As an organization, The Salvation Army operates a wide spectrum of specialized ministries, such as churches, homeless shelters, addiction programs, day-care centres, chaplaincy and long-term care facilities. As such, it is essential that we have qualified and committed leaders to oversee these sensitive and demanding positions.

“There are varying needs for these ministries,” says Lt-Colonel Jean Moulton, secretary for personnel, “and we do not have enough people in the Army with the specific skills required to oversee or carry out all of these positions. As a result, the territory has actively encouraged officers and lay personnel with an interest in particular ministries to pursue the necessary education and training to fill these roles.”

Through regular officer and employee reviews, The Salvation Army provides its personnel with the opportunity to articulate what they feel called to do professionally. When appropriate, the Army seeks to match people with the work they feel passionate about. This may include a period of training, upgrading of skills or occasionally full-time studies at an academic institution.

“We want to celebrate those people who are expressing their desire to fulfil specialized ministries,” says Lt-Colonel Moulton. “When they are passionate about their work, the mission of the Army benefits from their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Here are five people who have been placed in the special ministries in which they feel called to serve. They have been equipped by the Army to prepare themselves for these roles.

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Journeying With Others

by Major Lynn Armstrong, THQ Pastoral Services

Life is a relational journey that we share with one another. As an officer in The Salvation Army, I have found the significance of my calling in being a journeyer with others. Life can hit us with some pretty hard stuff; sometimes the difficulties arise out of our own life choices or the choices made by others. My passion is people. Out of my own life journey and relational discoveries with God came a desire to learn more about human relationships. God's divine relational triangle is clearly described in Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength … Love your neighbour as yourself.” His relational connector is a thing called love; our love for God, ourselves and others.

We are encouraged in Scripture to study and show ourselves approved, to be lifelong learners of God, his people and his world. I recognize that my formal education is a gift, an opportunity not taken for granted. My educational background prior to officership was in psychology, sociology and nursing—helping professions. As I ministered as a Salvation Army officer, I often found challenges in early appointments that led to a desire to develop, refine and upgrade my skills.

“I recognize that my formal education is a gift, an opportunity not taken for granted,” says Mjr Lynn Armstrong

Opportunity came with my third appointment. The educational institution of my chosen program was conveniently located directly across the road from my ministry location. The program was designed for professionals in the workforce, so I was able to remain fully engaged in ministry for the majority of the program. Ministering in a Salvation Army educational institution (William and Catherine Booth College, Winnipeg), I found myself surrounded by mentors and a strong support system.

My training as a clinical therapist would assist me in any corps or social ministry setting, but particularly in my current role as a member of the pastoral services team at THQ, ministering to fellow officers and their families.

I was identified in the final year of my degree program as a possible fit for pastoral services leadership. Together with my husband and partner in ministry, I am currently in the midst of an 18-month mentoring period at the end of which we will step into a territorial leadership ministry position overseeing the pastoral services office.

I appreciate the support and encouragement in my formal learning and leadership development, and the chance to minister and journey with my peers in this present ministry.

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Rewarding Ministry

by Captain Randy Randell, Executive Director, The Honourable Ray and Helen Lawson Eventide Home, Niagara Falls, Ontario Great Lakes Division

In 2006, I was appointed executive director of Lawson Eventide Home, a long-term care facility. It's rewarding to have been identified by The Salvation Army for a specific ministry and leadership role. As I feel called to work with the elderly, this appointment has given me a greater sense of purpose and intensified my enthusiasm for ministry.

It was humbling to have been chosen by the Army so early in my officership to move into a field I feel passionate about. It was also quite overwhelming, moving from a familiar corps environment to long-term care ministry with governmental regulations, funding demands, resident-care and staffing issues. The Army, however, was very supportive in the transition process and provided appropriate direction and a detailed two-year educational program through the Canadian Healthcare Association. This helped prepare me for the challenges of my new appointment. The Army also offered a wonderful learning facility at Buchanan Lodge, New Westminster, B.C., and a great teaching staff to assist in my early development.

Adjusting to my current role and responsibilities continues to be a rewarding experience. The Army is very supportive in my continuing development and has provided resources that assist me in making daily operational decisions.

“As I feel called to work with the elderly, this appointment has given me a greater sense of purpose and intensified my enthusiasm for ministry,” says Cpt Randy Randell

Maintaining an equal footing between government regulations, funding issues and Salvation Army standards can be a challenge (there are times when they may clash). I also strive to ensure that my own life and ministry portray Christian principles so that residents and staff, even in difficult situations, will see Christ in me.

To say that I am enjoying my ministry would be an understatement. I thank God each day for his wonderful blessing and the opportunity to minister in his name in the field of long-term care.

