But I’ve asked myself, would it be more obedient or disobedient for me to pursue officership when I know that I could be placed in whatever ministry the Army decided for me? Would I feel that same peace if I pursued officership?

MB: If you become a Salvation Army officer, you’re giving up control. However, in recent years, officers have been given increased input into their appointments. I think that this is a healthy way for officers to discuss the type of ministry they feel gifted for.

MS: And there is still the choice for officers to say, “I’m open to going wherever I am needed.”

FW: As an officer I choose not only to submit to the Army and its systems, but also to the sovereignty of God.

Mjr Fred Waters: “We’re looking for people who will bring with them the skills and abilities to lead in a complex and ever-changing world”

JM: What are some of the barriers or challenges faced by those considering officership?

MS: The biggest thing is that it’s countercultural. My generation doesn’t want to let go of pursuing a culturally acceptable job after college or university or having a typical family life. As well, making a life-long commitment to one vocation is daunting. Most people today will have a number of jobs or careers over their lifetime. It’s going against the grain.

FW: I think one of the misconceptions is that officers are poor or have no money. While officers aren’t wealthy, they are certainly looked after financially and live quite comfortably.

KS: I think some people worry about whether they will be equipped to carry out the complex and broad role of an officer.

MB: Those of us who are officers’ kids have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. We’ve witnessed our parents’ worst days and their struggles, but also the joy and fulfilment they’ve experienced in serving God. We’ve had an education of officership that will last our entire lives. This can either encourage or discourage us from pursuing officership.

JM: What inspires people to become officers today?

MS: For me, it’s that no matter what you are good at or interested in, whether it’s youth work or business, the Army has a variety of places to use you.

KS: The opportunity to connect with people. The Army can take someone’s passion for souls and use that to meet human needs. God can work in people’s lives in ways that are beyond what we can dream or imagine for ourselves.

MB: The privilege of ministering to others. When you become an officer, it gives you more possibilities to serve. Whether it’s talking with someone over coffee about the Bible, visiting people in their homes or preaching from the pulpit, there are exciting opportunities.

JM: Many people talk about the sacrifices of officership, but you’re suggesting it can be a freeing experience, too.

FW: That’s actually embodied in one of the definitions of officership—an individual who has been freed from secular work to be in full-time ministry. Essentially, our calling and covenant replaces our previous jobs so that we have the freedom to serve as officers.

JM: What can we do to better support those considering officership?

KS: It shouldn’t be left to the candidates’ secretary, but all officers should be identifying people who have the potential to be effective officers. Beyond that, other Salvationists should also take an active role in encouraging people to consider officership. As a youth pastor, when I recognize the leadership potential in my young people, I have a responsibility to speak to them about officership.

MS: Everyone should be a candidates’ secretary. As soldiers, we have a responsibility to pray for others and encourage them to use their gifts for God.

FW: God calls and the Church confirms. Not everyone who feels called will be accepted as an officer. It’s up to the Army to discern a person’s ability, health and capacity.

JM: How do people know whether or not they are called to officership?

MB: Some describe the call as a mystical experience; for others, it came down to considering the opportunity and praying, talking and wrestling over the decision with God and people that they love and trust. In my case, I knew that this was the right decision as I had a peaceful assurance from the Holy Spirit. I think we need to give people the space and time to discern this calling. From an organizational side, this can be a concern in that we do need new officers now. Perhaps this urgency is what drives an emphasis on candidate recruitment instead of focusing on candidate development, which can take time.

FW: Every person struggles to decide what to do with their life. It’s not unique to our Movement. Our hope, however, is that all Salvationists will take the time to consider whether God is calling them to serve as Salvation Army officers.

2013-2015: Heralds of Grace

2014-2016: Messengers of Light

2015-2017: Joyful Intercessors

What initially attracted you to The Salvation Army?
A few years ago, I began thinking about ways in which I could contribute back to the community. In addition to my role on corporate boards, I decided to participate on an external charitable board. I wanted to work with an organization that I respected and that was open to input and advice. I had a good impression of The Salvation Army as it is very active in British Columbia and makes a tremendous difference to those in need. After speaking with Army representatives, I joined the Vancouver Advisory Board. Then, two years ago, I was also invited to join the Army’s National Advisory Board.

