Please don't misunderstand my question. I don't mean to incite a riot or start a fight. It's a genuine question that continually needs to be re-examined. If the question was: “Is The Salvation Army more progressive than most churches?” the answer would be yes, we are progressing more rapidly than most churches. But we aren't most churches. Our mission is slightly different. We stand by communities of lost, needy, poor, broken people and we will use any and all available personnel in the trenches. We are certainly progressive in the utilization of women in ministry.

If the question was: “Is The Salvation Army as progressive as we can be?” I would have to say no. We are heading in the right direction. We have made great strides in the egalitarian department (wait, we don't have that department yet at territorial headquarters?). But when it comes to leadership and the selection of leaders, how progressive are we?

One can argue that our last General was a woman, and that more female leaders are being appointed to key leadership roles. However, some appointments still make me scratch my head. Don't take this the wrong way, but when one partner in a marriage has gifts in a certain area, it sometimes seems like the other partner is appointed to an odd or unsuitable position. Let me be frank—not every female officer wants to be appointed to the women's ministries or community care ministries departments. It should also be noted that the same can be said of male officers who are appointed because of their spouse's gifts. As an Army, we are getting better at this, but we still have quite a way to go.

Breaking Old Moulds
“This is the way we've always done it.” This excuse isn't exclusive to corps deeply entrenched in traditions; it's also evident in some leadership models. Others would say it another way: “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” But what that really means is “If it appears nothing is broken, don't fix it.” Sometimes we don't see the fractures caused by maintaining the status quo. Sometimes we gloss over these cracks with the fresh enamel of “salute and go.”

Officers are Still People
Officers have hurts, aspirations, ideas, gifts and abilities. Sometimes these gifts and abilities complement the marriage team, and other times it is best to allow them to serve in separate appointments. Every person, regardless of their marital status, is unique and can operate in many different appointments. Their voice should matter in appointment decisions. I recognize that officers are being listened to more than ever. I'm also not so foolish as to think that Army politics never play a part in some decisions. But if the Army is truly interested in stopping the officer-attrition rate, then intently listening to its officers should be a priority.

Humbly Serve
“He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). We are, without a doubt, saved to save (and yes, saved to serve). Humility doesn't mean that we don't discuss our gifts. Humility doesn't mean that we don't sometimes disagree with decisions. Humility doesn't mean that we are “happy” all the time. But it does mean that where the Lord leads, we will go. That's why it is imperative that leadership, department officers, corps officers and officers in other appointments serve the Lord first, seek his face, pray earnestly, do what he says—and from that right relationship, lead in whatever capacity is appointed to us.

Thoughts and Questions
• How progressive should we be when it comes to appointments and gender? Are we there yet?
• What indicators will be present to show we have achieved true egalitarian ministries?
• Does “pigeon-holing” in the appointment process still take place today?
• How can we change this? Can this be changed?

Here's my purpose for writing this today. Not to cause trouble—that's not my intention at all. Not to ruffle feathers—sorry if I did. Not to sound militant or rebellious—I will serve as the Lord leads me. But Jesus had female disciples in a very male-dominated world. He was progressive in ministry and egalitarian in his choice of followers. Shouldn't we be as well? We have made great strides thus far in our Army. Let's not stop now!

Captain Scott Strissel lives in Brainerd, Minnesota. He is an active blogger and contributor for the purpose of encouraging and challenging the Salvation Army world. Read his blog at pastorsponderings.org.