Porn-Again Christians The Unspoken Prison

Nearly 30,000 web users are viewing porn each second.

ChristiaNet survey came back with results suggesting that just over 50 percent of Christian men are addicted to pornography. And it’s not just a “guy-thing;” over 20 percent of Christian women are addicted to pornography as well. Coupled with that 37 percent of pastors admit that they struggle with Internet pornography, and 51 percent say it’s a source of temptation. (Source: http://www.christianpost.com/news/pornography-in-the-pew-a-hidden-sin-part-one-59666/)

Pornography is the #1 unspoken sin that is ravaging our churches throughout the world today. This may seem like a strong statement but the effects of such a blight in our congregations and in marriages is staggering. I believe Satan doesn’t have to go far to trap Christian, we are inundated with sexual images every day from commercials to network television…not all images are pornographic but can churn up lusts in our hearts if we allow them to. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We must guard our hearts by limiting or eliminating the things we allow our eyes to see. You know the phrase “garbage in garbage out”? It evokes this notion that whatever we think on becomes who we are. For example if I wanted to run a marathon I couldn’t just sit on the couch and eat twinkies all day…well I could but I wouldn’t be able to run that marathon that I have set my sights on. I would become out of shape, my muscle mass would be lost and I would have not gained anything because I didn’t exercise discipline.

In the same way if we don’t train our minds and discipline ourselves in what we see with our eyes we will fall prey to the lusts of the flesh. If we don’t guard our hearts against such damaging images and other damaging content out in our world we will fall prey to these sin issues and never grow in our faith. The unspoken prison is more than just porn. What are you reading? What are you listening to? Even these seemingly innocuous things can cause us to consume damaging content that can blur those lines of moral living in our lives today. Be careful what you feast on with your eyes and your ears. Guard your hearts!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Questions:

How can we fight something so damaiging when no one wants to talk about it?

Is there hope in the Church for porn addicts?

How do we address such an issue?

The effects of pornography is not only detrimental to a person’s marriage and other relationships but it can be debilitating to the personal spiritual growth.

If this sin of lust continues to be allowed to fester without getting to the core of the issue, repentance and forgiveness can never be met.

More Statistics:

Did you know that 1.2 million children are being trafficked every year; this is in addition to the millions already held captive by trafficking (UNICEF)

Why would I include this statistic? Because the dark(er) underbelly of the porn industry is that it supports human trafficking and human slavery. Pornography and its use drives up demands for trafficked humans. Did you know that? This is certainly a disturbing conversation, yet this topic needs to be discussed in our churches.

Christians who are addicted to pornography need to know the dangers of this hidden sin! This unspoken prison to many needs to be brought out into the light! Many are struggling today within our churches with this enslaving addiction. The porn-again Christian can find help. We shouldn’t want to pass judgement on anyone, that isn’t our place, but we as Christ-followers need to be a source of hope and encouragement to help live lives accountable and live holiness. I do not have all of the answers but there are many sources out there that can help someone who is struggling with this unspoken prison today. Let me speak directly to anyone who is addicted to porn today: You can be free of this burden! You can find hope and deliverance from your addiction! I have included below a few weblinks that anyone can check out that might help anyone get free from these bonds of your unspoken prison.

Additional Articles & Resources to check out:
http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2001/may/my-husband-was-addicted-to-porn.html

http://www.feedtherightwolf.org/

http://www.xxxchurch.com/
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/25714#.U8_gQBRtyEk.facebook

Something more to ponder within our churches today!

July 22, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – A Tribute To Colonel’s Dennis And Sharon Strissel…My Parents.

Do you know the phrase “They fought the good fight”? I think it quite fitting when I bring to mind my Mom and Dad, Colonel’s Dennis and Sharon Strissel in the context of their 46+ Years (Missionary Service included) of Salvation Army Officership. I might be partial but I am blessed more than you can know to have been raise by these loving, godly parents of mine!

The Chronology Of Faithful Service:

Commissioned – 1974
The “Followers of Christ” Session.

Appointments:

Lincoln Neb – Assistant
Beatrice Neb – Assistant

Kearney Neb – Married

Council Bluffs IA.
The Island of St. Helena (South Africa Territory)
Krugersdorp, South Africa
Cape Town – Athlone Corps, South Africa
(Secondary Appointment while CO – Divisional Youth Secretary)
Wichita Citadel Corps, KS.
Champaign IL.
Divisional Youth Secretaries- Grand Rapids MI.
Lakewood Temple Corps, Maplewood MN.
Divisional Secretaries Indiana Division
Divisional Commanders – Indiana Division
Divisional Commanders – Midland Division
Territorial Commanders/President of Women’s Ministries – Ghana Territory
High Council – 2011
Divisional Commanders – Eastern Michigan
(This Chronological list of appointments just doesn’t do justice to their leadership and ministry over the years!!)

An Officer’s Kid Perspective:
Growing up as Officer’s children my sister and I didn’t see some of the hardships my parents both faced. The life of an officer, let alone a missionary officer, is not easy. Yet my folks always intentionally created an atmosphere of peace and love at home despite any outside issues or difficulties they might have been going through in their appointment. They modeled for Sherry and I how families should function within Army ministry. It was a holistic approach before we got all “fancy” with terminologies within the workings of ministry. My parents have devoted their whole hearts and lives in the service of Christ the King first and secondly within The Salvation Army.

