Dear Salvationist – 5 Things Leaders Shouldn’t Do

Dear Salvation Army Soldier, it would seem that we are at a turning point in our Army.
Perhaps some of you have seen this coming for years, perhaps some are seeing this for the first time. Our organization, built on the fire of The Holy Spirit and the Mission to reach souls for Christ through “Soup, Soap, & Salvation” is in need of a second and possibly third blessing from the Lord.

What do I mean by that? I mean we are in need of a Pentecost type renewal once again among our ranks. We need a deeper resolve within our prayer lives. We must preach Holiness from the pulpit BUT more importantly live holiness in our lives and be an example of Christ-likeness to those around us!

This turning point is like the Israelites of old who renewed their covenant with God over and over again only to forget its meaning and stray from their faith and relationship to the Author and Sustainer of life. Do we stray sometimes? Have we lost our way upon this pathway of duty? I don’t think this Salvationist thing is solely about duty…no, it’s so much more than that! To me, the word “duty” implies something arduous and required of us. Something that allows us to plod along as long as we are performing our required/expected responsibilities. That word only goes so far…we as Salvationists need more the duty in our lives and in our ministries, we need passion, faith and perseverance too!

That being said, allow me for a moment to delve into a very important topic of leadership.
This topic is not exclusively for our divisional/territorial or International leaders, this is a broad brush stroke that transcends position and status within our Army. I say this because I do not want anyone to assume I am directing this at anyone specifically…if I did that, I would have to seriously contend that my abilities within leadership is perfect…they most certainly are not. I am still learning. I have a lot of room for growth here. I am no fool, I recognize this in myself. I write this for me…and perhaps, in some way – you might also benefit and relate from it as well.

My Master’s Degree is Organizational Leadership…despite all of that, degree and all, I’m still a work in progress…how about you?

5 Things Leaders Shouldn’t Do –

STOP –

5) “Do as I say, not as I do!”
We might find ourselves barking orders and giving commands that we seldom or have difficulty following ourselves. Weren’t the Pharisees of old really good at that too? They were the enforcers of laws that they themselves didn’t necessarily keep. Allow me to just say…”those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” This kind of behavior within leadership is tempting – We lead, we should expect people to follow us, but if we don’t first lead by example, chances are those that follow will either resent our leadership or stop following all together. THIS is extremely detrimental to our Army. Beware of this leadership trap!! If you find yourself here, please, please stop – you’re hurting the army more than you are helping it!

DON’T

4) Cast An Unrealistic Vision
This too is easy to do!
We set the standard SO high that no one can reach it and many will find themselves disillusioned and discouraged. We are an Army, but we are also an army of compassion and hope. We can’t expect a new convert to the faith to become Brengle overnight (for example). Set your vision – YES, but be mindful that you don’t lose your people in the process. Make your vision and your goals attainable, whatever they may entail. Don’t lose sight of the sheep you shepherd and get so far ahead of them that they aren’t able to keep up or follow you. Thankfully Jesus never His disciples in the dust, He helped them along, even explaining certain parables to them when they were confused or off base.

STOP
3) Discipline Without Compassion
Stop this, please!
Jesus said this of the earthly model of leadership –
“Among the heathen, kings are tyrants and each minor official lords it over those beneath him.But among you it is quite different. Anyone wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant. And if you want to be right at the top, you must serve like a slave. Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah,* did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”(Matthew 20:25-28 TLB)

The Army doesn’t need more iron-fisted leaders, it needs leaders who lead with compassion as their strength! Discipline? Yes – but fairly and with the intention to correct and restore. Don’t discipline out of anger or misaligned points of view. Some of the best leaders that I know are those who have a servant’s heart and are concerned about helping those they lead to attain levels of personal growth in their lives!

DON’T

2) Lead In A Way That’s Always Been Done…”
It’s an excuse to lead in this manner – “The Army has always led this way” – False, men and women have led this way, but we can lead in ways that improve upon what has already been built! Don’t hang all of your experience upon the coat hook of tradition as your standard. Instead glean what worked and what didn’t…Adapt! I will take a prayer warrior leader over one who wishes to climb the ladder by stepping on people any day! Don’t think for a minute that there haven’t been those consumed by the compulsion to lead or driven by personal ambition…it’s a human flaw, and we all have our own personal egos to contend with.

Gut check time – I think the words of Ezekial 34:4 could apply to all of us as a warning to leaders who are not fair or lead by “how it has ALWAYS been done” – “You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.