Having worked alongside us for a number of years, what you do perceive as our strengths?
I think one strength comes from your consistent understanding of your organizational values and ethics. Often in the business world we struggle to figure out what our overall mission or long-term purpose is. I don’t think The Salvation Army has any difficulty in knowing what it’s trying to do, which is to provide dignity and hope to those in need.

Another strength is that you are very effective and efficient. People know that if they turn to the Army for help, you will provide the assistance they need. That’s a tremendous reputation to have.

Robert McFarlane

Do you see any areas of weakness?
Every organization has challenges, so it’s nothing to shy away from. While it has long been immediately recognizable, the Army’s branding, such as the Red Shield and uniforms, has the potential to be irrelevant to younger generations or to those new to Canada. Given the Army’s reliance on public support, it’s important that you market yourselves in a way that connects with new generations or cultures so that you remain just as relevant in the future as you have been in the past.

Another issue is officership. While a source of incredible strength for the organization, it may also prove challenging as the numbers of officers continue to decrease. Given that the demand for social services continues to grow, the Army will need to explore the role of officers in these ministries. Will they continue to manage and direct this work, or be reassigned to other areas in the organization? As well, if the number of Army representatives in your social centres diminish, will you still continue to be the same organization?

What does the future of technology look like?
Technology is shrinking the distance between people like never before. People now can communicate simultaneously with thousands of others around the world through social media. We can see the impact of this with some of the recent uprisings in the Middle East. People are using tools such as Facebook on a daily basis, so organizations must use these resources in order to remain relevant to society. The adoption of social media is essential for communicating your message. I believe The Salvation Army is doing that and should be congratulated for its efforts, but there is much more to be done.

Technology is also changing the way people work. At TELUS, we’re working with large organizations, such as the Ottawa General Hospital, to discover ways to improve their effectiveness. Doctors are now using electronic tablets with health applications to assist them with diagnosing patients, which helps eliminate errors, increase timeliness and decrease health costs.

TELUS was also a proponent in modifying technology so that people could use their phones to text donations. Through this technology, the Army was able to receive donations for Haiti and Japan disaster relief from people who likely wouldn’t have donated through more traditional fundraising means.

Communication is changing rapidly. How can we help our clients keep up?
The Army doesn’t serve a uniform group of people in need, as you work with different segments of the population, such as the elderly, daycares, health and social services and the homeless. If homeless people do not have a cellphone or Internet connectivity, they probably do not communicate that way, so having a blog, chat line or being accessible on Twitter may be less relevant to them than having a traditional physical presence that they can interact with. But for other segments of the population, it may be more appropriate for them to connect by e-mail or phone for counselling. The Salvation Army needs to ask itself, “How do the people we serve communicate? And are we positioned to connect with them in the most relevant manner and to serve them when they need our help?”

What role do large companies such as TELUS have in supporting the vulnerable in society?
The only reason that companies like TELUS have funds that they can consider donating or sponsoring with is because they make a profit. So, it all starts with the services we have and the first priority as a company is to effectively generate a profit. However, there is a virtuous feedback loop in our belief in doing good in the communities in which we live, work and serve. Our employees are increasingly looking for opportunities to give back. When we facilitate those opportunities, we have happier and more fulfilled team members.

Last year, TELUS was named the most philanthropic company in the world, so we believe giving is the right thing to do and linked to employee engagement. We also recognize that there are people who want to buy products and services from local companies that help the social fabric of their communities.

A more recent trend is cause marketing, in which a donation to a specific charity is explicitly linked to the purchase of a product. For example, in some areas of B.C., if you buy a new subscription to our television service, we will donate $100 to a local hospital. Another example is the pink BlackBerrys we sold in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation. We have been very successful with this and it is a neat opportunity for The Salvation Army to reflect on.

