What Is Lent? Is It Emphasized Enough In The Salvation Army?

I am able to write today on pastorsponderings.org because here in Minnesota (where I live) it is a balmy -25 with a windchill of up to -45. Needless to say our worship services have been canceled today. That being said, I wanted to ruminate for a moment on the topic of Lent. Lent is a forty day period leading up to Good Friday and ultimately Easter Sunday. It is an important season within the universal Christian church – throughout all denominations. It is interesting to note that Lent is a forty day period which does not include the Sundays leading up to Easter. One might wonder why the Sundays are not included in the “40 days”. The easy answer is that each Sunday is traditionally its own mini Easter in and of itself. Talk about building to a glorious finale’ within something so profound and life changing!

“Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others.” (source: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-lent-and-why-does-it-last-forty-days)

Lent is so much more than giving something up for 40 days. I once tried giving up coffee for lent…THAT did not end well!

Lent is more than performing the Lord’s Supper in services.
It should be an act of self-denial as we contemplate what Salvation means to us and that of this most important relationship with Christ. His ultimate sacrifice and victory over sin and death leads us into this deeper contemplation and acts of self-denial. Can we afford to restrict ourselves? Can we afford to deny our bodies from something important to us? Some might contend that the extreme “self denial” act was demonstrated in the form of the old controversial act of self flagellation. I certainly do not recommend this method of “religious practice”. Christ suffered and died for our sins and though some used to contend that self flagellation was a means to become more “Christ-like” self torture is just too extreme and I believe not what Christ had in mind when He said “Do this in remembrance of me”.

Under-Emphasis
There is the danger of avoiding the Lenten season all together and I would not recommend this route.
Leading worshipers into these times of self-reflection and spiritual walks which leads to the cross and the tomb is vital. If we avoid such potential sacred moments with our flock, we could be depriving them of facing the cross all together. It is more than the cross. It is more than the empty tomb. It is about what Jesus has done for the very fabric of existence in the souls of men and women everywhere.

Secondly, Lent can be an intense refocusing of our great commission here on earth. Revisiting the Divine in this way can provide us better eyes to see our neighbors, our friends, families and especially enemies. Christ died for everyone. He came for the whosoever and He longs for right relations with ALL, not just a select few.

When we under-emphasize this potentially sacred time in the yearly calender, we run the risk of under-emphasizing Salvation as a whole. We remove some of the mystery of God himself. I believe we run the risk of stripping down Holiness and depriving those who need it most. We ought not shy away from Lent, we ought to embrace it in the hopes of drawing closer to Christ-likeness.

It’s Not About Rituals, It’s About Holy Relationship!
Some might suggest that the practice of Lent is a little too “High Church” for The Salvation Army. Some might ask, “well what do you consider the entire practice of “Lent” to be? I fear that The Army steers too clear of any formal High Church practice because of the notion that most constituents would not understand or because there is no spiritual value in its practice. I beg to differ. I am not saying that we ought to pick up some waffers and some grape juice, but I am saying that If we practice and preach Self-denial, then we ought to be preaching a lenten message as well. One of the big questions is – are we ONLY preaching self-denial in conjunction with World Services? Are we only preaching self-denial in conjunction with fundraising in our corps? I hope not! With the right direction, Corps Officers and Local Officers can lead all corps members into a vital and precious season of Lent.

There is a lot to discuss here.
I will not dive too deeply today.
I only want to start the conversation again.
This is a primer of sorts, as we wade into the kiddie section of the pool. 😉

Questions:
In being “non-sacramental” in practice, are we really emphasizing the transformed life in sacramental living (My life must be Christ’s Broken Bread)?
If not how can we improve this?
How is “Self-denial” emphasized in your corps?
Is Self-denial important to you?
Is the Lenten season important for The Salvation Army?
Can we emphasize the Lenten Season while refraining from what we perceive to be “unimportant rituals”?
Has your Corps ever conducted a traditional Sader Feast?
Is there/should there be a correlation between our spiritual act of self-denial and lent?
What does prayer and fasting mean to you?
Is the practice of Lent really THAT important?

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

February 22, 2015 1

Dear Salvation Army, 3 Things Soldiers Should Know About Their Corps Officer

The Salvation Army is an unique body of Christ is it not?
With that being said, each corps is unique. Each corps has its own specific strength(s) and its own specific weakness(es). We can all recognize that challenges do come to our corps structure & ministry. Sometimes soldiers can look at the present issues happening in the corps and cast a blanket of blame all upon the corps officers. Sometimes the corps officer can look at the present issues happening in the corps and cast a blanket of blame all upon the soldiers. Sometimes the blame is shared…sometimes it is not.

