In the early years of The Salvation Army, William James Pearson penned the hymn, Come, Join Our Army, to Battle We Go (SASB 949), calling us to action and inspiring us to fight for what’s right, to stay true to our colours and to be valiant and strong soldiers of Jesus.

Today, we are still marching along while responding to the reality of a global pandemic and retooling and restructuring to be more effective than ever before. I am sure you have found yourself thinking about our movement—where we have been, where we are and where we are heading. In our territory, we have been developing a new strategic plan and working out what this means and what changes are needed.

Change. For some, embracing change is incredibly tough; for others—the more change, the better! Statistics say that 20 percent of people are early adopters who love new ideas, 50 percent are willing to change after the benefits are proven, and the remaining 30 percent have difficulty adjusting. 

Of course, our age and experiences also influence how we perceive change, and this holds true for Salvationists as well. In recent years, it feels like change has been never-ending, but is this really a new phenomenon in our movement? If you research our history, you will quickly discover that finding new and innovative ways to advance the mission and lead people to Christ is in our DNA. Our movement was not founded on tradition; it was a “salvation” army that was to be a Christ-centred, others-focused expression of faith.

It has been 158 years since our movement began, and I find myself wondering—even questioning—whether we are still focused on the dreams and visions birthed by our Founders, William and Catherine Booth, or have we stalled out along the way? I must confess that I am occasionally a little worried about the future of our movement, wondering if we have been wandering, instead of staying “true to our colours.” I’m concerned about our relevancy in a world that appears to be lost, that needs to hear about Jesus’ love more than ever before. Are you concerned that we have dropped the ball, knowing what the world needs? To quote a song by General John Gowans: “They need you, they need me, they need Christ” (SASB 935).

Our territorial commander recently reminded us that we were founded as a movement, and have always been a movement, not just an organization. By definition, a movement can’t ever stand still. We need to respond to the evolving changes and conditions around us and ensure we are doing our best to fulfil our mission to share the love of Jesus, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. We must never lose sight of the fact that our Salvation Army is called to be a Christ-centred, others-focused movement.

At the 2023 INSPIRE Conference and Congress, we were re-energized for mission as we learned from each other and shared innovative ideas. The musical Skeleton Army reminded us of our history of persevering through persecution as we “fought for what was right” and stayed “true to our colours.” General Brian Peddle urged us forward as we marched through the streets of downtown Toronto, ministering to our immediate neighbours.

I am part of The Salvation Army not only because God never gave up on me, but also because many others believed in me. Through my calling, I choose to be part of this mission that works tirelessly to transform lives, share hope where there is hardship and build communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

What role are you willing to play in advancing the mission? How will you embrace the changes and be Christ-centred and others-focused? Are you willing to fight for what’s right? To press through the throng? “Soldiers of Jesus, be valiant and strong; The Salvation Army is marching along.”

Lt-Colonel Les Marshall is the territorial secretary for mission.

Photo: IHQ Communications

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