TELUS has been a great supporter of the Army, receiving a Life Giver Award from the B.C. Division.
We received the award in recognition of the considerable donations and contributions we’ve made in particular toward the Vancouver Harbour Light. For a number of years, we’ve funded the provision of an enhanced meal on Tuesdays. Teams of our employees rotate to help serve that meal and it has become known on the streets as “TELUS Tuesdays.” Another interesting initiative that started in B.C. and has now gone national is Socks for SOX. Someone who works in our financial department asked, “Why don’t we raise money to purchase socks for the homeless?” What started out as a simple idea to ask for donations has taken off nationally. Ten thousand pairs of socks were purchased this year from the funds raised by our finance people.

What can our organizations learn from each other?
An organization like TELUS excels in terms of adopting new innovations and being accountable to high performance as we operate in a very competitive market. I think The Salvation Army can learn to improve its accountability for results in its own activities and develop ways to measure that. What is success, how can it be measured and how can you continually improve on that? These business concepts are very relevant to the Army.

There’s a sense of a higher calling when it comes to the work of the Army. For an organization such as TELUS, it’s important that we also identify a greater purpose for our employees and stakeholders than just making money. I think we do this well, but we can certainly learn more from the commitment and sense of fulfilment found in the Army.

Cadet Dusty Sauder, flag bearer, marches in with his family

Each September, a new session of cadets commences training to be Salvation Army officers. Most of these cadets will spend the next 22 months at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg. On Sunday, September 18, the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session were officially welcomed as first-year cadets under the leadership of Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders.

Family Worship
In the morning, cadets, family members, CFOT staff and divisional and territorial leaders gathered at the College for Officer Training for a family worship service. The theme throughout the morning was God’s greatness and faithfulness. The CFOT worship team guided hearts and minds into the presence of the Holy Spirit as declarations of faith were made through the singing of I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene and How Great is Our God.

Cadet David Hickman gave his testimony proclaiming God’s presence in his life from a very young age. Succumbing to temptations of culture, Hickman’s relationship with God had lessened. “But God had a plan,” he said. Mission trips to Africa allowed him to become acquainted once again with God’s plan and desire for his life, which led him to pursue Salvation Army officership. Following the testimony, the congregation was blessed through the ministry of Cadet Darryl Burry, with his vocal solo, Word of God Speak.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, expounded on God’s Word. Referencing Isaiah 41:8-10, 42:5-9, 43:18-19, she reminded each listener that God has called each person by name into holy and righteous living, and in so doing, believers should expect God to do a new thing in the lives of those he has called.

Cadets Justin and Colleen Gleadall salute Commissioner Brian Peddle

Public Welcome
In the afternoon, a public welcome and worship service for the Proclaimers of the Resurrection was held at Southlands Community Church. Flags of Canada, Bermuda and the CFOT were marched in as the Heritage Park Temple Band played a rousing march. As the excitement mounted, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, and Majors Eric and Donna Bond entered the sanctuary. Then Cadet Dusty Sauder, flag bearer of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session, together with his wife, Laurie, and their children, led the other cadets to the platform.

Major Eric Bond, training principal, greeted the hundreds in attendance who had come to witness the public welcome. Major Wayne Bungay, divisional commander, Prairie Division, offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the many people who had impacted the lives of the cadets. A time of worship followed, with musicians from CFOT leading the congregation in singing My Redeemer Lives, Hosanna and Your Name.

Colonel Floyd Tidd, chief secretary, introduced Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders. He said that it was God’s plan that the Peddles returned to Canada after serving in New Zealand and the United Kingdom “for such a time as this.”

CFOT musicians lead the congregation in worship

After Major Bond presented the cadets to the territorial commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle dedicated the sessional flag. Turning to face the cadets directly, Commissioner Peddle encouraged the cadets in their calling to officership, stating that they are unified under the sessional flag. “The flag is a symbol of victory,” he said, quoting Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army. The cadets were challenged to be faithful to God and the victory he has had in their lives. Then Commissioner Rosalie Peddle offered a prayer of dedication over the cadets.

The cadets then sang their sessional song, Lift Him Up, an upbeat selection written by Canadian composer Major Len Ballantine which celebrates the Resurrection.