I do not wish to imply that all our corps are going through problems and concerns ALL THE TIME. This is certainly not the case. There have been some wonderful mountaintop experiences. There have also been wonderful moments of fellowship, where we share with each other what is on our hearts.

Today I would like to provide some information to every soldier out there about your corps officer.
It is my hope that the next installment will include “3 things Corps Officers should know about their soldiers”, but today here are three things every soldiers should know about their corps officer. Some of this might be obvious to some of you, but I will highlight these anyway.

1. Corps Officers are people too!
I hate to burst your bubble here, but (shocking statement ahead) your corps officer is NOT perfect! They are just people too! They do make mistakes sometimes. This shouldn’t be taken to mean that soldiers should be looking for those imperfections in their corps officers, but it does mean that we should all exercise a good measure of grace! Some of the corps officers have families, and family events will take priority over other events. This won’t always happen but recognize that just as you have a life apart from the Corps building your corps officer also has a life apart from the corps building.

Be mindful of how your criticize your corps officer. It will be very easy to take your complaint to other soldiers in the form of gossip and slander. Please watch what you say. Your corps officer(s) have feelings as well. I am not saying don’t criticize if criticism is necessary, but do it in a way that is God honoring…go to that corps officer. Provide solutions in constructive criticism, don’t just be a grouchy corps member that offers only complaints but never offers any way to solve your concerns.
Your corps officer is a person too…so please be kind!

2. They need encouragement too!
This leads to this next thing you should know about your corps officer. They need encouragement from time to time. The Army serves some of the hardest living people in your community. There are things that your corps officer is doing for the corps behind the scenes that you may have no idea they are doing. There are days of great discouragement that your corps officer goes through. There will be times when your corps officer feels defeated and just wants to throw in the towel and quit. You can become an awesome source of encouragement to them. It doesn’t take much. Perhaps a kind word from time to time. Perhaps take them out for coffee or dinner. Invite them over. Show them love and that you appreciate them. Perhaps you feel as if you “don’t like them” or you are looking forward to the next “move cycle” in hopes that they are moved. BUT… let me ask you, have you taken the time to really get to know them? Have you gone out of your way to encourage them? Don’t give up on your corps officer, it could be that they are extremely discouraged and they just need to feel that they are loved and that they belong in your fellowship. You may never see eye to eye, but you can be the reflection of Christ and encouragement to them! Give it a try!

3. They need leadership too!
Your corps officer will most likely kiss and hug you if you become proactive in your corps and take the initiative to step up and lead in your corps! Don’t just suggest things to do and programs to lead but expect the corps officer to do it all…they can’t, and more importantly you might be missing out on the blessing and challenge of leading something new and vital for your corps! You take the lead. You offer yourself up to serve. You be that encouraging leader for your corps! God has called you to step up and help! We are an army of soldiers not just unthinking zombie-like followers. I don’t mean any disrespect in that comment, but the army needs more strong godly leaders to take the initiative in their corps. Will you be that leader to come along side your corps officer?

These are just three things every soldier should know about their corps officer! This isn’t the end all and be all kind of list, it is only a primer to a much deeper conversation.

NEXT TIME: 3 Things Corps Officers Should Know About Their Soldiers!
Something more for our army to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

February 18, 2015 20

“Holistic Hospitality” by Captain Andy Miller III – Book Review

Are you a proponent for The Salvation Army getting back to its roots? So am I!
There are countless “how to” books out there that offer scholarly advice, some are good, some not so good…some are just pie in the sky theories that have seldom been put into practice.

The Book: “Holistic Hospitality” by Andy Miller III isn’t just another book that offers scholarly advice with pie in the sky theories. This is a practical book that provides all of us a clear blueprint that will not only help us to reignite our hearts but our focus on people and real life ministry. One of the misnomers that Captain Andy Miller III tackles in this book is the notion that ministry only takes place in the corps sanctuary, or “that we must separate Army’s ministries into “social” and “spiritual””. (p. 30)

As soldiers and officers we have often seen this dividing line in ministry, and it can be a challenge to bridge the two together. Sometimes we see Sunday as our primary focus but become less involved in the other “social” aspects of day to day “Salvation Army” work. In this book, Captain Miller provides us with a practical view and a clear walk through of his own team led project of introducing the notion of hospitality into everything we do. Hospitality is so much more than something that is done at home where you serve guests. Hospitality ushers people into deeper relationship with each other and with Christ. We can practice hospitality in EVERYTHING that we do as we point to Christ while serving others!

