High Council: Day 4 Official Report

// 01 AUGUST 2013 //

IT would be easy to say that on day four of the High Council nothing happened. However, the day – falling on a Thursday – began with the members joining Salvationists internationally in the Worldwide Prayer Meeting. This was introduced by the Chaplain (Commissioner James Condon) with words of Scripture and suggested topics for prayer. The members divided into groups to enable everyone to participate and voice their prayers more easily .

Readers who are following this High Council and who have read Retired General John Larsson’s article ‘How the High Council elects a General’ will know that once the candidates are known the High Council adjourns for a day. The candidates and spouses work on their speeches and answers to the questions they will answer when the council reconvenes.

Some members have attended more than one High Council but for other territorial leaders it is their first experience. What were their impressions of the High Council and all that had happened so far? Commissioner Vinece Chigariro (Kenya East Territory) – at her third High Council – felt that, so far, it had been spiritually inspiring. She said she was very aware of the spirit of unity among the members.

This was echoed by Colonels Patrick and Anne-Dore Naud (Germany and Lithuania Territory) who were attending for the first time. They had read General Larsson’s description of the workings of a High Council yet confessed it still sounded mysterious. However, through they felt that the articles and the information on the Internet brought the happenings closer to all interested people. They were aware of people supporting in prayer particularly for the specific happenings of each stage.

This is endorsed by the interest that is being shown in the High Council website, Facebook page and Twitter account which have been set up by International Headquarters. The video of the opening day of the High Council has been viewed more than 8,000 times and the publication of photographs on Monday night resulted in 47,655 views.

Although India and Nepal seem many miles distant from the happenings in London, Colonel Lalngaihawmi (Territorial Commander, India Eastern Territory) said that the Salvationists of her territory were very much a part of all that was happening through prayer: ‘The people are not detached in any way. At corps [churches] the High Council has been one of the main topics for a number of weeks.’

Commissioners Lalzamlova and Nu-i (International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, South Asia) reinforced the feeling of unity being sensed in the council and their assurance that proceedings had not been rushed in any way.

Among all members there is a sense of privilege in having been called to the High Council, a feeling that they are participating in a unique event and that together they are listening to and being directed by the Holy Spirit. Colonel Lalngaihawmi summarised the experience as ‘a great privilege yet a great responsibility. We are all humble people,’ she said, ‘with a special task to fulfil.’

Tomorrow morning (Friday 2 August) the council will reconvene to continue its ‘special task’ when the candidates address the High Council.

Report by Major Christine Clement
High Council Communications Officer

via the web: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr010813b

August 1, 2013 0

When we utter “Why me God?”

When do we utter “why me God?” Sometimes It happens when we have felt His calling on our lives to do something for Him. Other times we utter it out of frustration at life’s circumstances.

If we are honest with ourselves, at times, we doubt that God even has a plan for us. This doubt may appear and disappear in a moment but still it is present in our thoughts and lives. We fear and sometimes question if God truly knows what He is doing with us. Don’t take this the wrong way, but faith sometimes makes it hard for us to grasp the tangible of the unseen. Does it mean that God isn’t there or He doesn’t know what He’s doing? Certainly NOT!

Let me be clear, God has a plan for each of us, you can be certain of that! Does it necessarily mean that He is involved in all of our steps? I don’t think so, be His presence is certainly there. Rather in the grand scheme of our lives He would love nothing more to forge us into His holy image and guides our steps in that matter.

How should we then respond to God in our circumstances and in His calling on our lives?

There are two biblical examples that I would like to draw from:

1) Samuel

He didn’t quite know who was calling him initially. It is recorded in 1 Samuel that the word of the Lord was very rare in his day…so God calls Samuel in the middle of the night. Samuel thinks that the high priest Eli is calling him. So Samuel gets up and makes his way to Eli, but Eli awakens and says “I didn’t call you. Samuel gets called two additional times, and each time he awakens and goes to see what Eli wants. Finally Eli wises up and says; “Samuel when you hear the voice calling you again say ‘Speak Lord for your servant is listening‘”. (1 Samuel 3:1-10) And so God calls to Samuel again and this time Samuel doesn’t respond with “Why me God?” but instead he responds just as Eli instructed him to. Thus begins the calling and ministry of Samuel and his willingness to obey the Lord when He called.