In his message, Commissioner Brian Peddle challenged those present to kneel before the throne of God and give him sovereignty over their lives. “I am a proclaimer of the Resurrection,” he said. Then, turning to face both the cadets and the congregation, he said, “You are proclaimers of the Resurrection.” The commissioner indicated that through this process, leaders will emerge who will want to lead others into an encounter with the risen Lord. Referencing Philippians 3:10, he also stated that being proclaimers of the Resurrection involves celebrating the fact that Christ is the answer for the world.

In her prelude to the closing song, On We March With the Blood and the Fire, Colonel Tracey Tidd reinforced the commissioner’s words, saying, “The Lord’s command is to go into all the world and preach the gospel unto all. In so doing, we will all be proclaimers of the Resurrection.” Lt-Colonel Sandra Rice, secretary for personnel, pronounced the final benediction.

Major Margaret McLeod is the director of academic studies at the College for Officer Training, Winnipeg.

The Ambassadors of Holiness are commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers

On Saturday, June 25, 11 Salvation Army officers were commissioned and ordained with the rank of lieutenant. Led by Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial commander, the ceremony recognized their calling to serve as spiritual leaders in The Salvation Army.

In attendance was General Linda Bond, international leader of The Salvation Army. Although not present in an official capacity, General Bond wished to offer her support to her niece, newly commissioned Lieutenant Jaclyn Wynne.

On Sunday, June 26, Salvationists will gather for a public worship service at 10:30 a.m. and then a retirement service for Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis at 3 p.m., which will be led by Commissioners Norman and Marion Howe. Both of these events can be viewed on our live webcast (click here).

A full report will be posted following the conclusion of the commissioning weekend, but here are selected photos from the Saturday event.

Lieutenant Joyce Wilson speaks on behalf of her fellow session mates

Lieutenants Peter and Grace Kim and their children

Lieutenant Kyla McKenzie

Lieutenants Tonia and Chris Street receive their first appointments from Commissioner Francis

Lieutenant Jaclyn Wynne (centre) pictured with General and Mrs Bramwell Tillsley (Rtd), General Linda Bond and Commissioners Francis

Lieutenant Josh Downer and Lieutenant Joyce Wilson receive their first appointment from the territorial commander. They will be married in a week.

Lieutenant Lalrengpuii Hmar Sungte, who will take up her first appointment in her home territory of the India Eastern Territory

Lieutenants Darren and Danette Woods

Lieutenant Charles Chalrimawia from the India Eastern Territory, pictured with his parents and General Linda Bond

The Canadian Staff Band

Peter Kim
Prior to commencing my training at CFOT, I worked with children and youth, preached from the pulpit and participated in overseas mission, but CFOT provided me with a different perspective of ministry. Throughout the past 22 months, I have seen the Lord transform lives in corps, hospitals, on the streets, in the courts and in prisons.

During a chapel service at the Stony Mountain federal penitentiary in Manitoba, I shared my testimony. After that, eight inmates recommitted their lives to the Lord and I led another to the Lord for the first time. Prisoners can accept the light of Christ, even in a dark place. Through that ministry opportunity, the words “I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36) became more significant.

These and many other field experiences reinforced my calling to be an officer. To me, an officer is not just a pastor. A pastor is the shepherd of his sheep while an officer looks after the existing sheep and searches for more—often in the places where other people don’t normally go.

Grace Kim
The Lord has sustained me and brought me and my family through these past two years of training at CFOT. My fondest memories of college include praying with people on the streets, at the mercy seat and with fellow cadets early in the morning and late at night.

Prayer changes things and it has certainly changed me. I’ve learned to be more vulnerable and authentic in my worship and petitions to God. I’ve also been blessed by others praying for me.

Over the past two years, I have been challenged to not just do good things or what is “right,” but to actually love. Doing things comes easy for me, but loving unconditionally is harder.

I’ve been called to apply the feelings and love I have for my three children to other children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I need to love all children and adults as much as my own family because God loves everybody equally no matter their background.

Jesus’ grace has been and will be enough for me. I go out in the name of Jesus, praying that his love and justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a never-failing stream (see Amos 5:24).