I won’t spoil the book for you and lay out the entire project on this review.
Instead I recommend you pick up a copy of Captain Miller’s Book “Holistic Hospitality – A Bridge To A Future Army” and read it for yourself. Be encouraged, be inspired, as we strive to lead our Army onward into the future!

This book can be purchased at your Territorial Trade Department or online at Amazon.com: Linked here:
Holistic Hospitality

Something more to ponder today!

February 13, 2015 2

Breaking News…”Misremembering” And The Quest For Integrity

Brian Williams has been suspended from NBC this week.
Longtime NBC anchorman was challenged by others within the media world as to the substance of his “encounters” while reporting on the Iraq war in 2003. His “misremembering” of specific details has left some scratching their heads while others calling for his immediate termination. Whether intentional or not, the fallout of “misremembering” at the journalistic level will undoubtedly have consequences.

Similarly, within the Christian world “misremembering” and/or inconsistencies of witness will also undoubtedly have consequences! Like those who report the news nationally and internationally, Christians leaders are looked up to. They provide other Christians and would-be believers vital information, sources of hope, and godly direction. Integrity and honesty should be a given, although there have been some who have fallen from grace over the years.

The witness of Christians can become greatly devalued when inconsistencies and misremembering takes place. What good is it to speak of love and grace and even Jesus when suddenly we misremember how we are to treat other people? What good are these Christian qualities when our actions and attitudes do not resemble our words? Worse yet, what good is it to go to church and sing all the right songs and pray all the right prayers only to walk out of those doors and resemble anything but a Christ follower in our unhealthy habits, speech and actions?

Do we run the risk of running empty on integrity when we misremember how we are to be as Christians? You bet we do! The unfortunate consequences of lack of integrity as people of faith is that we will lead people away from God. Why would people want to seek out Christ when His very own followers do not practice what they preach?

Two things happen when we live within the “misremembered” and dishonest walk of “faith”

1. Our Christian witness is compromised, phony and detremental to others who are ACTUALLY living as God has called the faithful to live. We are not only ruining the chances of potential new believers coming to the faith, but we are making it even harder on other believers who are living lives of integrity. It only takes a few rotten apples to ruin the whole bunch. When others look at the church they will mostly likely first see the rotten ones. We must be aware of our witness to others…it matters THAT much!

2. Our personal faith and growth will be stunted.
“…from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.” (James 3:10-12)
Living a dishonest life within the realms of faith will inevitably shortchange our potential maturity and growth. We cannot live this way. As James puts it “this ought not be this way“. We jeopardize not only the Christian witness to others, but we tarnish our own paths and limit what God can do through us by living this way. Living a “misremembered” life that lacks integrity is cheap and unfortunately more common than not. Dare I say that Christ has called us to live the uncommon life that is full of integrity, love and obedience!

Let’s face it, Brian Williams isn’t the only one who has “misremembered” things, he was just caught.
Many are just as guilty of this same character flaw. Brian Williams just happened to be in the public eye reporting the news. Will there be more who will fall from grace? Of course…but you and I do not have to be included in this statistic if we are mindful of this trap! Integrity is a valuable, often tarnished commodity that many lack today. As people of faith, we ought to make it our goal to strive to live integrity in all that we do and all that we are!

Let’s stop the “misremembering” madness in our own lives and start practicing honesty, sincerity and truth both in word and deed.

Something more to ponder today!

February 12, 2015 1

Dear Salvation Army, 3 Ways To Embrace The Uniform

**I envision a couple of movies unfolding in my mind where non-conformists make the “required” uniform more fashionable and, dare I say more aesthetically pleasing.**

Let’s face it (and let’s get this out of the way right off the bat) – The Uniform is not going to win any fashion awards.
It will not be walking a runway in Paris or being featured in one of those high-end boutiques anytime soon.
Chances are older generations will be more prone to argue for consistent uniform wear than most of the younger generational soldiers. I am not here to argue for or against uniform wear (an auditory sigh can be heard being exhaled all around the Army world). I am here however to recognize the need for such a uniform in our army.

