Captain Mark Hall is the newly appointed territorial youth secretary. Captain Hall spoke with Salvationist's associate editor, Major Max Sturge, about his vision for ministry.

What aspects of youth ministry do you enjoy the most?
Two things stand out: seeing kids commit their lives to Jesus Christ at junior youth councils and observing the spiritual growth of the teen staff at our summer camps. It is encouraging to see many of them, who were shy about their faith, becoming bold in their witness through the spiritual impact of their camp experiences.

Did you have a similar turning point?
I recall as a nine-year-old being in the back seat at the then Earlscourt Citadel, enthralled by the music, but sensing God calling me to walk up the aisle in front of my friends and give my life to Jesus. I wanted the same kind of relationship with Jesus that my older sisters had.

How do you view your role?
In the Army system, youth and children's ministries have three levels of leadership: local, divisional and territorial. Hands-on ministry occurs at the corps with DHQ providing oversight, encouragement and accountability. The territorial youth secretary, as part of the THQ corps ministries department, is a resource to divisional commanders and divisional youth secretaries. I need to be aware of national trends among youth and to generate discussion on how to effectively adapt our ministries to these developments.

What excites you the most about your new ministry?
The enthusiastic commitment of our youth to Christ. They don't march to the drumbeat of duty as much as to the fire in their hearts. They have a burning passion for mission.

What good things are happening in youth ministries?
We should be grateful for the deep concern for social justice and environmental issues evident among young people in Canada and Bermuda. Through God's Word we can help direct that passion toward his redemptive agenda for the world. Within the Army, I've been impressed with the large numbers of seven- to 10-year-olds in junior youth councils and YP music festivals.

How healthy are our Christian education programs?
Sunday school attendance in all denominations is down. Some corps are adapting their strategies and structures by having Sunday school or spiritually-based youth programs on weeknights. Corps that are adapting to cultural changes without compromising the gospel are fulfilling their God-given mission. We must explore new ways of encouraging our young people in the Word, in Christian values and how to relate their faith to everyday living. We also need to better equip parents to more effectively nurture their children in Christ.

How have you been approaching this new responsibility?
Prayerfully! The size and tremendous diversity of the Canada and Bermuda Territory can be overwhelming. God has called me to ministry and I believe that he will equip
me for this demanding opportunity.