Let’s not lose sight of why we need leaders in our army, and why we exist in the first place!
1) Stop Blaming Loss of Membership Solely On Those You Lead!”
This is critical.
It goes hand in hand with the whole setting the vision too high thing…be mindful of casting blame. Officers – stop blaming all of your corps people on the loss of members (you might be warranted sometimes – go to specific people!) Soldiers – stop blaming your corps officers or the officers before the current ones! We all have a responsibility in the here and now to lead and to shepherd people to Christ.

If we lose a battle, claim it and move on to the next! To use the euphemism again – This war is not over! We have much ground to gain and we need to persevere and fight on! Leadership – where ever you may be, if you take credit for the victories, take ownership for defeats as well! You are the ones to set the vision and assist in seeing that vision to fruition.

You might agree or disagree with me, that’s fine.
At the end of the day I want all of us (myself especially) to examine our places of authority. Whether it’s in the corps or at headquarters. We either do this together, or fall apart trying to do our own thing!

Something more for our army to ponder today!

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s pondering on 5 Things Leaders SHOULD do!
***Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this pondering are the writers thoughts and opinions, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of The Salvation Army…read discretion advised. ***

February 17, 2016 5

Dear Salvationist -Watch Your Mouth!

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

The Holiness Movement is far from dead.
We, as Salvationists, have within our veins more than the figurative colors of red, yellow, blue…we have the image of Christ within our hearts. Not to say that other Christ-followers do not, or that we are better than anyone else, but this message, this pondering is primarily for Salvationists in our world today.

We face difficulties in our communities and in our culture which makes it hard to be truly set apart for God. The lure of many things comes knocking at our doors and begs us to participate, to comprise, to ignore this calling. Is it possible to look so much like the culture that our effectiveness in mission is compromised? Is there a line that begs and pleads alluringly to be crossed? What of our attitudes, our hearts, and our speech? Do these go hand in hand with our lifestyles, with our mission?

There isn’t a time clock that we punch when we accept this holy mission of Christ’s. We are either all in or not at all. We don’t wear the uniform to the corps but once it’s off at home we become someone else, with a different set of life rules. We are beckoned to “go into all the world…” We are asked to “take up our crosses” and follow Christ. If we are to imitate Him in every way (Ephesians 5:1), then this includes what we say.

Confession:
I can be cynical at times (That’s not a shock to some of you).
I always joke that I have the spiritual gift of sarcasm, but sometimes that sarcasm takes a very harmful turn. My speech isn’t always as it should be. Words can become barbs that are razor sharp that can cut to the heart of people faster than any blade could ever penetrate. I know this of myself. I make no excuse of this. Does that mean I wish to continue to the live my life in a verbal rut? Of course not!

Dear Salvationist
Do you have the deep desire to continue to grow in Christ?
Is there, within your heart, the Spirit’s pleading to become more than you are right now?
Are we settling for the verbal ruts, the bad habits, the inexcusable behavior? Do we make excuses and/or rationalize these away in order to make them more palatable and accepted? I can tell you truthfully that you will never really know peace within your heart as long as you continue to reside where the Holy Spirit does not want you to reside – in regards to ungodly habits and behaviors that are contrary to your covenant or promise to Him.

Like our tithe, like our commitments to God – if we continue to only give Him a portion, we will never be truly satisfied living within His will. What is God’s will for us? Read Micah 6:8 again “He has shown you, oh man what is good and what the Lord requires from you. To live justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Watch Your Mouth!
Be mindful of your mission field.
Be aware of how ungodly speech corrupts your heart and those around you.
What kind of speech am I talking about? Not just profanity and course language, but (and more importantly) unkind words towards others, Gossip of any kind, malicious-hate fueled speech. Words that do not build up but instead destroy. Soldiers of this Army; more importantly Soldiers of God do not act this way…should not act this way! Watch your mouth…it can build souls and help them become more Christ-like, or it can burn the heart and fuel it into hatred towards God…that is how helpful or harmful your words can be.

Questions to Ponder Today:
How can I change my patterns of speech?
Do I recognize those moments when my words become barbs and are used as weapons?
What is the Holy Spirit instructing me to do within my actions and my use of speech?
What kinds of changes do I need to make right now?
Have I settled for where I am right now or am I willing to grow through the direction of the Holy Spirit?

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

January 14, 2016 5

Dear Salvation Army, Short Changing Tithe?

This is a pondering that attempts to meddle – I’m sorry.
I was asked by one of our readers to do a pondering on this topic…it’s a good one. It is a rather relevant one too, isn’t it? If we were truly honest with ourselves (and no one else) – we might admit that there are times when we take our resources and our blessings for granted.