Darren Woods
Originally from the U.K., I came to Canada almost four years ago to study at Booth University College. When I became a cadet, I was selected for the flex-training program, as I had already done most of the academic training.

My first placement was at London Citadel, Ont., where I spent eight months. Part of that time included participating in Operation Mobilizing Hope, a street ministry program run in partnership with the Centre of Hope. It was a privilege to see that ministry grow from a hot meal given to street residents, to the distribution of clothing, to a first-aid clinic, to handing out Bibles.

After marrying Lieutenant Danette Woods last year, I joined her at Charlottetown Corps, N.L. We are expecting a baby in October and are looking forward to all that God has in store for us in the years ahead. As Salvation Army officers, we are conscious of the fact that we could go anywhere and do anything; we’re excited to see where the Lord sends us.

Kyla McKenzie
I have learned a lot about joy and how much that means to me as a Christian—I’ve always loved to laugh and enjoy a good joke.

At the Vancouver Olympics, God taught me that what seems like a small act can make a big difference. During street outreach, I met two girls who had just discovered that both events they were set to attend were cancelled. They were crying and absolutely heartbroken. I gave them some hot chocolate and we talked about the situation. Although a small gesture, I was able to offer my kindness and support.

During my summer assignment in Robert’s Arm, N.L., my calling to officership was reconfirmed. After preaching a sermon, I was reminded of what an awesome responsibility and privilege I have as a messenger of God’s Word.

My week in Cuba as part of the Ontario Central-East divisional mission team last April was also a huge blessing. It was a great opportunity to serve others.

I look forward to full-time ministry. I know that God will continue to be with me and I pray that I will remain loyal to his call on my life.

Lalrengpuii Hmar Sungte
Coming from the India Eastern Territory, living in a different culture was a big challenge for me—in everything from food to language. This helped shape me for God’s work in ministry and showed me how much I need God.
Through this cross-cultural opportunity, I have developed my understanding of a global Salvation Army. Even though there are cultural differences, everything we do is for the glory of God.

In my first year at CFOT, I served at Winnipeg’s Golden West Centennial Lodge. It was there that I learned the importance of patience and how simple acts of love—like a smile—can be meaningful to others. My winter assignments at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel and Brampton Corps, Ont., taught me more about the Army and its ministry to the needy.

When I return to India, it will be challenging to adapt the knowledge I learned in Canada because India is such a different context, but I know that God will be with me.

Joshua Downer
At the age of 18, God clearly spoke to me about serving as a Salvation Army officer. Now, as I approach my commissioning and ordination, I continue to seek God’s heart in everything I say and do.

The past two years have taught me to explore biblical truths that I can share with others. In particular, the Old Testament classes challenged me to see the connections between the Old and New Testaments and I’ve discovered a passion to read and teach from both sides of the Bible.

The first sermon I wrote at CFOT solidified this understanding. It was based on Genesis 18 when God says Abraham and Sarah will have a child even when they thought they couldn’t. The sermon’s message resonated with my family as I discovered that my parents weren’t supposed to have any children, and yet they had four. Many families today also deal with that issue so it showed me how relevant lessons from the Old Testament are to our lives.

I look forward to serving as an officer and embarking on a lifetime of ministry and marriage with Cadet Joyce Wilson.

Joyce Wilson
My calling to officership has been a continual journey and God keeps reaffirming my calling. He calls me to daily give up myself and walk the road that follows him.

One of the most significant confirmations of my calling came when I was on a prayer walk with other cadets. We stopped whenever one of us felt prompted to pray and the final stop was under a bridge where a number of people who were homeless were living. I broke down as God told me that there is darkness in the world and I am called to show the Light to all people.

The next stage of my journey includes marrying Cadet Joshua Downer. We are excited to be going into a community as husband and wife and ministering alongside one another.

Charles Chalrimawia
At CFOT, I have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective officer in The Salvation Army. As I come from the India Eastern Territory, I faced many challenges during my training; namely the fact that English is my third language.

I learned many lessons here that I want to incorporate into my own territory when I return, such as balancing social work with church work.

CFOT has also developed my passion for all people—not just those in my own community or church—as we are all created in God’s image. And my multicultural and multi-faith ministry experiences in Canada will help me in India as the country is only three percent Christian.