Another aspect of their officership was their connection with people that they ministered to. I always joked that my parents knew EVERYONE in the army world because inevitably at large Army functions they would always be engaged in conversation with many many different people from the vastness of the army world. They truly love people and it is a reciprocated response by others in regards to my parents. I recall countless visitations to corps families’ homes in which the conversation went on FOR HOURS…as a child it was torturous, but as I got older the more I realized that in these moments a sweet fellowship had been taking place. My parents know how to engage and how to minister to the hearts of people, of this I am confident of…they love people regardless of background, regardless of station or position. My Mom and Dad understand the necessity for fellowship and love.

Leadership & Personal Reflection:
I might be partial but I am proud of both of my parents and that of their leadership within this Army. They not only dedicated their lives to the work of The Army but they led with integrity and grace. Many consider my father to be tough character and I am not challenging that by any means – He will always let you know where he stands and how he feels. He doesn’t hide his convictions nor, to my knowledge, has he ever wavered in a decision. Sometimes, perhaps he could be intimidating to some but within Him has always been a tender heart for anyone who has been slighted, wronged or oppressed. I have heard it countless times from my father these words – “I do not like bullies” and He, on many occasions stood up to bullies in communities, in corps, even in leadership…I don’t think I have embarrassed him in saying this, it is simply as it should be. Thank you Dad for teaching me to be a voice of reason and a voice to those who have no voice and to fight for those who are weak or slighted by society and certain cast systems in our world. To me, Dad, you are constantly displaying godly leadership and Christ-like integrity. You also taught me how to preach with passion, conviction and eloquence. I remember how diligent you would be in your pastoral studies and in crafting your sermons. How painstakingly assiduous you were (and still are) in producing your sermon manuscripts. You have taught me the value of studying God’s Words and that of relevant life application through your messages. You have made me want to be like you in every way when it relates to preaching God’s mighty word.

My mother, though quiet at times, is quite similar in her leadership style. She is articulate, very intelligent and speaks with similar authority. I have known my mother to read entire books in a matter of a day. She is more of an introvert than my father yet she will always make time for you and to encourage you. I can recall many a phone call from her to do just that as I faced my own days of discouragement. She has always led with conviction and has kept the banner and standard high in her ministry. Though it isn’t evident to many, Sharon Strissel is a rock in our family. She has, in the hardest of circumstances, pulled our family through. I recall Mom making up recipes on the fly in the kitchen on the tiny Island of St. Helena as we ate yet another meal consisting of fish (probably mackerel)…to this day I am still very picky about eating fish. That is just one prime example that sticks out in my mind…but there are so many more episodes of her resolve and strength. To me, Mom, you have been a source of encouragement, hope and love and we are all so much better because of it! As a side note, I remember your messages vividly. I know God has used you in mighty ways as you have spoken around the world. I remember as a child being excited during Salvation Meetings when you would be speaking because I knew your messages would be a lot shorter than that of Dad’s…but they were always on target for those you ministered to.

Some Photos Memories:
(You’re Welcome Mom & Dad)

Colonel's Dennis and Sharon Strissel were both honored to be on the High Council in 2011. — Colonel’s Dennis and Sharon Strissel were both honored to be on the High Council in 2011.

The RMS St. Helena - this is coming off of that vessel, the only way on or off one of the most remote Salvation Army appointments in the world. — The RMS St. Helena – this is coming off of that vessel, the only way on or off one of the most remote Salvation Army appointments in the world.

While stationed at The Athlone Corps in Cape Town South Africa

My Grandmother Louise, Grandfather Stanley, Father Dennis and myself

A candid shot of Mom and Dad with my sister Sherry Blees.

Colonel’s Sharon and Dennis Strissel have devoted over 46 years of their lives (including overseas time) to The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is better because of servants like my parents! They have invested their lives in people. They have labored not in vain but have faithfully served and, through the Holy Spirit, have helped usher souls to Christ. This Army needs more leaders like Colonel’s Sharon and Dennis Strissel! This Army needs more servants like my parents who have loved, served, care for the sick and dying, given hope to the hopeless and befriended countless soldiers of our Army long the way. This Army needs more Officers and Soldiers who will stand, as they have, for truth, integrity, honesty and fight for many who have no voice or lack the strength to fight on their own. This Army needs more Officers and Soldiers who are not interested in selfish gains but in other people and bettering the communities that they serve in. Officers and Soldiers who will lead and who are voices of reason and common sense. Officers and Soldiers who are called by God to win souls for the kingdom. The army needs more leaders like my parents. I am proud of my parents and that of what they have done for the kingdom. My prayer for them is that as they soon find rest in retirement that they continue to serve the Lord faithfully…and of that I have no doubt!

Allow me to take the liberty of saying “Well Done” Colonel’s Dennis and Sharon Strissel!
I am so proud of you both and I know that you have truly exemplified Christ within your service to The Salvation Army.

Well done Mom and Dad! Well done indeed!