Individually
In a world, currently that is consumed with who will win the next Powerball lottery jackpot, we don’t often fathom what we already have to be a true blessing…because we crave more.

I do not mean to step on anyone’s toes today, any more than I am already stepping heavily upon my own – and this hurts. But I can confess that I have, at times, neglected to give the Lord the best…instead I’ve given Him what’s left. Why would we do such a thing? How could we neglect the Author of Life our first fruits? Life does happen. Bills sometimes pile up. Children, like vacuums, suck the dollars right out of your wallet. But are those just excuses sometimes? Am I just attempting to rationalize my spending or my haphazard, inconsistent giving? -Yes.

You might say that I’m being hard on myself…perhaps I am. But who ought to take responsibility for what we do or don’t do? Will anyone else take that blame from me? Is it someone else’s fault when I short change God with my tithes of time, talent and treasure? Of course not.

Corporately
I am not shifting blame, please don’t take it that way.
I wonder sometimes if, as leaders, we set the bar higher for others and yet that bar suddenly doesn’t apply to us? Does this happen? Are there times (in any organization and/or church) when leadership decides these are the guidelines for those under them, but those same guidelines do not apply to the administrators of those same guidelines? Do double standards apply to financial giving from Administration to Subordinates? Does this happen from IHQ/THQ/DHQ/Corps? I certainly hope not, this is not necessarily my experience.

Where does financial accountability play into this?
How important is it to be consistent from Administration all the way down to volunteer and soldier/adherent/attendee?

Let me give you my opinion on this subject – Accountability matters from the top down, and from the down to the top. We must be accountable with the big things, we must also be accountable with the small things regardless of rank or lack there of.

Back To You And Me
We can not, however, afford to look over the fence at anyone else other than ourselves when it comes to being good stewards of the things God has given to us to take care of. We are accountable first to God, then to those He has placed above us. What we do with our time, talent and treasure matters. How we spend any of that – matters. Who we are in and out of church or the office – matters. There isn’t a time clock that we sluggishly punch each day then get home and take off our masks to become someone else. We are His – that should be our identity.

Questions to Ponder:
I find it very interesting that other “churches” (and I know we’re not specifically a church) support the ministries they do through tithing…It is equally interesting that most Salvation Army corps cannot fully support the ministries they do in their communities, let alone World Services through tithing alone…is that a good thing or bad thing? Is it because many of our corps members do not have the financial resources to consistently tithe? (this could very well be the case)

Have I, or am I (on a personal level) short changing God in my tithing?
Am I building MY kingdom here with stuff, trophies of my accomplishments, hoarding my resources…is this who I am?
Are there areas of my life where self-denial is lacking?
Can I be honest with myself and with God when it comes to my tithing habits?
Are there other places in the world that could use my financial contributions?
Do I give consistently to World Services?
Do I give consistently to my Corps?
Do I care about poverty in my world? What can I do to help?
Do my contributions matter?
Am I giving enough? Is it Net or Gross Pay?

There is much to discover and ponder in this topic today…I hope the shoe prints on our toes fade…then again, maybe not.

Something more to for us to ponder today!

Disclaimer: The opinions and thoughts expressed in Pastorsponderings.org are the expressed opinions and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Salvation Army.

January 13, 2016 8

Dear Salvation Army, The New Song Book

You know, as they say, “Out with the old, in with the new”…but a part of me is feeling a little melancholy about this one. I can still remember the old song book, now twice removed. It has been put to pasture years ago, but for a few still lingering upon shelves of Salvation Army libraries or others who feel sentimental like me. I remember how that book smelled. Its pages were crisp and contained many of the songs I grew up singing. Some of those songs are still intact, reprinted with a new paint job and a new format inside this new song book. (Phew that was a lot of “news“) Some of the old songs, will inevitably have to wait for another resurrection, until some of us sentimentals grow older and find we really do miss seeing those lyrics among the pages of a Salvo Book.

Nonetheless, I do like this new edition…it is growing on me. (Although, I realize that I too am not always amenable to change.)
The segregation of the chorus section is no more. Newer, more singable chorus are now included. The creators of this edition even took the time to incorporate scriptural referencing as well as thematic messages…it’s a Holiness meeting (and other meetings) preparer’s dream to have this new tool within these pages!