1. Recognizable
The uniform is recognizable, sure it might be a marketable feature from time to time but it should also be a symbol of hope to people who see it. There are many soldiers and officers who can bear witness to the fact that people will inevitably come up to us and say something to the effect of “Oh, The Salvation Army, you don’t know me but The Salvation Army saved my life….” The uniform is recognized by those it has helped as well as those who want to help. We may have to sacrifice some comforts in order to wear it. By putting it on we are taking off our personal identities and some of our individuality and becoming a part of something greater than ourselves…or better yet, perhaps our identities and individuality begins to make this Army greater than before. We do this together. We wear the uniform for a purpose. We share in this mission and fight not as a solitary soldier but as a unified army…so be recognizable!

2. Christ-likeness
I am not saying that Jesus donned one of our finest polyester threaded navy blue uniforms or anything, but I am saying that we can embrace the uniform by understanding what it stands for. Remember that the “S’s” stand for Saved to Save (or Saved to serve). Who have we been saved by? – Christ. He has provided us this salvation and displayed for us what holiness looks like. We have been saved for a holy purpose – to show others how new life can be and to help others navigate the murky sin-sick waters of life as well. We can glorify God in these uniform through the ways that we conduct daily lives. Can we practice “Christ-likeness” out of uniform? Of course, and we ought to, but we can also utilize this semi-comfortable contraption to bear witness of a transformed life. I am not saying wearing the uniform is always easy, but neither is living a holy life. Again, we can draw some parallels here but they are not mutually exclusive either. If you are a soldier and you are committed to the cause of the Army then consistent uniform wear is probably a given.

3. Uniqueness of Witness To Others
Barring that you don’t get delayed in airports often and get frequently mistaken for airline pilots and staff members, the uniform can be a relatively unique witnessing tool. People are quite curious as to what the uniform is all about. If anything it’s a wonderful conversation starter. Bear in mind that witnessing is so much more than the old “gospel tract” methods. It is so much more than “cold calling” people, or yelling from a street corner “Jesus Saves”. People are people and want to be engaged as such. If we have hidden motives and agendas we are disingenuous in our witness. Wearing the uniform will either scare people away or cause them to ask certain questions…and who knows perhaps you can develop a relationship with someone because of it. With wearing the uniform, we do not hide the fact that we are Soldiers and Christians. We all know of areas in which Christianity has been tarnished by inconsistent witnesses and down right hypocritical people – and we cannot afford to be that kind of witness while in uniform. Seriously, if you don’t think you can be a consistent witness in and out of a uniform (PLEASE JOT THIS DOWN) – THEN DON’T WEAR THE UNIFORM! I don’t mean to be harsh but either wear it with conviction or don’t. Either embrace the symbolism behind the uniform or walk away from it.

The Future of The Uniform?
Look, I don’t know what the future holds for the uniform, but if what we have seen in the last 20 – 30 years indicates anything, the Salvation Army uniform can and will change. This doesn’t mean that it will all but disappear, but it might mean that certain adjustments will be made – **ahem the bonnets and high collars…will skirts and pantyhose be next? I don’t know. Can I say that I ALWAYS enjoy wearing full uniform – of course not! Will I stop wearing my uniform as long as I am a soldier and officer – No. Would I welcome some adjustments or modifications to the uniform in the future? You bet I would!

February 10, 2015 20

Dear Salvation Army, Submission, Ego & Abuse

I enter into this pondering knowing full-well that some may consider this rebellious conversation – this is not my intention at all.
I would like to discuss the concept of submission within the ranks of the Army.
Is submission biblical?

Obvious answer – Yes.
Biblical Answers See:
Romans 13:1-7,Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 5:5, Ephesians 5:21

Were there instances in the early church where submission to authority was abused? Of course.
The fallout between the Apostle Paul and Peter was epic.
Peter exercised his authority in an inconsistent way. He ate with Gentiles on one occasion then on another when friends of James came by, he refused because he was afraid of criticism and pressure among the “circumcised traditionalists”.
(see Galatians 2:11-13)

Some might contend that this wasn’t a submission issue, but how would the Gentiles have felt in this instance being relegated and placed below another group of people because of what they did or didn’t practice?
It was an abuse of power that the Apostle Paul had to confront Peter on. After this or shortly after this period there is a shift in leadership within the early Church and Paul becomes the most prominent leader. Peter still had a role to play, naturally, but this was a pivotal moment when two leaders collided on an important issue.