I have learned to put my complete trust in God, build a closer relationship with him and renew my commitment every day to serve him faithfully. I praise and thank God for his presence throughout my training in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Jaclyn Wynne
When I received my summer assignment to Seal Cove Corps, N.L., I was nervous about spending such a long time in a small town of 260 people. Even though the isolation was initially difficult, the place quickly became like home as everyone welcomed me and were incredibly hospitable. When I left, I found myself wanting to serve again in a small town.

My next appointment at New Westminster Citadel, B.C., offered a different context. Located only 10 minutes from Vancouver, the corps has a strong emphasis on social services ministry so I was involved in shelter work, transitional housing and a back-to-work program, all of which developed in me a stronger interest in social services ministry.

I am grateful for my training experiences as they helped shape me for a lifetime of ministry. My calling to be a Salvation Army officer has been reinforced and I can now picture myself in any ministry setting.

Chris Street
During my first year placement at Weetamah’s Urban Café, Winnipeg, I had the privilege to reach out into the community beyond the boundaries of the church and show compassion to people. On Friday nights, the café ministry team brings people in off the streets, offers them a meal and shares in fellowship.

I learned, through the Urban Café and my time this year with Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple kids’ club, how important it is to demonstrate love for others. I know God has called me to develop relationships with other people and I have learned to listen to others and show the love of God through my actions.

My prayer as I venture into full-time ministry is that the Lord will use me to lead lost souls into his Kingdom. I look forward to the ministry that my wife and I can share in together and I am excited about building relationships with other people.

Tonia Street
I’m grateful for my field placement at Heritage Park Temple, particularly the kids’ club. Though challenging at times, this ministry to the less-fortunate children in the community is incredibly valuable. I spent almost two years at the same field placement, which afforded me the opportunity to see some considerable changes and improvements take place in young lives.

My primary passion is corps ministry. However, through my visits to the courts this past summer, I gained an appreciation for corrections work. Every Monday, I would go to the courtroom and be a visible witness for The Salvation Army.

In one particular case, I observed a judge refuse to sentence a youth. Instead, the judge demanded that he be placed into his grandparents’ home to give him a chance to change the course of his life. That showed me that God is in the courtroom and there is a desperate need for him in the world.

The first is one called The Road Not Taken, a curious title because the poem focuses on the road he actually took, the road less travelled.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other …

Each time I read those lines I am taken back to the spring of 1967 when as an 18-year-old I made a life-changing decision. I had been teaching elementary school for a year and loved every minute of it. But I felt called to be a Salvation Army officer. In the same week, three letters arrived for me in the mail. One was an acceptance letter from the university where I had taken my teacher training the year before. I was invited back to complete my degree. The other was from the school board where I was teaching, inviting me back to teach another year. The third letter was from the Salvation Army headquarters, accepting me as a candidate for officership.

I spread the letters out on the dining room table in the house where I was boarding and pondered them, looking from letter to letter. Which one should I choose? Which path should I follow?

Robert Frost finished his poem with these words:

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

For better or worse I chose the Army. Not because of any pressure from a recruiting campaign or a candidates’ secretary. Not because I thought I had anything particular to give. I made the choice because of a sense of calling―that this was something God wanted me to do.

One of the interesting things about my making that choice is that God gave me the other two choices as a bonus. My early years in ministry were spent as an officer-teacher, instructing elementary and high-school students in Newfoundland. Over the years I have taught seminars, workshops and Bible classes and also spent two years on the training college staff. Along the way God gave me three university degrees in place of the one I gave up for him. We cannot out-give God. His gifts far outweigh any sacrifices we make.

The other Frost poem that I love is titled Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. The last stanza of the poem says:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Over the years, these lines have always reminded me of my current situation, whether it was 10 years into my officership, 20 years, 30 years or as it is now with only weeks to my retirement. The woods, which represent my place of ministry, are and often have been “lonely, dark and deep.” It has been those promises couched in an Officer’s Covenant that have kept me (and my wife) going—a covenant that only by God’s grace we have been able to keep.