July 21, 2014 5

Dear Salvation Army – Promotion To Glory & Heaven On Earth

“Promoted To Glory”
Summoned home, the call has sounded,
Bidding a soldier his warfare cease;
And the song of angels resounded,
Welcomes a warrior to eternal peace.
Praise the Lord! from earthly struggles
A comrade has found release.
Death has lost its sting, the grave its victory;
Conflicts and dangers are over;
See him honored in the throne of glory,
Crowned by the hand of Jehovah!

(Herbert Booth, 1890)

We can thank Herbert Booth for this term which we use within our Army today. He coined the above term while writing this song for his mother, Catherine Booth, following her death. What a wonderful tradition that we have within this aspect of “army living”! I have been to many a Promoted to Glory service and have shed many a joyful tear. I would much rather attend a funeral service which evokes the hope and joy of eternity than the deep maudlin, somber experience of the traditional funeral service. But beyond such thoughts on death and its ever presence with us, for certainly it is in our minds that we ever progress to that day, I would rather like to consider life.

Living Out This Promotion Today!
What prevents us from living our glorified promotion while still on earth? I know this sounds rather silly, perhaps to you, but often times I think in our corps we focus on eternity as “being up there” when in fact Jesus himself said; “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.”

I believe that as God’s Army, we can live out His Kingdom while STILL ALIVE in these earthly vessels. Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? Aren’t we all commissioned by God to share His hope and His life with those who desperately need life and hope? We are Kingdom builders here on earth. It is a promotion of glory enacted in the here and now! What joy it can be to declare God’s kingdom here on earth a midst a world that is so deeply divided and disillusioned. God’s kingdom, after all, is glorious, holy and illuminated by His presence…are our lives illuminated by His presence here on earth? Here and now?

I recognize that life is never easy. We all face our trials and struggles, but doesn’t God go with us even into those valleys of the shadow of death? Are we ever truly alone? NO! Yes we must honor our fallen comrades and soldiers in our army in the finality of their promotion to glory, yet we need not wait until glory to truly live His kingdom today in our lives! May we live in such a way that others will see His kingdom and marvel at His holiness and long to be consumed by His light in their lives as well.

Let us live out our future promotion to glory TODAY in our living for Christ! Do not squander the opportunities to display His majestic love to others you serve and love. Keep His kingdom ever in your thoughts and in whatever you do, do it for His glory today! We are God’s soldiers living out our future promotion to glory in the here and now!

July 21, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army – Are Brass Bands Dying A Slow Agonizing Death?

I grew up playing in a brass band.
I was forced (lovingly of course) at the age of 7 to learn how to play a cornet.
I have played in brass bands for most of my life…yet I often find myself asking the same question over and over again – “Is Brass Band music still relevant today?” In a world of pop music, and trendy dubstep dance beats how does the genre of brass banding fare?

I enjoy playing in the band but if I’m honest I would rather listen to a worship band with guitars and keyboards and drums over another “rousing march”. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the one who has the problem here. But when I look out into groups of people in corps halls or large gathering places (as I play in the band) I can’t help but notice that although the older people are tapping their feet and occasionally clapping their hands, the younger generations of people aren’t that into it. They just don’t get the attraction of brass banding. Other such evidence of this trend is that fact that the total corps who still have a band in them are dwindling. This could be contributed to possible leadership shifts and band members moving on but generally if you’re not from a major metro area you’re not likely to see a brass band play on Sunday morning during holiness meeting.

Are we seeing the slow agonizing death of brass bands?
What will the Army look like in ten years from now? Will this trend continue?

The Pros to Brass Banding:
-Playing music actually helps with math skills (studies have proven this correlation)
-Education in actually reading music on a music page. Most guitar players in worship
bands only play chords and do not read musical notes. In brass bands they teach
music theory and a band member has to sight read and watch for accidentals, key
signatures and dynamics.
-The comradery and team work. This is a learned process and the band becomes a team
working together. There is fellowship that occurs through such a task of playing
music.

The Cons to Brass Banding
-Music seems outdated to younger generations – they find even a contemporary worship
song seems forced into starchy staccato notes blown through a brass instrument
instead of played by guitar or keyboard like it was intended to be played.
-Less and less students of brass bands are being trained up and if they are learning
an instrument it takes places primarily at music camp or in a metro corps where more
resources including instructors are available to teach them.

I love playing in the brass band…but I am fearful that they won’t be around much any longer as older generations are passing away or unable to play anymore and younger generations are more attracted to modern forms of worship. When The Salvation Army was founded they put together little traveling, mostly unorganized ragtag bands that consisted of guitars, brass instruments and woodwinds (ok maybe even the occasional bagpipes)…they were out making a joyful noise in open air meetings (which by the way we have also lost mostly in our army). Then these bands got organized and modeled themselves after military bands of the day. Later an entire movement called “the big band” era rose up and brass bands were more popular than ever…these were the glory days…but…we aren’t in the glory days of brass banding anymore.

It might become quite a tragedy if we allow these bands to simply pass away…but is it time to let go and move on? I don’t wish to kill a sacred cow here today, as I have said I love playing in the band…but I don’t necessarily enjoy listening to them. Call me crazy. Call me a number of hurtful things because I might have rocked the boat here – sorry about that. But in regards to effective ministry and evangelism – are brass bands cutting it anymore?