2) Isaiah

God gives Isaiah an epic vision of heaven. God is on His throne, and all around there are angelic creatures and angels calling out in worship to God, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” As Isaiah is viewing this majestic scene, he quickly realizes that he is doomed to be in the holy presence of the Almighty. He is confronted with his own sin and the sins of his people. How could he possibly compare to the perfection of God who is in the very room as he? And so Isaiah, perhaps wants to utter “Why me God” but he can’t because He is blown away by God’s very presence and Isaiah’s utter failings and sin. In response to his damning pronunciation one of the Seraphim flies over and brings a coal from the altar of the Lord and touches Isaiah’s lips. Isaiah is purified of his sins and is finally able to respond to a question that God then asks; ” Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” Isaiah doesn’t say “pick someone else“, nor does he say “why me?“, but rather he simply says, “Here I am, Lord send me.” (Isaiah 6:1-8)

What happens when God calls us?

What is our response to His holy calling? Our response ought to be similar to Isaiah’s response “Here I am, Lord send me!” There might be times when we doubt. There might be times when we feel like asking “Why me God?” Yet when He calls to us and asks something of us, even despite our doubts, the appropriate response is “Here I am, send me!”

This response is a dangerous response. It is a response that says, “Lord I’m going to trust you fully“. It’s a response that says “despite the places and the people you send me to I will go!” Yet the journey will be rewarding…not always but in the long run so very much more rewarding than refusing to go. We aren’t forced to go where God tells us to go. Nor are we robots in our decisions. God listens to us and to our concerns. He hears our worries and our desires. Faith leads us into a deeper relationship with God. Faith helps us to realize that His plans are perfect, He can use us and we can be worthy of His calling.

What will our response be to His calling? Will it be “Why me God?” Or will it be “Here I am, Lord send me!”

August 1, 2013 2

High Councils: Day 4. -Candidates Profiles.

Now that the Candidates for General have been Nominated the real work begins. How long will it take? What does this election of General entail? These and more are common questions that many people have.

http://www.flickr.com//photos/salvationarmyihq/sets/72157634851189198/show/with/9393398571/

Here is the profile information for the five candidates for General:

Thursday 1 August
Candidate profile: Commissioner André Cox
Candidate profile: Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder
Candidate profile: Commissioner James M. Knaggs
Candidate profile: Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek
Candidate profile: Commissioner Barry C. Swanson

August 1, 2013 0

High Council Day 3: Nominations

“ON the third morning of the 18th High Council of The Salvation Army, the Chaplain’s prayers centred on God’s people being united in the Spirit. Using the song ‘Saviour and Lord, We Pray to Thee’ (The Song Book of The Salvation Army 692) the Chaplain (Commissioner James Condon) emphasised the prayer being made: ‘Pour out thy Spirit … and let thy love thy will dictate.’

The members from the six Indian territories were invited to sing, and they presented a simple chorus: ‘Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!’ in which everyone was able to join. After members had spent time in prayer with one another the Chaplain concluded with words of Jesus: ‘I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity’ (John 17: 22, 23 New International Version).

The day’s business began with the Chair of the Questions Committee being invited to describe the work of the committee in compiling the proposed questionnaires for General and the spouse of the General. Commissioner Clive Adams explained that all questions submitted by members had been reviewed by the committee and had provided the basis for the final draft questionnaires which were considered and approved by the full council. This part of the High Council’s business concluded, the council moved to the nomination of candidates.

To prepare themselves for the next part of the proceedings members sang: ‘Here, Lord, assembled in thy name thy work to do, thy help we claim’ (Song 581). Reading from James 3, the Chaplain reminded everyone of the wisdom they needed, before offering prayer.

A quiet, prayerful atmosphere pervaded the chamber as members of the High Council received their nomination papers and left the room to fulfil the task entrusted to them.

The candidates who have accepted nomination to stand for election to the office of General are:

Commissioner André Cox,
Commissioner Kenneth Hodder,
Commissioner James Knaggs,
Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek
and Commissioner Barry Swanson.