On Ego and Abuse:
Whether it is The Salvation Army, the Roman Catholic Church or places of government – egos will exist.
There will always be those who wish to achieve a certain type of status and power in order to be placed above others.
After all, didn’t the disciples argue amongst themselves as to who would be greatest (Luke 9:46)?
It isn’t too far fetched to conceive that there are times when leadership and ego collide.
Good leaders will brush off the temptation to display their power over subjugates and those they lead.
Poor leaders will wish to remind others of who they are and just who is in charge.
Honestly it is a sign of character weakness when ego in leadership leads to abuse of power.
Examples of power struggles in our Army have happened over the years. Many variables take place and cannot always be chalked up to just ego and abuse, but it is not unheard of to have leaders ship off officers and (even employees for that matter) are sent to “punishment appointments”. It is sometimes a means to an end. It is sometimes validated. Sometimes this environment develops a culture of fear.

Have we cultivated this “culture of fear” in our Army?
I certainly hope not.
I do believe that there are godly men and women who lead in a manner of holiness and conviction.
I am also not naive in my thinking that ego and abuse are exempt in our Army…it does happen, but I am hopeful that this is a rare occurrence instead of the norm. Some might call me naive in this thought…so be it.

Who do we submit to?
One of the verses that helps me on this topic (because I am really not good at submitting, if I am brutally honest) is Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
I am not a conformist by nature.
I am a fighter.
I will tell you how I feel – there’s no beating around the bush with me.
I know that I must temper this…I imagine you do as well.
I must admit submission is one of my personal struggles.
It isn’t about pride with me, it is all about trust.
For me trust in leadership has to be earned.
I need to know the leaders I serve under have my back.
I need to know that leaders I serve under will support me.
I need to know that leaders I serve under won’t throw me under the bus.
I need to know that leaders I serve under will treat me (and other officers and staff) with honesty, godliness and humility.

1. We submit to God.
In this complete submission we find peace no matter what life or “Army life” throws our way.
When we can fully submit to God (which isn’t easy) we can, as an act of worship to Him submit to the leaders that He has placed in our path. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. This is where the true test of our mettle lays.
We can say “we trust God and we are submitting to Him fully,” and yet our actions can tell us something completely different. Holiness isn’t just about living in our corps and in our communities, holiness is also about living a life of submission…some might say these two things go hand in hand. Will there be bad leaders who abuse power and who are led by ego? Yes, but everyone will have to account for their own actions one day before the Father. What we can do within our personal holiness is submit to Him first and allow Him to work in our submission to others.

2. Submit to Authority
This authority includes leaders we work under. We are all imperfect people and we all make mistakes. The higher you go within the spectrum of leadership, the greater the pressure and the higher the scrutiny. Have mercy on those who lead you. Show respect, love and patience. You may not always agree. I am not saying roll over and accept decisions that are wrong…but choose your battles wisely. Choose also how you will respond to criticism and correction. This happens in every aspect of life, whether it’s a correction by a police officer for speeding, or it is a moment of correction in a conference room with your supervisor – be godly people and react in godly ways through it all.
This. is. a. tough. place. to. respond. with. holiness.

Does abuse and ego happen in our Army? – Yes.
Can we change that dynamic? I certainly hope so. I am willing to change it, are you?

1. Pray for your leaders.
You might be surprised what God can do to perhaps soften their heart as well as yours.
Also in our prayers God can reveal to us places where we need to be focusing on our own egos, pride and issues.
2. Some Day, Who Knows, You might be that leader…then what?
A wise man once said to me – “remember how you were treated by that person/leader, and then strive to become a better person/leader than that in your own life.”

This is our army.
Lead by Submission to God.
Follow by Submission to God.
And in between, no matter the conflict Submission to God.

“So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.”
(Count Your Blessings/Johnson Oatman, Jr.)

Something more for our Army to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

February 9, 2015 2

Being Joyful In Hope…A Way Of Living

The List Of “Maybes”…
Maybe:
<You are going through a tough time right now.
<You are just having a bad day.
<You have been in this dry, barren desert from some time now.
<You are on the brink of giving up.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” -Romans 12:12
Here is some encouragement for you today, and let me unpack it for you.

Hope:
Hope isn’t some wish that is granted by rubbing a genie bottle.
Hope is not about “Wishing” my day would get better.
Hope isn’t about dreaming a “better you” either.
Hope isn’t found by fully relying on one’s self. Hope is provided. It is bestowed upon us. Hope, like grace is a characteristic of God. He gave us life, and now He is providing us a way to live it to its fullest. Faith has a way of stretching us. It propels us far beyond our comprehension of “what’s possible and available” to us. Faith, not in ourselves, but in Christ plants the seeds of hope in our heart. When we have this rootedness in Christ, we will begin to finally see beyond the temporalness of life. We can begin to see a bigger picture. We can start to scratch the surface of a hope that comes from God.