I look out into our community and world and see the rise of newer more relevant uses of music and I wonder if we are so steeped in tradition that we can’t see beyond it and into the eyes of people who just don’t get brass banding anymore. I don’t wish to be hurtful and if it works in your community then I am overjoyed and happy, but by and large are we seeing a slow agonizing death of brass in our Army? I have mixed emotions about this, but as time rolls on I can’t help but think we’ll be seeing less and less of these groups in corps throughout the territories of our Army.

Questions to Ponder:
What can be done?
Can we save them?
Should we save them?
Should we adapt?
Are we already adapting?
What will our Army’s music look like in ten years? Twenty years? The next generation?

Something more to ponder today for our Army.
P.s. the key to any music we play whether in brass bands or modern praise bands is to glorify God and help usher the active worshiper into the presence of God. Regardless of what styles we may use or prefer may that be our constant aim in our music ministries!

July 18, 2014 22

Dear Salvation Army – Where The Saints Are Afraid To Tread

“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” John 21:18

What is the cost of leadership?
What is the cost of following Christ?

The answer to both of these questions is everything.
He wants our hearts, our lives, our everything.
Leadership within our Army requires a full submission to Christ. It is personal, yet corporate. Full submission to the Lordship of Christ is never easy because our own selfish ambition, pride and gain creeps in from time to time. Our Army needs fully surrendered leaders. Our Army cannot settle for mediocrity in leadership, nor can it settle for part-time surrender Christians.

This is not just another church.
This is not just another nonprofit organization.
This is a movement. A mission. There was purpose behind the founders starting such a cause with the passion to help the poor, wretched souls find Christ and restoring lives through better living conditions. They went where others feared to go.

There is still purpose behind our Army today..there better be. Dare I say though that this purpose gets muddied and blurred as our army at times has a polarized vision. We have accomplished much and gained much…could it be at times that we are afraid to risk because it might disrupt our investments? Any organization or church that has been around for a while faces a crucial decision – are we going to keep pushing forward and driving our mission or are we going to rest on our laurels and protect that which we have already accomplished? The latter is a very tempting proposition. It is comfortable. It is familiar. It is the already blazed trail. But if we push on in our mission, if we break new ground, if we go where the saints are afraid to tread…what then?

There is a risk involved. There was great risk involved when the founders began this movement, but even more so now. We have much more to lose if we fail. Which begs the question how much do we trust God to lead us into the unknown, into those places that are unfamiliar? Those places that others are afraid to tread? How much say are we allowing God to have in our leadership decisions and in our vision for the future? Are we willing to risk it all as He prods us forward? We could lose everything, and yet is following God, despite the threat of losing everything enough for us?

Places We Are Afraid To Tread:

Where are we called today to share hope, compassion, love and Christ’s grace?
Where are we afraid to tread?
These places used to be the bars and brothels on the lower east end of London.
What are “those places” today?
Homosexual/Transgender communities?
AIDS Hospitals?
The Plight of Human Trafficked children and adults throughout the world?
A plea for governments to cease genocide in villages in Africa and other troubled regions?
Ministering to people who are addicted to online porn and other “secret” addictions?

Where is the Lord leading us today?
Where are those places that we may be afraid to tread?
Are we afraid of losing our reputations?
Are we afraid of losing our past investments?
Are we more afraid of what might happen to our sacred traditions of yesterday as opposed to those who are hurting today?

There are places that the Lord is leading THIS Army that other churches and organizations would never dare go. I do not say that with pride or arrogance but with assurance that God has placed this Army on the front lines for a reason. He needs leaders who are fully surrendered to Him for the purpose of leading us into these regions of the lost, the lonely and the hopeless. He hasn’t called us to protect our past, as wonderful a heritage as it may be, but to serve Him today regardless of where that may take us. Regardless if other saints are afraid to tread there. There is risk in following Christ. There is surrender in following Him. Are we prepared, truly prepared to answer that call? Not just part-time. Not just “once in a while”. Not just when it’s comfortable…but all of the time. There is a very real spiritual battle going on in our world still today. We can either get going and be faithful, even if we are afraid. Or we can get out of the way and allow those who are faithful to go in our stead. I would rather be an Army that risks much for the present than protect the investments of our past.

Yes, we still have a relevant vision thrust upon us since 1865…that is what we must take with us into the fight today. Go for souls, go for the worst…and love as Christ has called us to do. Don’t simply rest in your halls, looking at old pictures of saints who have gone on before us. Be a saint today in our Army and serve Him faithfully with your everything!

Just something more for our Army to ponder today.
May God continue to bless our efforts as we faithfully serve Him with our everything.

July 18, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – Brengle, Holiness and All That Jazz…

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” -Psalm 51:10

Sometimes one has to wonder where holiness has gone to in our corps. I don’t mean to be harsh but have we forgotten this vital, vital element in our ministry? Isn’t Holiness that which continues to transform the soul into the image of Christ? Doesn’t the work of the Holy Spirit still have the power to transform lives far beyond our wildest human imagination can fathom? Have we grown up so much as an Army that holiness has taken a back seat to service and good works? Dare I say that if that ever becomes the case we will have lost the most vital component of our mission.