Commissioner Clive Adams declined the nomination

via website: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr310713

July 31, 2013 0

Dreaming too small…finding our Goldilocks goals.

We’ve all heard of vision casting, and of planning for the future. Most, if not all churches do this. We set goals in order to attain or sometimes maintain mission and purpose. We also set goals so that, as churches, there is continued visible area of measurable growth.

Two Dangers in goal setting:

1) Setting the bar too high –

When we dream lofty dreams, at times, we have our heads in the clouds and our feet barely touching reality. Setting the bar too high on what our congregation or ministry team can accomplish can be self-defeating in that when a goal date comes and goes and we are no where near our projected accomplishment we run the risk of self-inflicted failure. Team leaders and other church members might become weary of goal planning and lack of success that they give up or simply stop attempting to assist in future plans and goals.

Setting the bar too high can lead to failure and begin to pull the team apart in various polarizing views. In “dreaming big”, we have to be careful that we have the available resources to ‘pull-off’ the goal(s). The danger is we often say things like; ‘when we have the right people in place‘, or ‘when we get this or that in place‘ but the problem is we cannot rely on “if” and “when” to accomplish our goals. To do so, we set goals and objectives far too high to experience any kind of measurable success.

Danger #2

2) Setting the bar too low –

Even though we shouldn’t set the bar too high, we also should be wary of setting the bar far too low. This type of goal setting may at the onset appear to find quick success but these low expectations will limit any long term measurable goals. Why would this be the case? Because instead of taking calculated risks and setting goals that we have the resources for one who sets the bar too low will take baby steps instead of leaps. When leaps are available in goal setting success yet aren’t attempted, members of the team or congregation can become frustrated at the lack of progressive movement. By that I mean, team members can see where our mission ought to be but when we fall short of it by dreaming/planning too small we frustrate the future.

Finding our Goldilocks:

If we can avoid setting lofty goals while at the same time not settling for too small a goal set, then we can finally find goldilocks goals. You know the old story of Goldilocks don’t you? The porridge and the beds were chosen…and finally she found the ones that were just right!

In the same way each team or congregation ought to set goals that are appropriate for their specific demographic and skill set. It does no good to model oneself on the blueprints of another church or ministry; nor will it work to simply transplant what worked in another place. Each team or congregation ought to find their own specific sweet spot. What is it that your group, church, team does well? Find these sweet spots and set your goals appropriately.

Don’t limit the Holy Spirit by setting your goals too low, or dreaming too small. But don’t dream lofty and impossible goals well beyond your resources and manpower either!

Find your sweet spot and then set your Goldilocks goals.

-Just a thought.

July 31, 2013 0

My Life = Christ’s Broken Bread

Think of it. A life completely devoted to the cause of Christ. Not a divided life, where half is devoted to Christ and half is devoted to self…but completely and utterly surrendered to the cause of Christ.

For some, dare I say most, being Christ’s broken bread sounds great on paper. It even sounds romantic to some degree, but truly living a broken life before God and man is an extremely daunting task indeed.

Galatians 2:20 the Apostle Paul tells us; “I have been Crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and have himself for me.”

There is a very disturbing image for us here. The suffering and death of Christ for the world becomes the very image we too take on as we become Christ’s broken bread to the world around us. It transforms us into what Christ said would happen to His disciples: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

Our borrowed time, our pooled financial resources, our hobbies and precious treasures…they mean nothing if they are not subjected to the filter of Christ on the cross. Everything will eventually pass away. Everything will eventually disappear from us. But one thing will remain: God’s love for us, His people.

In return, our duty, our purpose for living ought to transform our thoughts, our passions, our perceptions of the stuff we own…all of it in the spectrum of grace and redemption.

Why do we need to become Christ’s broken bread?

Because there are countless souls in our world who need salvation! There are many lives who are still lost in the darkness of sin and certain death! Without willing servants of Christ giving their all in His services, they will perish! Some might utter the excuses like “the Holy Spirit can save them”, and rightly so but Christ has sent US to be His ambassadors into this world. The Holy Spirit is with us in this venture! Without the willing hands and feet of Christ, who have been broken and humbles before His love and grace, the great commission cannot be fulfilled.