By the time some of you read this, I shall be counted among the “retireds.” Retirement does not mark the end of the covenant. The ongoing ministry of the hundreds of retired officers in this territory is ample evidence of that. I will still have “promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

It is now up to the new generation of Salvationists coming out of high school and university to ponder the road ahead. God’s call is still real. His anointing still waits for the called. The Bible says, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV).

Concerning the paths ahead of him, Frost wrote:

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

Career choices and ministry choices are many and varied. Those choices need to be made carefully and prayerfully. Officership is a “road less travelled.” But once chosen it is with the intention of a lifetime commitment and only with a sense of God’s calling.

Major Fred Ash is the corps officer at Burlington Community Church, Ont.

Click on poster to enlarge

This weekend, the cadets of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session will be commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers with the rank of lieutenant. Click here to read short profiles of the newest Salvation Army officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

The commissioning and ordination service will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. A live webcast will be available for those unable to attend the event (see details below).

A retirement service for Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. The service will be conducted by Commissioners Norman and Marion Howe, former territorial leaders. A live webcast of this event will also be available.

Other highlights of the commissioning weekend include a youth service held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 25, and a public worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 26. The public worship service will also be broadcast online.

All are welcome to attend these events.

Commissioning Weekend 2011 – Webcast Schedule

 
Saturday, June 25
7:00 p.m. Ordination and Commissioning – Ambassadors of Holiness Session

Sunday, June 26
10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Celebration

3:00 p.m. Retirement Service for Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, conducted by Commissioners Norman and Marian Howe

Click on the image below to access the live webcast.

BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS

It was a sultry night in June 1974. I stood with my wife, Cathie, on the stage of Toronto’s Massey Hall. General-Elect Clarence Wiseman looked us squarely in the eyes and said, “I appoint you to Drumheller in the Alberta Division.” Drumheller? I knew nothing of the Alberta Badlands, let alone its valleys full of dinosaur bones! But in the presence of fellow Salvationists, we heard our first appointment announced and began the journey of officership. At a time when the desire is expressed for Salvation Army congregations to choose their own officers, I would argue that there is something about our appointment system that is integral to the Army, and can be a prophetic voice within our culture.

First, it’s important to understand that our appointment system is not an end in itself. It functions within a much larger picture that views The Salvation Army in its wholeness and not simply its parts. St. John’s Citadel, South Windsor, Berkshire Citadel Community Church and West End Community Church in Bermuda are individual congregations with their own personalities and commitments. But they also belong to each other. They are connected by a shared story, by important doctrines, by a common mission and by an organizational structure. Because of this, they can do things together that they can’t accomplish separately, such as responding to an earthquake in Haiti or combating human trafficking. The system of appointing officers is intended to serve the wider Salvation Army. If I can draw on a hockey analogy, its purpose is to strengthen not only individual teams but the league itself. At a time when concussions threaten the future of individual players, it’s evident that not only do players and teams have a role to play, but the league itself must act for the good of the game. In principle, officers are appointed for the good of the game, for the good of the Army’s mission in the whole territory.

The practice of appointing officer leaders has its roots in the soil of Methodism. John and Charles Wesley spoke of the separate Methodist Societies as being in “connection” with them and with each other. They appointed Methodist preachers to an itinerant ministry within the movement. This view also has roots in the Early Church. The Apostle Paul, for instance, worked hard with Macedonian churches to raise funds for “the poor” in the Jerusalem church because they were connected. And he appointed leaders to move between the various congregations to help carry out the task. This was a communal expression of “the mind of Christ,” of looking to the interests of others (see Philippians 2:4-5).

While our appointment system is designed for a Salvationist expression of the Church, I believe it also has relevance within the wider culture. For one thing, it can counter excessive individualism. Our culture places much emphasis on self-fulfilment. Universities market their programs by appealing to the benefits for the students. Jobs are advertised on the basis of what they will do for the applicants. What we also need to ask is how our vocations seek to contribute to the world beyond the fulfilment of the self. While an appointment system is not the only way, it at least indicates to our culture that we look to “something greater.” And because of this we are prepared to seek the greater good. We are prepared to find our life by losing it.