For Thy Mission Make ME Holy!
Samuel Logan Brengle has been the most influential writer of The Salvation Army to me on this topic of holiness. Yet we need additional theologians to boldly step forward in our Army to pick up the torch of Brengle. I do not believe that the Holy Spirit is static, nor is His mission for our lives. He transform us because we are imperfectly marred by sin. The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and lives for the purpose of cleansing us completely. This work might take a lifetime. Many times the transformation and cleansing is dependent upon our willingness to relinquish and surrender that which we have held onto even after initial sanctification.

Questions to ponder for our Army:

How often do you preach on holiness in your corps?
How often do you hear bible studies or sermons on holiness in your corps?
Is holiness and the desire to be like Jesus in every way, shape and form truly something which you personally strive for. I do not wish to imply that doing works will bring us holiness but doing what the Holy Spirit prods us to brings us into an attitude of full surrender.
How full and complete is your surrender?
How willing are you to remain on the altar despite the challenges that come your way?
What still remains in your life that needs surrendering?
What is holding you back?

All That Jazz

The topic of holiness may seem like a very deep theological conversation. Some may even steer clear of it because it just seems too “heady” of a conversation. Our Army is a holiness movement. We believe in the moving of the Holy Spirit. We believe He can make us like Christ through a surrendered life. We believe that it is possible to be holy people of God. Holiness is not physical perfection but it is desiring to be like Christ and the determination to live for Him in every facet of life.
As a Solider of this Army, may it be our mission to live holy lives in every area of it. Don’t just be a Sunday Soldier and then leave the corps and live a completely different life apart from the fellowship of other comrades of salvation. Don’t assume that putting on the uniform makes you holy, or that because your parents believe and are saved it is good enough for you. This personal relationship with the Lord is vital. He wants you all to himself! He doesn’t want to share you with the world and with anything else that would hold you captive. God desires a right relationship with YOU! He is jealous for you. He loves you so deeply that He cannot allow you (us) to remain unfinished as we are now. Thus the Holy Spirit longs to complete this work within us…but are we willing to allow Him to poke and prod us? Are we willing to reveal those tender areas of our hearts that we have not yet been relinquished and given to God? The Christian walk doesn’t end at the altar of salvation…it is just the beginning.

“Holiness is not absolute perfection, which belongs to God only; nor is it angelic perfection; nor is it Adamic perfection — for, no doubt, Adam had a perfect head as well as a perfect heart before he sinned against God. But it is Christian perfection — such perfection and obedience of the heart as a poor fallen creature, aided by almighty power and boundless grace, can give.” -Samuel Logan Brengle

Prayer: Lord it is our desire to be like You! Reveal to us that which is still unsurrendered in our lives today. May Your Holy Spirit fall afresh on us again. Protect us from apathetic hearts and slothful minds. Renew in us a right relationship with You. Oh Lord create in us a clean heart once again. Give us a heart for You and for others. May we be available to extend your grace and mercy to those around us in our communities and in our ministries. Lord for Thy service make us Holy. -Amen.

July 17, 2014 2

Dear Salvation Army, The Super-Officer Needs To Die!

“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).

“Superpastor is always available to everyone and accomplishes great things but always has time to stop and talk and never misses anyone’s birthday and if you are sick he’s at the hospital and you can call him at home whenever you need advice and he loves meetings and spends hours studying and praying and yet you can interrupt him if you need something – did I mention he always puts family first?” (Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis) Bell’s advice:Super-Pastor Must Die.
Let me borrow something on that train of thought, ministry and leadership:

R.I.P. Super-Officer:

Faster than a speeding EDS Canteen.

More powerful than an action packed Youth Night.

Able to leap tall problems in a single bound.

They are…SUPER-OFFICER.

But is Super-Officer realistic? -NO.

Are expectations of such a character unobtainable and unhealthy? -Yes.

Will performing these heroic acts lead to burn-out? -Most definitely Yes!

Sometimes it is a matter of pride to some Officers. It doesn’t start off as an unhealthy role, it progresses due to buying into the lie that Super-Officer must be and do everything. I am not begrudging responsible duties and the role of Officers, but I am taking aim at the unhealthy approach at times to the jobs some feel they must perform ALL THE TIME. Everyone needs rest. Everyone needs time away. Even Jesus, in all of His glory, took time away to be with The Father. If we eat, sleep, dream and breathe these unhealthy roles without rest we will lose our identities within the yellow, red and blue. More importantly we will crash and burn and leave nothing left to further the kingdom of God.

Can we put an end to the Super-Officer? How can we slow down and recognize that we were never intended to do everything by ourselves? Oh sure we have important responsibilities, of that there is no doubt, but can we relinquish our red, yellow and blue capes? There are five steps that I would like to outline today that might help us to put to death the “Super-Officer” mentality.

5 Steps to eliminate Super-Officer- S.U.P.E.R.

1. Share the burden of leadership!

trust others to help shoulder the load of leadership. We have an important task to perform, but we do the Army and those we minister to a great disservice when we do not share the workload with those who are capable around us. A shared vision is mightier when the entire body is collectively working together to accomplish it. Allow others to come alongside you and put the cape down.

-Trust Issues and “I can do it better”-…These two crucial detractors of sharing the burden of ministry can, at times, force us to put our capes back on. Have faith and let others help. Don’t let pride or being “in control” stop you from sharing the burden of leadership with those who should take up a certain measure of responsibility within the ministry.