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Second Chances

by Estee Lau, Executive Assistant, Business Administration, THQ

God always gives second chances to people. As a newcomer to Canada, I was fortunate to find a job in The Salvation Army where I was surrounded by Christian co-workers. They were not only supportive in my daily work and helped me to adapt to this new life, but they motivated and encouraged me to continue my education. As there was high competition in Hong Kong to get a post-secondary education, I did not study at university. However, with the encouragement and support from my late husband and supervisors, I have taken part-time university courses since moving to Canada. When I started, I did not know where this would lead. All I knew was that I wanted to do my best.

God carried me through all the obstacles that could have prohibited me from finishing my education. I was able to successfully complete a bachelor of commerce in business management. It took me many years to finish, but when I look back, I feel that it was worthwhile and very meaningful to me and my family, especially as a tribute to my late husband.

“God carried me through all the obstacles that could have prohibited me from finishing my education,” says Estee Lau

I worked as a secretary when I first came to The Salvation Army. With the experience and knowledge I gained through the years, I was promoted to a position as an office administrator and then as an executive assistant to a Cabinet member. The knowledge and skills that I have acquired from my programs, such as project management, financial analysis and problem solving, enable me to better assist the secretary for business administration, who oversees nine major business departments.

The current economic downturn will create more challenges as we assess the financial impact on all facets of Army business. I am glad that I am now better equipped to serve the Army more efficiently and effectively under these difficult circumstances.

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Equipped for Service

by Major Shawn Critch, Property Secretary, THQ

I am grateful for the defining moments that have marked my leadership journey in The Salvation Army. I have had the privilege of embracing new avenues of ministry and service. In retrospect, it is amazing for me to consider the people who, orchestrated by God, perceived my aptitude and potential contributions within the specialized area of business administration.

Ten years after I had abandoned my plans for a career in commerce, God brought the possibility full circle again. I was approached by a member of the senior management team who asked me to seriously consider commencing professional studies in the area of finance and accounting. I had to make a decision. Was this a specialized area of ministry that I would accept? Would I be fulfilled serving in appointments where those skills could be utilized? Thankfully, this has been a journey filled with much personal satisfaction.

As a certified general accountant, I am able to apply my specific skills to my ministry roles. For the past 14 years I have supported my fellow officers and co-workers as well as the greater ministries of the Army in offering business management and insight into operational and strategic discussions.

“I have come to realize that I cannot become complacent in my professional and spiritual leadership development,” says Mjr Shawn Critch

Throughout my appointments, I believe there has been professional and spiritual preparation. My nine years in the THQ finance department prepared me for my role as divisional secretary for business administration in the Newfoundland and Labrador East Division. In my current appointment as territorial property secretary, I can see how my previous work in finance and my four years at the divisional level equipped me with the learning, experience and perspective needed to carry out my responsibilities.

While the Army made possible my training opportunities, I had to assume responsibility and apply myself to my personal and professional development. Admittedly, there has been personal sacrifice along the way, and I am grateful for the support of my family and colleagues who continue to provide perspective and spiritual guidance. I have come to realize that I cannot become complacent in my professional and spiritual leadership development. I need to continually prepare myself for service.

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Utilizing My Gifts

by Major Vi Barrow, Chaplain, The Scarborough Hospital, Toronto

My journey toward chaplaincy ministry began in the early 1980s when I was a student nurse. It was then that I became aware of the importance of the spiritual dynamic in the holistic approach to healing. Because I was already a commissioned officer training as a nurse, I had many opportunities to minister to my patients on a spiritual level. I completed my nurse's training at the former Salvation Army Grace Hospital in St. John's, N.L., and during that time I sometimes filled in for the duty chaplains. I found great fulfilment in supporting patients and their families during times of crisis.

During officer performance evaluations, I was asked: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years? Always in the back of my mind was the desire to be a chaplain. Five years ago during an evaluation, I made my divisional commander aware of where I felt God was leading me and where I felt my gifts and abilities could be utilized. The response was positive and supportive. I was encouraged to enrol in studies to equip and sharpen my skills for ministry in this area. I registered for courses at William and Catherine Booth College and attended workshops and seminars in my local community. I also completed a basic unit of clinical pastoral education, which is a requirement for hospital chaplains.

“I will be forever grateful to Army leadership for allowing me to give voice to my calling and passion for this ministry,” says Mjr Vi Barrow

In September 2007, I was appointed to The Scarborough Hospital as a chaplain. While the transition from being a corps officer to hospital chaplain was a smooth one, there are many things that are different. I no longer preach and teach from a pulpit. I now minister at a bedside where often there are no words spoken, but there is a strong ministry of presence. I work with patients, families and staff as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a multicultural and multifaith environment. I still have many things to learn, but will forever be grateful to Army leadership for allowing me to give voice to my calling and passion for this ministry, and then helping it to become a reality.