In arguing for our appointment system, I believe it is also open to change. Appointments in the past have been used to discipline officers, if not punish them. Yet the current model is vastly different from the one that sent Cathie and me to Drumheller for our first appointment. Over the years, some appointments blindsided us, some involved conversations with supervising officers and congregations, and one even included my involvement in a search process for a position at the then William and Catherine Booth College. The model by which we appoint officers is adaptable, and we can make changes. But the underlying principle to which I am committed is that of seeking the greater good of the territory, and not simply any one expression of it.

If there is a sense in which the appointment system has its restrictions, they are intended to seek the good of the whole Army. While the system concerns individual officers and congregations, it is not individualistic. It requires communal discernment, including both congregations and officers. By working with an appointment system, all Salvationists can contribute to a larger vision of the Church. Through it we can all discover more of God’s providential ways.

Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer who enjoys running in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park.

YES. Congregations know their own contexts best. Giving them a greater voice in choosing their officers will make our denomination stronger.

BY CAPTAIN JUSTIN BRADBURY

During my ministry as a youth pastor, I often connected with teens by attending their sporting events. I’ll never forget Michelle, a gymnastics medal-winner, demonstrating her incredible flexibility by bending over backward and touching the back of her ankles in a competition. I still wonder how her back bone didn’t break! Careful training ensured her agility.

Now apply that image to the officer appointment system. I wonder how flexible it is capable of becoming in the future.

In a time when the territory is seeking to apply the principles of “appreciative inquiry” to its decision-making processes, it might be helpful to extend those principles even further in the area of officer appointments. Here’s why:

The local congregation knows itself, its community and its mission best. Salvation Army churches are local missionary societies, serving in increasingly diverse contexts all across Canada. We must continue to seek ways of allowing local congregations and church boards to have a greater voice in defining what is best for their immediate and long-term leadership needs because they know their contexts best.

In my current appointment at Southlands Community Church in Winnipeg, the church board clearly defined the “Kingdom ends” or spiritual goals that they felt God had called their congregation to pursue. Their long-term plan meant that they needed officers who would lead them in a way that complemented their vision. Therefore, it was essential that the board express a defining voice in the appointment of their leaders.

It will facilitate greater interdependence between the congregation and headquarters. While giving local congregations full autonomy in the selection of their officers is not feasible within The Salvation Army given our international structure, growing in interdependence with respect to the appointment system is.

When local congregations are given the opportunity to express a defining―and not simply suggestive―voice within our denomination’s decision-making processes, the denomination will become stronger. Congregations will experience greater trust from headquarters. In turn, headquarters will realize greater support for its initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures “win-win” outcomes.

It would clarify and create mutual agreement around the officer’s ministry. Where local congregations have a more definitive voice in the selection process of their officers, areas of strength and opportunities for development may be identified earlier in the pastoral appointment. Although our officers are expected to perform a wide range of duties, not all are the pastor’s primary area of strength. Identifying this early on can alleviate misunderstanding about how the congregation and the officers perceive the focus of their work. In our case, because Southlands had clearly developed its sense of Kingdom ends, we were able to negotiate with the church board by providing our written interpretation of those ends—an interpretation that the board endorsed without reservation.* Whenever questions arise relative to our performance, the church board can refer to objective data as we pursue our goals together.

While Salvation Army congregations may never have complete autonomy to “call” their pastors as other denominations do, their voice must become increasingly definitive within the appointment process. Such a transition can empower local leaders and congregations toward greater ownership of the local ministry. And in a time when local congregations must, out of necessity, become less dependant upon headquarters for financial and program resources, it is only natural that they exercise greater stewardship in achieving their mission.

Captain Justin Bradbury is the corps officer at Southlands Community Church in Winnipeg.

* The Southlands Community Church board uses a policy governance model, adapted from the approach outlined by John Carver. Within this model, it is the church board’s role to govern and define the purpose for the corps, while the corps officer’s role is to lead the ministry and help the congregation achieve its ends. For more information, contact Captain Justin Bradbury at justin_bradbury@can.salvationarmy.org.