2. Utilize and delegate roles to others!

Moses quickly realized that he could not lead and perform every task required to meet the needs of God’s people. With the help of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses begins to delegate authority and roles to the able bodied leaders. (Exodus 18) Moses had to utilize and delegate roles to others with an entire nation, we in our ministries, need to do the same in a slightly scaled down model.

Let the YPSM be the YPSM.
Let the Women’s Ministries Secretary be the Women’s Ministries Secretary.
Allow the CSM to lead and shoulder some of the “elder” responsibilities of the Corps Council and guidance to soldiers and adherents. Use The Army’s structured system to help better strengthen our corps. I recognize that at times there are some corps or ministries that are operating out of many many weaknesses including very few able bodied souls to help in the delegation process. These issues are complex and frustrating, but similarly to a link of metal chain, we are only as strong as our weakest link. Pray for additional leaders to join you congregation or ministry. Pray that the Holy Spirit provide you with the right opportunity to ask others to come along side your ministry in a capacity of leadership and help.

3. Prepare personal retreats to recharge and reflect.

This is one downfall of many Soldiers and Officers in our Army today. We are so engaged in warfare and the front lines of ministry that we begin to neglect our bodies and minds as they scream out to us for rest. Rest is vital to our continuance in the roles that God has placed us in. Without such scheduled or unscheduled personal retreats, we will grow tired, weary and we will lose a step. Burn out is a very real danger to the Super-Officer. We cannot go full throttle all the time and expect to last. Ministry is a marathon not a sprint. We must get away at times to recharge, disconnect and at times heal from the battle wounds and bruises.

Don’t merely wait for Divisional or Territorial scheduled events which only come around once or twice a year, make time – take time! You will find rest, the Army will survive without you for a little while and you will come back to the tasks at hand having rested and perhaps having gained a better perspective on issues facing your ministry.

4. Expect to be taught by those you lead!

Take a back seat at times and let those you teach, teach you! This is a growing process that we sometimes lack in our army. Along side delegating responsibilities we need to allow soldiers of our army to expand their horizons and teach Sunday School or even preach on Sundays. This not only enables us to free up some of our Super-Officer Schedules, but it also allows vital moments of investment for soldiers and local officers! It provides a testing of what soldiers and possibly future leaders are learning in the corps setting. Take the initiative and take a back seat from time to time in the ministry and allow others to teach, leader and share the gospel. You will be edified, your leaders will be challenged and another voice from the lectern or pulpit might fall upon ears that hadn’t been open in a while.

5. Respect the Kryptonite of failure but don’t let it dictate your life!

Don’t be afraid of failure it is only kryptonite! The Super-Officer that is only success driven looks at failure as something to avoid and at times will only take small manageable risks, but leaps of faith in programming and evangelistic outreach opportunities may be avoided because the risks are far too big. Failure is only an opportunity to learn and to grow. Dare I say, in leadership, we have to be willing to embrace failed risks. If we don’t dare to risk we will never learn. Super-Officers will only go so far. Super-Officers will only risk so much…because failure keeps them from testing the waters in communities that may reject the ministry. If we fear rejection of the gospel, at times we will refrain from even venturing out of our corps. If/when that happens how will people hear of the hope and love of Christ? We cannot be afraid of the Kyrptonite of failure. If we always fear it and its wrath we will have shackled the mission of The Salvation Army to dwindling, vacant pews and outdated ministry…for to be held in fear is to be held captive by protecting the “investments” of the past rather than looking to investments in the future. (Matt 25:24)

It’s time to put an end to the “Super-Officer”!
The pace and vision of it has never been manageable!
Christ has called the entire body to share in His love, hope and grace…don’t sell the army short by being “Super-Officer”! Be holy leaders. Be godly examples that are humble and servant leaders. We were never appointed to ministries to be “Super-Officers”…so stop draping the red, yellow and blue capes of an individual crusade that was never intended to be a solo mission.

Something more for the Army to ponder today! God Bless You and may we allow the “Super-Officer” to die and in its place the body of Christ within our Army to rise up stronger and healthier.

July 16, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – Share The Hope To The Discouraged!

I met with a retired officer yesterday. He called me up on the phone and asked if I could meet him for coffee. I had just spent a few days having been discouraged, frustrated and done with it all. His phone call seemed to be out of the blue, but he mentioned coffee and I’ve been known to share in a cup or ten.

We sat down in the little diner in a vinyl booth and ordered our cups of hot coffee and some toast. I was still unsure of the reason for the phone call yet in my spirit I was a little worse for the wear. The retired officer had his large study bible open on the table across from me and as we sipped and chit chatted about family, the corps and even troubles, I found myself pouring out to him that which had been eating at my heart for days. That small vinyl booth became a sort of confessional to me. I knew that I was in a safe place and in safe company and so I was able to find the words to speak. As I did it felt as if a burden was being lifted from me. What a joy it is to experience such a deep moment of encouragement and to begin to see again a glimpse of hope and understanding! We all need these moments of confiding. We all require, whether we realize it or not, someone who is willing to seek us out and to encourage our spirit. These moments become a salve to the soul. What a sweet encounter of fellowship!