Patient in Affliction:
Joy isn’t about being happy. Sure, happiness is great…but sometimes it’s a limited time run.
We do go through difficulties in life.
We will not always be happy.
It is a myth that Christians MUST be happy all the time.
How is that even possible? It would look awfully strange at sad events like funerals to be laughing with happiness in the corner wouldn’t it?
Truths:
We will experience sadness as Christians.
We will endure afflictions too.
Happiness is not the same thing as joy.
Joy, like Hope is provided to us by the source of joy – God himself.
So that despite the situation, both good or bad, we might still retain joy within our souls.

The Heart of the Pondering Today:
I do not know what you are going through today, but I do know that despite the turbulence of life, despite the upheaval that happens from time to time – Hoping in the Almighty provides us joy and endurance through it all. Can you trust in a God who is overall? Can you hope in an everlasting joy instead of a temporary fix of happiness? I’m not saying don’t be happy ever again, but we can tap into something so much more powerful and lasting than short bursts of a disappointing type of instant gratification happiness.

To begin, we have to be willing to let go of the things we cannot control.
It isn’t easy to let go of anything, let a lone a perceived type of control in life, yet, through prayer, through faith we will begin to see a hope that will restore our souls and place us completely submitted to God…in everything, every area of our lives. This is probably the hardest thing for any of us to do, but when we do let go and when we submit to His purposes for our lives, the dynamic changes and we can experience this joyfulness in hope.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray for so many today who are experiencing doubt, despair and depression. I pray for strength in my own life today. Please provide us endurance as we place our all before you in complete submission. Teach us what being joyful in hope looks like. Reveal to us Your joy even in the midst of our dark valleys, Lord. Be near us, and help us to live this life that you have called us to. -Amen.

Something more to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

February 6, 2015 0

Dear Salvation Army – 3 Questions To Ask Before Becoming An Officer

Dear Salvationists,
this is not 3 “magical beans” reminiscent of Jack and the bean stalk, this is simply an exploration into officership.

The Truth:
Officership is not for everyone.

The Lie:
In order to live out my calling as a Soldier I MUST become an Officer.

I do not say this to discourage anyone from becoming an officer, please do not misunderstand me.
I wish to dispel the myth that in order to be fulfilled in ministry within the army one must ALWAYS become an officer.
I do not wish to undermine anyone’s calling either.
If God has specifically called you into Officership, then by all means fulfill that calling!
There are, however, some within our army who feel that in order to do more and be more they must become officers only to discover that this was not the right choice for them. I believe this certainly does contribute to the continued and troubling attrition rate amongst officers. One way to address this issue (loss of officers) is to ask the hard questions prior to becoming an officer. Sometimes, not always, individuals enter training with a pie in the sky, unrealistic concept of what Officership looks like, or should look like, and then when they are sent out to appointments reality hits and they begin to say to themselves “this isn’t what I signed up for”. THQ and DHQ are very good at reminding officers of the covenant that they signed (sometimes too good) but in all honesty some consider this covenant as just another hurdle to become an officer and wear that red trim.

Understandably, the screening process and testing done for prospective candidates has become more elaborate (depending on the territory, it will vary). With these benchmarks in place it does help to process “qualified” candidates. In saying this, I recognize some might take offense to this, perhaps because they did not “qualify”, or are currently in the process of becoming an accepted candidate. To some this is frustrating. The testing process, like many things in life, is not perfect. Individuals have potentially made the screening process only to phase out in training or eventually leave the work for a multitude of reasons.

Putting that aside, please allow me to share three important questions one should ask themselves before committing to Officership.
DISCLAIMER: These three questions are merely primer or starter questions and are not meant to be all inclusive. There are many more variables to consider before taking that important step, but here are three suggested questions to consider:

3 Questions To Ask Before Becoming An Officer:

#1 Why do I want to become an Officer?
When we ask this personal question of ourselves we can hopefully draw some conclusions as to our purpose and intent for wanting to become an officer. Be honest. If you can’t be honest with yourself, then who can you be honest with? Answering this fundamental question of officership can help to further clarify your personal goals in life. If you feel as if God has specifically called you into this then that should be your answer. If you don’t know why you want to be an officer – that is your answer (as murky as that is)…and so you explore that possibility. If you answer this question on the basis of relatives who are also serving in the army and you signed up because it is comfortable and familiar to you – there’s your answer. I am not saying any, other than God calling you, are completely wrong reasons but they do become the catalyst for what kind of officer you do become. Perhaps make a list of all the reasons that you want to be an officer, jot them down on a notepad so that you can better see them. This might help you make a comprehensive decision and not one that you might regret if you enter into this decision half-hearted and unsure.

