Stronger Together

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT)

I n Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul uses the easy-to-understand image of the human body when speaking of the church and its members all joined up together. It’s an appropriate image as I reflect on our recent tour of Canadian ministry units (see page 9), which reminded me that we are stronger when we are fitly joined together, bonded and united by the things that make us uniquely The Salvation Army.

In June and July, Commissioner Debbie and I, along with General Linda Bond (Rtd), General Brian Peddle (Rtd), Commissioner Rosalie Peddle and the territory’s executive leaders, made an intentional journey across Canada with visits to three of the four divisions of our territory. The goal was to visit as many local ministry units as possible, and that goal was accomplished: nine in the Maritime region of the Atlantic Division, 10 in the British Columbia Division, six united worship services in the Newfoundland and Labrador region of the Atlantic Division, 15 in the Prairies and Northern Territories Division, and a celebratory weekend with Calgary’s Glenmore Temple and the other ministry units in that city during the Calgary Stampede.

The heart of the tour was to bring encouragement and affirmation to ministry units in parts of the territory that would not ordinarily be visited by the territorial leaders, retired international leaders or senior leaders from territorial headquarters (THQ). Meeting, greeting and thanking officers, staff and volunteers for their faithful and fruitful ministry and service was the motivating impetus. Corporate worship and faith celebration was a highlight of visits. Shaking hands and engaging conversations with local dignitaries was an added benefit.

Thanking and acknowledging frontline officers, staff and volunteers for their contributions to mission and celebrating individual and ministry unit successes and achievements was a focal point. Listening to needs and hearing about opportunities at the local level brought helpful insight. Enhancing mission engagement through spiritual focus and encouragement while creating a greater national visibility for The Salvation Army through coverage of the Calgary Stampede Parade was an important aim of the tour. It was uplifting to witness The Salvation Army living Paul’s vision of the body of Christ all fitly joined together around the purpose of our mission, vision and values.

Coming away from THQ in Toronto and participating in conversations with locals allowed leadership to witness first-hand the innovative and courageous ministry on the front lines of our communities. Witnessing the Army in motion in real time provided an awareness of the diversity of our people and programs, as well as the demanding pace of ministry and service in practice in a way that a written report cannot begin to describe. To stand in the middle of the ministry context and hear about the creative innovations, ordinary opportunities, challenges and demands that are ever increasing gave us face-to-face time with the heroes of our movement. To witness our people in real time, sharing the gospel, discipling the saved and serving communities, provided a glimpse of our daily lived-out mission.

Stepping into a ministry context reminded me of the importance of the intentional care that is required of THQ leadership to ensure that we do not become out of touch. We must continue to work hard to be present to understand the needs and challenges of front-line personnel so that we are well informed.

We sat and conversed with those we serve through community barbecues or meal ministries. We visited community and family services and talked to those who access food pantries. We spent time in shelters and listened to those who seek refuge there. These experiences reminded us of the privilege of journeying with people who are facing the harsh realities of unchosen unemployment, or the inability to make ends meet due to the unrelenting increase in the cost of living, or the brokenness of life that sometimes occurs due to bad choices or unforeseen circumstances. It is also a privilege to become one with those who gather for corporate worship, whether that be in a pew or around a table over a meal. This is who we are: Christ’s hands and voice amid everyday life.

We celebrate that we are an Army “fitly joined together” and rejoice that our local ministries are nimble, adjusting their strategy and approach as necessary to fulfil our mandate. We truly are stronger together.