Receiving Hope –
Many of us need to receive hope today. Some are downtrodden. Some are hurting. Some may even feel as if they have reached the end of their ropes. Perhaps that’s you. Perhaps you are in need of a safe place with safe people to confide in. Do you have someone to talk to? Someone to share these burdens? Hope is a precious commodity and so much more valuable are those with whom we can sit and just receive the salve that our souls require. Christian brothers and sister, fellow soldiers of our Army we need dispensers of hope, but we must also recognize when we are the ones in need of replenishing, rest and an ear to listen to our burdens. We ought not carry our burdens around with us thinking no one cares or that we aren’t important enough to have someone in whom we can confide in. Secondly it is not a matter of weakness when we share these burdens with people who care for us. Relish those moments. Embrace them. Allow those safe places to exist in your life! If we are to be an Army of hope we must accept hope from others with humility and thankfulness. Without these moments of respite, and safety to confide we may not be prepared to dispense this vital commodity to others.

Dispensing Hope –
Fellow Soldiers once we have gone to this fountain of hope and have drunk of its healing we then must take up again this mighty cause to sharing the hope of Christ to a broken and hurting world. Some may never experience such peace and love if we are not prepared to dispense the hope of Christ. We, as an army, should be a beacon of hope to the single Mom who is barely making ends meet and has to raise her children up without the help of their father. We should be a beacon of hope to the drunk and the abuser who only see the end of the bottle to drowned out the ache of hopelessness in his heart. We should be a beacon of hope to parent who is waiting anxiously for a rebellious child who may or may not return home again.

We must be beacon of hope to so many more lost and hurting souls in our communities who just need to know that someone truly cares. Oh Army, we are so much more than just another social service organization. We are so much more than just another community bridge to homelessness. We stand at the cross roads, the intersection of lives who need to receive hope. These are the front lines where souls can be saved or souls can be lost. We need you to dispense the mighty hope of Christ so that not another soul will be lost! We need each other so that we can pick each other up when we have weakened from these heavy burdens. We do not do this mighty work alone. No we are never alone! We have His Holy Spirit present with us, guiding us and prodding us onward.

Lift up your head –
The retired Officer that I was sitting with in that vinyl booth, my confessional, began to read a brief passage of scripture to me:
Psalm 20:1,2
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.”

He then looked at me and told me about the various entrances and exits of the temple in Jerusalem. He told me that when those who were discouraged needed encouragement they needed only to walk into the temple through the exit gate while the worshipers who had just been in temple exited. There amongst the exiting worshipers the discouraged soul could lift his head up and see the faces of those who had just been blessed. The discouraged could lift his head up and look upon the blessing coming forth out of the house of God and be enveloped in the very blessing of God himself.

If you are discouraged today and need hope – receive it. Lift up your head. Take in God’s encouraging hope and love. He loves YOU! He wants YOU! YOU matter to Him. Receive His hope and blessing today!

Secondly if you are able to dispense His hope to others who need hope – DO IT! Be a blessing to those who need to be filled once again with the hope of Christ! Be an encourager. Be available. Be honest. Be real. Share Christ and Be a safe place for others to receive Him. Oh Army of Salvation…Be Hope! Be Peace! Be God’s ambassadors where ever He may send you today!

-Just another thing for our Army to ponder today! May God

July 15, 2014 0

Devotional Pondering For Today – An Intimate Moment With God

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people.” -Colossians 3:23

Lord do I have a heart for You in all that I do?
Too often the answer is “no”.
Too often I am far too busy to include You.
Many times You are an after thought…A prayer as I go out the door.
Why do I forget You? How could I do such a thing after all that You have done for me?
Are You not the One who sustains me in the midst of trials, despair, heartache and sadness? Are You not the One who lifts my head and allows me to see Your beauty that encompasses Your world? How could I relegate You to a backseat in my life?

Renew my heart dear Lord.
Renew my mind.
Restore in me a right relationship to You.
It is my desire to intentionally seek You out in my day.
It is my desire to do ALL things through and because of You.
Teach me to walk in Your way today…Please take it slow because I am still learning, I am not complete, You have much to do within this heart of mine. Grant in me Your passion to the things that I must do today. Grant in me Your heart for other people, including people I do not see eye to eye with. Fill me with Your holiness once more. My desire is to reflect You. My desire is to be Your child before I engage the world around me. Heavenly Father, plead for You to remain in my day (each step of the way) as I do both the most mundane of tasks as well as the challenging. Allow me to display Heaven in our world to those who are lost and without hope of a future. Use me to shine Your light today. I long to be complete in Your holiness, reveal to me that which still lingers within my spirit that is not of You. Capture every fragment of who I am for Your glory. May my heart be Yours and Yours alone.

-Amen.

July 14, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – On Authoritarian Leadership – Healthy Model or Faulty Model?

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

I have heard it said that the leadership model for The Salvation Army is authoritarian, meaning it is a hierarchical model of leadership. This system of leadership is modeled after the military not only in ranks but also in orders and regulations. One could argue for or against this type of model quite easily, but that isn’t the intention of this article. I would, however like to explore the affects of this type of leadership model within our corps ministries, divisional and territorial ministries.