#2 Have I prayed about this?
Another honest question to ask yourself. Not to scare you or anything but this decision is a big one! It will impact everything that you do in life. That doesn’t mean that you can’t change directions later, but it means that you can make the right choices at the onset by simply and prayerfully considering this decision. Please note that I am not discouraging anyone from becoming an officer, in fact if anything I am pleading to anyone considering taking that step to do so with prayerful consideration which involves the Lord throughout the process in a daily walk with Him.

Start a prayer journal if you’re a writer or can better connect to God in this way. For some of us articulating these emotions upon the page can help us sort through our spiritual decisions. Have others pray for you as well. This is probably obvious, but take the time to ask the Father for guidance. Be specific. Pray for support and the proper guidance of other people. Pray and don’t hide any motives from God, because naturally He already knows our hearts.

#3 Can I Live This Life of Submission?
This is the Officers Covenant that is signed while at College for Officers Training:

MY COVENANT

CALLED BY GOD
to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
as an officer of The Salvation Army

I BIND MYSELF TO HIM IN THIS SOLEMN COVENANT

to love and serve him supremely all my days,

to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life,

to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends,

to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God’s grace to prove myself a worthy officer.

Done in the strength of my Lord and Savior, and in the presence of (the following wording to be adapted to local circumstances) the Territorial Commander, training college officers and fellow cadets.

This calling to become an officer is a sacred decision.
I do not wish to sugarcoat this.
I also do not wish to paint an officer’s life as always glorious, or always rosy, or always joyful.
These things do happen, there will be setbacks, heartaches, days of discouragement, stress and disappointment.
When we deal with people, even leaders can and will make mistakes.
We are not perfect people, but we are striving to live a life of humility and submission.
Is this easy? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
For some of us, this is the hardest thing we could ever do.
Many do not like being told what to do, where to go, and sometimes how to do something.
Politics does happen.
Favoritism does happen too.
Living within a relationship of submission to the Lord in this capacity will not be easy.
We do trust that He knows what He is doing even when we feel others have made leadership mistakes.
We do trust that He will lead and direct even when sometimes the directions seem skewed and wrong.
Submission first to God allows us to live this life under the authority of the Army.
Can you live this way?
Are you prepared to submit to this kind of authority (even when you may not always agree)?

The life of an Officer is rewarding.
It can be fulfilling…but is this the right decision for you?
Only you and the Lord can answer that question.
There are many, many saints in this army. Some wear red trim on their tunics and some wear blue trim on their tunics…these saints are equally needed and important in this army!! If God has called you into Officership then get on with it and stop dragging your feet! If He has not called you into Officership but into a place leadership and service as a soldier and/or employee of this army, then get on with it also – YOU ARE NEEDED regardless if you wear red or not.

Something more for this army world to ponder!
To God be the glory!

February 3, 2015 6

Churches – “We’re outsourcing our benevolence funds”…Really?

Is the need that great?
Are churches having trouble “keeping up”?
Why are some churches outsourcing the care of the poor to agencies?
Isn’t there some sort of responsibility that churches ought to have in regards to helping those in need?

It is mind boggling to me when I come across community churches that have outsourced one of its primary functions in as Christians to a created agency to facilitate. They are happy to funnel their “charity” funds into a created social service office somewhere off of their church buildings. It almost says to the outside world – we’re interested only in those who can support themselves but we don’t want the riffraff of society in our beautiful buildings.

The Benefit of the doubt:
Granted, there are always new legalities and policies within cities taking place which makes it difficult for some churches to serve the needy.

Secondly, some churches do not have the budgets for staffing full time social service employees to facilitate this need.

Thirdly, storage and distribution space.

But…
(and it’s a big one) does this mean ONLY parishioners/members of that church can have access to services?
The danger in this kind of model of social distribution of services (and it really does exist) is that support for individuals in need is managed in a discriminatory fashion. If you do not belong to the “club” you cannot receive help…”but here are a list of food pantries in the area that we can direct you to.” That’s all well and good but don’t you think the message it is sending is “you don’t belong here, please go somewhere else…Members only!”?

