“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine … apart from me you can do nothing.”—John 15:4-5

The words of Jesus quoted above provide a powerful framework for any conversation about mission fruitfulness. They remind us that fruitfulness is not ultimately the result of effort or innovation, but of abiding—of staying deeply connected to Christ. And yet, as Jesus continues, the expectation is clear: those who remain in him will bear much fruit. This dual reality—dependence and direction—sits at the heart of our calling as The Salvation Army.

As we seek to move our ministries toward bearing fruit, our newly created mission matrix provides a practical tool. Built on two intersecting axes—Christ-centred and others-focused, the theme for our refreshed territorial strategy—it captures this biblical call. It reminds us that fruitfulness is cultivated when we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus.

To be Christ-centred is to ground everything in a living relationship with him. This is where fruitfulness begins. Before Jesus sent his disciples out, he called them to be with him. A Christ-centred ministry today prioritizes authentic worship, intentional discipleship and missional programs that will help shape people into Christlikeness.

In the Canada and Bermuda Territory, this is especially important. We serve in a diverse and often secular context, where faith can become peripheral. A Christ-centred posture ensures we do not drift or lose our distinctiveness. It keeps us anchored in the gospel, dependent on the Spirit and attentive to God’s leading. Yet to live as Jesus did is also to be others-focused. Jesus consistently turned outward—toward the lost, the marginalized, the overlooked and the broken. He fed the hungry, welcomed the outsider, healed the sick and proclaimed good news to the poor. This shapes our second axis. To be others-focused is to embody the love of Christ in practical ways, meeting human needs as a core expression of our faith.

Across our territory, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to live this out. From community services to shelters to corps ministries, we are already meeting human needs in significant ways. But the mission matrix challenges us further: Are these efforts integrated with our spiritual life? Are we creating pathways for people not only to receive help, but to encounter Jesus?

The intersection of these two axes—Christ-centred and others-focused—is where mission fruitfulness emerges. A ministry that is strong in one but weak in the other will struggle.

Spiritual depth without outward engagement can lead to isolation, while social action without spiritual grounding can lose its perspective. Held together, they lead to transformed lives and communities.

For our ministry units, the mission matrix offers an invitation to reflect and realign. Where are we thriving? Where might we be out of balance? This is not about criticism, but growth. Fruitfulness is a journey requiring dependence on God and openness to change.

Leadership is vital. Officers and ministry teams are called to model Christ-centred, others-focused lives, cultivating cultures where prayer is central, mission is shared and disciples are the outcome. They also make adjustments—rethinking programs and exploring vibrant new ways to engage their communities.

While abiding in Jesus, our measure of success must remain rooted in transformation. While numbers matter, true fruitfulness is seen in changed lives—people coming to faith, growing in discipleship and finding hope. It is seen where justice is pursued, dignity upheld and Christ’s love made known.

The Salvation Army’s mission in Canada and Bermuda calls us to nothing less. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs is a unified calling. The mission matrix tool helps us hold these together with intention and with clarity.

As we look ahead, the opportunity is significant. A Christ-centred, others-focused life is the outcome of discipleship and the pathway to deeper mission fruitfulness. We become a people who not only speak about Jesus but live like Jesus, with Jesus as our compass (see John 14:6).

In so doing, we trust the promise of Scripture where the expectation is clear: those who remain in him will bear much fruit—fruit that reflects his character and will bring lasting transformation to the world around us. That’s mission fruitfulness.

If you are interested in learning more about the mission matrix tool, please contact your area commander.

LT-COLONEL LES MARSHALL was the secretary for mission. He is the divisional officer personnel secretary and divisional mission resources secretary in the British Columbia Division as of July 3.

Photo: Marcy/Lightstock.com 

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