The Good:

We have a chain of support and clearly outlined protocol to follow. There is no question who is in charge within this leadership mainframe. A Corps Officer reports to his or her leadership/department head either the divisional secretary/general secretary and then the divisional commander. This model insulates and protects all involved. We all have a chain of command to report to which keeps things moving and hopefully progressing within our mission to “meet human need in His name”.

The Bad:

Abuse of power sometimes takes place within this leadership model. If accountability (which is paramount here) isn’t utilized for both subordinate as well as superordinate, then respect as well as power will deteriorate. I do not begrudge those in authority over me. I recognize the biblical truths to godly leadership and that of servant hearts for both leader and one who follows. However when abuse of this relationship takes place, as it sometimes does, it can and will disrupt the fellowship and mission of our Army.

Questions to ponder:
Is Authoritarian leadership the model Jesus utilized with His disciples? Is there a negative impact to this style of leadership model? Catherine and William Booth founded The Salvation Army in the Victorian era, that being said, is this model of leadership still the best style to follow? Don’t misunderstand these questions or my intent. I merely ask them to get our minds thinking on the bigger picture.

How do we overcome the “my way or the highway” mentality within such a leadership model? Do/can we stunt the growth of those we lead within authoritarian leadership? Do we limit or control “questioning” leadership in a healthy way? Is questioning leadership a bad thing? Is punishment still dispensed to some subservient members of our army when they have questioned leaders who have felt threatened (perhaps by their own insecurities)?

Unhealthy Dependence – The Corps Level:
One of the detractors of the authoritarian model within corps ministries is an unhealthy dependence on the corps officer to do everything. This may not be true of every corps but many have been led by very strong leaders in the past but perhaps these leaders were not equipped or interested in discipling and honing proactive leaders within the local officer base. One of the unhealthy side effects of dependence is total dependence on the Officer to plan, execute and control the local mission. Though there is some merit to this, Officers ought to be skilled in the area of delegation, and have a willingness to develop a healthy team of leaders who are willing and able to lead in and of their own right.

Corps Officers still should maintain a level of authority but Officers shouldn’t be expected to run everything within the corps ministries. For far too long new officers would come into many of our corps newly appointed there and find that the Officer was expected to run, lead, plan and execute everything. Shouldn’t this corps ministry be a shared venture? Shouldn’t our teams of local officers have more of a say in the local mission having served and lived within that community for most if not all of their lives? Who better to understand the pulse of that community than the local officers? That being said Officers should also be mindful to appoint proactive people for these local officer positions. It may be very easy to appoint “yes” people who will do as we say, but is that what your corps needs? This doesn’t mean that we should appoint strictly “no” people but rather select the strong leaders who are willing to make hard decisions and at times disagree with leadership and differing visions and plans. This kind of healthy conflict sharpens iron provided it is done with in a manner of respect and love with the mission ever in focus.

The unhealthy dependence on the Officer in some corps leads to frustration and burnout to some who lead. Secondly the danger of authoritarian leadership within the corps is that corps members stop thinking for themselves. Unhealthy dependence on the Officer can also lead to a stagnation of internal vision and a crumbling mission for outreach and evangelism. Having a shared vision with multiple team leaders within a corps usually indicates a collective thought process but also strong individuals willing to shoulder the burden as well as encourage and push one another on to greater things within their ministry.

Authoritarian Leadership of Officers:
For far too long our Army operated under the old iron fist which, at times was more concerned about the mission over the individual needs of its officers and families. For far too long the “My way or the Highway” edicts were handed down to officers from above, and to question was to be punished. Sometimes compassion seemed vacant. Some officers felt trapped, for to relinquish their role within the army meant that they were turned out with little to no personal affects or possessions. At times appointments were made to send a message to some who had perhaps disobeyed…dare I say this practice still occurs. Yet…I am hopeful. I am confident. I am willing to go out on a limb and proclaim my faith in a new army. Not a compromised army. Not a “soft” army. Not a complacent army. But a compassionate army. A more loving army. An army that finally gets it. An army that finally see the investment in its officers. An army that finally begins to shepherd its officers with more care and more effort and more expressions of pastoral edification. After all, who shepherds the shepherd? Who cares for the hurts of officers who in turn have to shoulder the care of many, many broken people in their corps? I am hopeful in this army. THIS is the kind of army I WANT TO BELONG TO! This is the kind of army that will see less and less of an attrition rate among its ranks…if they are cared for and shepherded in this way and not with an iron fist. I am confident in leaders who will rise up and learn from past mistakes. I will boldly follow such leaders who take into account the hurts of hurting officers. I will serve faithfully and love fully those leaders who take the time to listen, truly listen to their officers. Our army needs more and more leaders who are servants first and holy…Lord we need more holy leaders in our midst! Our army needs more leaders who will lead with compassion, who won’t play favorites, won’t entertain the follies of gossip, will maintain respect and integrity and will make the prayerful hard decisions not because they are popular but because they are right.

“If we are growing we are always going to be outside our
comfort zone.” -John Maxwell.

Perhaps we need to grow a little…we still have room to grow, right?
Perhaps we’ve remained in our comfort zones for far too long.

Probably more questions, but also more for our army to ponder today.
“We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.”
― John C. Maxwell

July 14, 2014 1