Outsourcing:
The only kind of outsourcing Jesus did was delegating responsibilities to his disciples.
It was for their education as disciples.
It was to help them and to grow as future leaders.
Jesus didn’t send people on their way to the temple administrators.
He didn’t tell some “I can’t heal you because you aren’t a member”

Why do some churches take this path?
Does it deviate from the true purpose of “Church”?
Does it seem to send a message of “We care, but not in our backyard“?

I ponder these things today with open questions because honestly I don’t have the answers.
I just see that certain churches have become pretentious in appearances and treat benevolence like a blight or an annoyance that they deal with once or twice a year with a collection.

Is this not important?
Are we not to care for the orphans, widows and poor?
Has it become beneath the modern American church?
If that person isn’t a member is there any help that we can give them?

Something more to ponder today.

February 2, 2015 2

Seeking Dead-Jesus… (a reflection of Mary at the tomb)

I keep thinking about Mary encountering Jesus in the garden post-death.
Imagine it with me if you can:

She is going there to properly take care of his dead body.
She is going there to shed a few more tears in private.
She is going there to say goodbye.
Her heart is as heavy as a led balloon.
She just can’t wake up from this nightmare.
Rising early that morning, a night wrought with bad dreams and sleeplessness, she heads directly to the grave.
Call it a moment to convince herself that He’s really gone.
Call it a part of the mourning process.

Rounding the last turn in the overgrown garden she comes upon a sight that she cannot quite explain.
Reason fails her and she is pauses a step to take in the scene attempting to comprehend it all – His grave is open. Picking up the pace, she closes in on the tomb and enters all in one quick motion. The place where they had laid Jesus is empty, it is vacant. Had the authorities changed their minds? What happened to the body of her teacher, her rabbi?

Mary runs back and gets the disciples who, upon hearing this troubling news, run to the tomb to check it out for themselves.

Fresh tears begin to well up in her eyes as a lump forms in her throat as this all takes place.
Where is Jesus?
Why had they done this?
Could they not have left Him be, allowing this one ounce of dignity?

Stepping back out of the tomb, the early sun begins to crest the horizon and spills effortlessly out upon the garden igniting it in hues of orange and red. Mary doesn’t know what to do. She is dumb-founded. Mary peers again into the tomb to make sure she has seen it correctly, as grief can often cloud the ruffled edges of judgment and understanding. Then…something catches her eye – two angelic forms standing beside the place where dead-Jesus had been laid. They speak to her. “Woman, why are you crying?” they ask…as if the meaning of death and loss meant nothing. But Mary swallows back tears and replies “They have taken away my Lord and I don’t know where they have put Him.” Uttering this very statement is like releasing the floodgates in a dam and her resolve breaks and so does her heart.

Suddenly, a shadow passes between her and the fire branded sunrise. It is the silhouette of a man. It MUST be the gardener coming to tend to the property before the hot sun engulfs and wilts the plants. It must be someone who knows something about where Jesus has be taken. Once again, the question is asked of her, this time by the man standing silhouetted in front of her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Again Mary sniffles and forces out a tired, bitter response amidst her flowing tears “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

She is at the end of her strength.
She is beyond heart-sick.
At the very least this can be done – recovering Jesus’ body.

Then, something remarkable happens – the dead speaks.
The man before her says one word that brings water to a desert.
This one word means more than the content of thousands of words meticulously strewn together in a book.
He speaks this one word and the storms of mourning cease.
He speaks this one word and shattered pieces of her heart become whole again.
“MARY.”
In her weakest state she recognizes just who He is.
In her tear-blurred eyes and flood of grieving heart, she finds renewed strength in His presence.
She calls out to Him by His respected title – ““Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Mary is overwhelmed with joy.
She is filled with relief.
The sun, now in its fuller light shines upon the son of God in all of His resurrected glory.
He is alive!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I keep coming back to this story because often we too keep going to back to the empty tombs in our lives.
We keep coming up with the wrong conclusions.
Doubt casts its shadow upon our faith and it weighs heavily on us.
Doubt blurs our resolve and shakes our foundations of belief.
We stoop down into that tomb time and time again and we forget that we do not serve a dead-savior, but a risen one.
We need to look up and see Him.
We need to recognize our teacher.
We need to find Him once more for ourselves.
He wipes away our tears and longs for us to cry out to Him.

Will you?
Something more to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

January 29, 2015 0