I was recently struck by the number of times Paul warns Timothy to be careful regarding the conversations he enters into (see 1 Timothy). As a leader of the Church, he is to be wary of myths and spiritual pedigrees (1:3), meaningless discussions about the law (1:6-7), slander (3:11), godless ideas and old wives tales (3:7), unconfirmed accusations (5:19), quibbling over the meaning over words (6:4), and godless, foolish discussions (6:20). Timothy was being advised, in the context of his day, what types of conversations would lead people farther away from God rather than closer. Often this text speaks to the controversy that follows this destructive path. I was left wondering how to put this in the context of my studies at the College for Officer Training. I began speculating about how a Salvationist version of this book would read. I wondered what types of conversations leaders of The Salvation Army participate in that that Paul warned against. What dialogues do I consistently have that detract from my tasks?

At the same time I was thinking about this, I visited with a soldier from my summer corps in Chatham who was a manager of a company. This gentleman had previously attended the United Church. However, as the church underwent changes, he no longer agreed with its basic mission. Rather than dig his heels in opposition, he left the United Church amicably and found himself at The Salvation Army. The decision for him was straightforward: instead of creating controversy and conflict within his church he simply found a church that fit well with his beliefs. It was not that he didn't love these people, he simply no longer accepted their mission.

This soldier was very passionate about unity within the Church. He likened it to a business in that if it desires to be successful, it needs to have a common vision and method of implementation. Those who are not on board with this can find somewhere else that is better suited. In terms of The Salvation Army, he spoke to our mission, 11 doctrines, uniforms and absence of traditional sacraments. He firmly believes we need to be united in our mission and methodology. This got me to thinking about what I had read in 1 Timothy. His opinion and example circumvented numerous negative conversations that could have taken place in his former church and into his new one. He could have spent countless hours trying to change things and endless conversations about what is “bad” with the United Church. Instead, he chose to find something else, leaving all his former relationships intact.

This conversation and my reading of 1 Timothy have helped clarify my role within The Salvation Army. I do not want to spend my officership engaged in endless conversations about what is wrong with the Army and consequently spend many hours trying to change things. I want to affirm what is already in place. I know that it's important to keep improving and stay relevant, but this learning gives it proper perspective. As an officer I want to step back frequently and reflect on what is consuming my conversations with other people. I want to examine the controversies that I engage in frequently. With this constant evaluation I will better heed the advice of Paul to avoid the subjects that focus on earthly battles, not kingdom battles.

Cadet Michelle Elsasser is married to Kevin, and they have two children, Janna (6) and Caleb (5). In August 2008, the Elsassers left Calgary, Alberta, to enter The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Winnipeg. Cadet Elsasser enjoys reading, hiking, creative arts and watching Heartland, her favourite T.V. show.