From a corps perspective, soldiers by and large, enjoy seeing this new song book among the pews. I wonder if most soldiers, adherents and attendees feel the same? I would be curious to know other people’s thoughts and first impressions of this new song book as it hits the pews around the world.

For Me:
It’s still growing on me. It’s going to take some time as I put my long goodbyes away for “old red” and begin to feel the inevitable present-tense of this new tool in songbook form.

There are other, more pressing issues to ponder about…but for just a moment I had to find time to ruminate on the passing of another song book, besides I’m going to miss seeing those red bound books in the pews…perhaps that’s just me.

What do you think of this change?
Is it good, bad, kind of the same? Tell us what YOU think.

Something more to ponder today.

Disclaimer:
The views of pastorsponderings.org are the writer’s thoughts and opinions and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of The Salvation Army.

January 11, 2016 33

Dear Salvation Army, Are You Missing Out?

It is that time of year again – Thanksgiving meals to host, Red Kettles to send out, toys to collect and pick up, volunteers to appreciate and direct…the list goes on.

If you go to The Salvation Army and/or are employed by The Salvation Army, (Officer/Employee/otherwise) you know just how hectic this time of year can become. There are moments when there isn’t enough hours in the day to get what needs to be done completed. We can become harried, worn out and sometimes short-fused.

Sometimes we tend to dread this season of Christmas because we are so very busy. Don’t get me wrong, it is a wonderful thing that we do for people in our communities, but it does come at a cost. We can become jaded by what we do so much so that we lose sight of why we do it in the first place. Sometimes we lose out on precious opportunities because our noses are firmly planted to “the grind”.

Don’t Miss Out!
Here are a few things that I have learned thus far whilst being an Officer, and before that, an Officer’s kid at this time of year:

1. Look up from time to time.
Don’t become so focused on stats and figures and logistics that people get lost in the shuffle. Look up, look into people’s eyes, take a precious moment (not the porcelain figurine) away from the busyness and look up at those around you.

2. Take a minute break – unplug for a short time.
It sounds preposterous to “take a break” during our busiest season, but step outside. Go get a cup of coffee. Do something for ten or fifteen minutes (even an hour if you can afford to) that gets you away from the noise and responsibilities. This is sometimes called “self-care”. It’s maintenance for the mind, soul, body. Breathe.

3. Listen.
Again, it sounds funny to say this when we have some many people wanting a moment of our time, but learn to listen…to the right things at the right moment. The Lord DOES place people on our path that edify and encourage us (sometimes those we least suspect), and He also puts certain people on our path that we can help share His hope with. Put down the planner, put down the pen, take your eyes off of the Christmas data entry on the computer…and just listen.

We have a distinct opportunity to reach new believers during this time of year. Sure, there are those few who are “Seasonal Christians” who only come at Christmas and Easter, but there are also some deeply impactful moments that one can have with people who are desperately searching for something meaningful in their lives. We know that Christ is the answer – and we (if we are listening) can spur on those deeply spiritual moments.

4. Intentional Worship
Not only should we anticipate the business of this season, we should also anticipate God’s Holy Presences in our worship. Worship isn’t exclusively what we do on Sunday mornings either. Worship can take place while we drive bell ringers out to their sites – and the conversations that we engage in while in that van. That van can become a sacred space, as sacred as any penitent form or altar.

Let’s face it, we’re all familiar with certain “catch-phrases” or cliches associated with the Christmas season. There’s one particular cliche’ spoken often around this time of year, and it goes like this “Wise men still seek Him” – I’m not one to use these tired phrases, but we DO need to be intentional in our worship of the Most High. There needs to be personal preparation before we come before Him. We ought to check our motives, attitudes, grudges, conflicts at the door and navigate the deep, personal waters of our hearts. We must set aside these sacred spaces within our hearts in order to ensure we aren’t people with divided hearts. We do not want to miss experiencing His presence because we are too busy or too consumed with STUFF.

Questions to Ponder:
Are You Missing Out?
Are you so busy that you actually dread Christmas?
Are Sunday services and other worship opportunities merely a afterthought?
How can you make this Christmas season count?
-There’s nothing specifically special about one specific day, but more people are open to Christ during this time of year.

What would happen if we listened more intently?

Don’t miss out on experiencing His Holy Presence or the opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone’s life because you find yourself too busy at this time of year. Be intentional, be aware and be His Ambassador of grace and peace.

Something more to ponder today!
God Bless You!

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on Pastorsponderings.org do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Salvation Army and are the sole property of Scott Strissel. Thanks for reading!

November 24, 2015 0

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

Category: Corps Officers