“As Salvationists we affirm that Jesus calls individuals to follow him in a life of discipleship.” —Called to Be a Soldier 

Over the past number of months, we’ve explored the various aspects of what has come to be known as our Discipleship Essentials. As we come to the final aspect of what it can look like to live as CHRIST-centred, OTHERS-focused disciples, we acknowledge and realize that there is a specific and unique context in which our discipleship finds itself and is expressed: The Salvation Army. And so we finish by examining the S of our OTHERS acronym: Salvationism.

Salvationism doesn’t hold a corner on the market of missional discipleship, nor have we got it all right. There are many areas in which we can, and should, by the grace of God, continue to grow and become all that he has called and raised us up to be. But I believe, as did our founders, that God has indeed called and raised us up to be a unique expression of the church, and we ought to hold firmly, yet humbly, to our mission.

Our doctrines—the statements that begin “We believe”—help articulate the CHRISTcentred story in which we find ourselves. Our beliefs shape our values, helping to direct our behaviours. We live in that story with a faith that is OTHERS-focused. Our behaviours reinforce our values, helping to strengthen our beliefs. 

Those who commit to the Soldier’s Covenant declare their intention to “be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavouring to win others to him, and in his name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.” This is a concise definition of the spirit of Salvationism, to which soldiers promise to be true, “whether in times of popularity or persecution.” Salvationism is, indeed, a CHRIST-centred, OTHERS-focused expression of faith.

As we look ahead after almost 158 years as a movement, we must continue to be true to these purposes—not for our own existence as an Army, but for the sake of others, and in faithful obedience to all that God has called us to be. Our ministry and mission flow from who we are in Christ. We seek to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), using Scripture as our guidepost. Recognizing the need for salvation in a world corrupted by sin, we live and offer the hope of transformation found only in Jesus, in anticipation of the ultimate fulfilment of his redemptive plan for all creation. This can’t be accomplished by our own efforts and strength. 

If we are to be effective in this task today, we must do all we can to strengthen spiritual health—in our movement and in our own lives. We must continue to develop an even more effective disciple-making culture, as we live out our role in the Great Commission. In our early years as a Salvation Army, William Booth stated: “The success of our work is not in its methods—not that we have captains and generals, which are the mere necessities and particular forms of work, not in our flags and banners and music; but it is in the spiritual life which the Lord has been pleased to grant. We go on the three broad lines of repentance, faith and holiness of heart.”

When the world looks at the faith of a Salvationist of today and tomorrow, what will they see? It’s my prayer they will see someone whose life has an outward focus and cares for others, motivated by sacrificial compassionate mission, and is able to point people to the one in whom our hope is found. Someone who is developing a rhythm of life, in relationship with others, with a deeply rooted faith in Christ. Someone whose identity is first and foremost found in Jesus and being made more and more like him. Someone whose faith is seen through action, marked by a desire to use all we have, and be all that God calls us to be, for his glory. If we live as—and make—CHRIST-centred, OTHERS-focused disciples, we will see an Army that is forging innovative partnerships; that is mobilized and sharing hope wherever there is hardship; and that is building communities that are just, and who see, experience and know the love of Jesus.

As we consider God’s call to The Salvation Army—not to an organization or institution, but to a body of people called into his mission—we can paraphrase Paul’s words in Philippians: not that we have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at our goal, but we press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us. Salvationists, we do not consider ourselves yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing we do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 3:12-14).

How will you, in God’s strength, carry the spirit of Salvationism with you today and into tomorrow?

Kevin Slous is the territorial secretary for spiritual life development.

Photo: WTB Photography