Where have all the soldiers gone? I refer not to the anti-war protest song made popular in the 1960s by Peter, Paul and Mary, but rather to a major study undertaken by James Pedlar on behalf of the Canada and Bermuda Territory (see pages 10-11). Over the past two years, James has spent many hours conducting surveys, interviews and focus groups with young adults ages 16 to 35. Included were active Salvationists, former Salvationists and inactive Salvationists who may well describe themselves as being soldiers on the sidelines or checking out other church communities. One third of our corps and more than 500 individuals participated in the study. While its findings may not provide all of the answers to our questions, it does provide food for thought and perhaps a touch of indigestion. One thing is certain: This report should not be treated as fast food.
Perhaps the real question is why have all the soldiers gone? Now before you launch your own protest, the suggestion is not that all soldiers have left the fold, but it needs to be said that there have been sufficient declines in soldier rolls and Sunday worship attendances across the territory in recent years to warrant concern and a major research project. If you attend your local corps on a regular basis and it is more than 10 years old, you know what I am talking about. In the past decade, we have witnessed a 15 percent decline in the number of soldiers and a 20 percent decline in attendance on Sundays throughout the territory.
So, what are the reasons for the decline among our young adult population? As one sifts through the data and reads the anecdotal comments of many of the participants in the study, one senses that there is no simple answer to our question. The reasons are many and varied. They touch upon us as an organization and as individuals. They scrutinize our preaching and teaching, officer training programs, youth programs, system of governance and cultural distinctives, to name but a few. They challenge some of the things that many of us cherish.
No doubt there will be a tendency among the Army's company of the committed to refute and rationalize what is being said by many of our youth and young adults. This editorial is not the place to debate or dispute the messages that are being given. The criticisms and comments offered do not make this generation less spiritual than their parents. It is heartening to hear of their identification with and commitment to the Army's mission. Their desire for authentic discipleship and meaningful relationships within the body of Christ is compelling.
Why have all the soldiers gone? Sometimes when we ask important questions, we don't like the answers we receive. This may be a case in point. However, we did ask and this generation has spoken. Their voices must be heard. We ignore or discount them at our peril.
To read James Pedlar's report, click here.
Major Jim Champ is Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary for The Salvation Army. He is also a member of the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches.
Perhaps the real question is why have all the soldiers gone? Now before you launch your own protest, the suggestion is not that all soldiers have left the fold, but it needs to be said that there have been sufficient declines in soldier rolls and Sunday worship attendances across the territory in recent years to warrant concern and a major research project. If you attend your local corps on a regular basis and it is more than 10 years old, you know what I am talking about. In the past decade, we have witnessed a 15 percent decline in the number of soldiers and a 20 percent decline in attendance on Sundays throughout the territory.
So, what are the reasons for the decline among our young adult population? As one sifts through the data and reads the anecdotal comments of many of the participants in the study, one senses that there is no simple answer to our question. The reasons are many and varied. They touch upon us as an organization and as individuals. They scrutinize our preaching and teaching, officer training programs, youth programs, system of governance and cultural distinctives, to name but a few. They challenge some of the things that many of us cherish.
No doubt there will be a tendency among the Army's company of the committed to refute and rationalize what is being said by many of our youth and young adults. This editorial is not the place to debate or dispute the messages that are being given. The criticisms and comments offered do not make this generation less spiritual than their parents. It is heartening to hear of their identification with and commitment to the Army's mission. Their desire for authentic discipleship and meaningful relationships within the body of Christ is compelling.
Why have all the soldiers gone? Sometimes when we ask important questions, we don't like the answers we receive. This may be a case in point. However, we did ask and this generation has spoken. Their voices must be heard. We ignore or discount them at our peril.
To read James Pedlar's report, click here.
Major Jim Champ is Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary for The Salvation Army. He is also a member of the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches.
Just wanting to say how much I appreciated this post. In particular I'm really resonating with your final words, "Sometimes when we ask important questions, we don’t like the answers we receive. This may be a case in point. However, we did ask and this generation has spoken. Their voices must be heard. We ignore or discount them at our peril."
WOW, a bold statement! Especially that last sentence (which I agree with you on by the way). Hopefully these words you wrote connect with those who have the power and influence to make structural decisions for resource allocation and can cast vision and chart directions for a way forward. The time is now.
Lord, give us vision, wisdom and courage from on high. Stir us with your Holy Spirit. Move us beyond words and statements and into ACTION! Amen.