We are called people. Set apart for His holy purpose in this world wrought with sin! People in our own neighborhoods are lost and in need of anyone who is willing to love them and show them this amazing Christ whom we serve! There are countless souls caught up in addictions of all kinds who are in need of the extension of grace that Christ has given to us.

Who will be Christ’s broken bread to them? Will you? Will I? This isn’t some part-time calling. It’s full-time within our occupations and our passions! We are called to be His broken bread to the world, and that starts with our family’s, neighbors, friends and even enemies. It will not be easy! There will be days in which we will utterly fail along the way. Other days when we will be scorned and mocked. Yet this humbled state of servants of Christ brings upon our lives such a richness of mercy, grace and love!

-Just a thought.

“My life must be Christ’s broken bread,

My love his outpoured wine,

A cup o’erfilled, a table spread

beneath his name and sign,

that other souls, refreshed and fed,

may share his life through mine.“

(Albert Orsborn SASB 512)

July 30, 2013 1

High Council: Official Report Day 2

As reported by IHQ news website, source listed below:

/ 30 JULY 2013 //

THE second day of the 18th High Council of The Salvation Army commenced with worship led by the Chaplain (Commissioner James Condon). He called on all the African officers and those who had served in Africa to contribute a song, and they reminded members that ‘Every day and every hour, you are faithful, O Lord!’ The Scriptures were shared and moments of prayer followed.

The work of any High Council is guided by its Orders of Procedure. These orders are described by General John Larsson (Retired) as ‘the accrued wisdom and experience of all past councils’. One of the first tasks of any High Council is to review and, if necessary, amend the procedures.

With the revised Orders of Procedure adopted the council continued its work with the election of permanent Tellers and the Questions Committee, whose members prepare the questionnaire for which each member may submit one question. Commissioner Clive Adams (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) was elected as chairperson, and the other members are Commissioner William Cochrane (International Headquarters), Commissioner Marie Willermark (Sweden and Latvia Territory), Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (Kenya West Territory) and Commissioner Caroline Seiler (USA Central Territory). In addition the President can appoint two members – in this instance Commissioner Malcolm Induruwage (Sri Lanka Territory) and Commissioner Vinece Chigariro (Kenya East Territory).

Each nominee for the office of General will be required to answer the same set of questions. In this way the High Council works towards the nomination of candidates for election as the 20th General later in the week – the sole reason for the High Council having been summoned.

Although much has been accomplished in the past two days Commissioner Irene Induruwage (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Sri Lanka Territory), attending her second High Council, felt that the council’s work was progressing steadily yet without any sense of pressure. Indeed, she felt that people were open to God’s Spirit and had a sense that what they do today will affect tomorrow.

Report by Major Christine Clement
High Council Communications Officer

http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr300713

July 30, 2013 0

High Council: Day 2

From what everyone is saying in regards to the proceedings of the High Council presently things are moving rather swiftly. The pace is faster than the 2011 High Council, which could mean that we will have a new General by the end of the week! It doesn’t necessarily mean it WILL happen this way, but if the council continues to move at this pace our new General will be elected in a very short time frames.

Day 1: the initial report of the first session can be found here:

http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr290713

Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander of the US was elected as president of the high council which means he will conduct the day to day proceedings and business of the High Council. More will be added as the news come in and the daily report is given.

Here are also some photos from the first day at High Council: http://www.flickr.com//photos/salvationarmyihq/sets/72157634851189198/show/with/9393398571/

Also, if you have some time here is an interesting video and take of the High Council by Major Stephen Court:

July 30, 2013 0

High Council’s 1st Day Video News:

July 29, 2013 0

Present High Council Discussion:

The issues identified in the group discussions of July 27 were placed in priority order. Each member was allotted 23 points to spread across the issues discussed. One could give one point to every item or give as many as five points to any item.

The following received the highest totals from the group as a whole:

Spiritual life of the Army: 436
Ministry to youth and children: 223
Financing the international mission: 220
Gay and lesbian issues: 192
Leadership recruitment, development and training: 188
Marriage and family life: 168
Focus on mission: 151
Self denial, self support: 144
SalvationArmy identity: 142

(via http://www.southernspiritonline.org/high-council-group-discussion-issues/)