General Cox Appoints his Chief of Staff:

General André Cox writes:

You will understand that within a very short time of accepting my election to the office of General, I began to give serious thought to whom I might ask to work alongside me as the Chief of the Staff.

After several days of prayer, reflection and wide consultation with a number of senior leaders, I have decided to appoint Commissioner William Roberts as Chief of the Staff, effective 1 October 2013. Commissioner Nancy Roberts is appointed as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner William Roberts returns to International Headquarters with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the international Army. After initial appointments in corps ministry, he served in divisional finance appointments for a number of years, before being appointed as a divisional secretary in two divisions and then as divisional commander in two divisions. Commissioner Nancy Roberts shared those years of ministry, involving herself also in the leadership of the League of Mercy and the Home League, and as Social Concerns (Moral and Ethical Issues) Secretary.

December 2001 saw Commissioners Roberts move to the southern part of the Americas and Caribbean zone, when they were appointed respectively as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Organizations, South America East Territory. Four years later the commissioners reported for duty at International Headquarters – Commissioner William Roberts as International Secretary for Business Administration and Commissioner Nancy Roberts as IHQ Chaplain and Secretary for IHQ Staff Development. In March 2008 the commissioners became the first territorial leaders of the newly formed Kenya West Territory where their leadership and ministry made a deep impact on Salvationists in the western part of Kenya. From there they returned to their native USA as the national leaders.

Commissioner William Roberts is a leader of varied expertise and wide knowledge. As well as having a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Religious Studies, the commissioner has interested himself in minority ministries, cross-cultural ministries, leader development, evangelism and church growth, and social service.

With such a background, and a commendable record of service in North America, South America, Africa and at IHQ, I am confident that the commissioner is more than well prepared for the task to which he is now appointed, as is Commissioner Nancy Roberts who will work alongside Commissioner Silvia Cox in the interests of Women’s Ministries around the world.

Please join me in praying God’s rich blessing upon Commissioners Roberts as they take up their significant leadership roles at the heart of our Army.

God bless you.

via web link: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/announcement090813

August 9, 2013 4

1st Official Interview of General Andre’ Cox:

A DISCIPLE OF JESUS

The newly elected international leader General André Cox spoke with Major Jane Kimberley at the conclusion of the 2013 High Council

How do you feel after just being elected as the 20th General?

I feel an immense sense of privilege and awe because of the responsibility that goes with the role.
I also have a sense of peace. I have never identified myself by either rank or role, I am who God made me to be and I am growing into the person he wants me to be. A General or anyone else is but a disciple of Jesus and I think that gives me comfort because it’s not all on my shoulders.

The Army belongs to God, it’s not mine. I have a role to play, but I was called to proclaim the gospel and I will do just that.

What impression stands out for you from the 2013 High Council?

We were all in one accord in a peaceful, secluded and very holy place. From the moment we started the pre-High Council conference we sensed that this was right. We were not rushed and knew that God’s hand was upon us. It was good to be in his presence.
This was the third High Council that I had attended and perhaps the one that I cherish the most because of the sense of God’s presence. The prayer fellowship was phenomenal.

What will be the main challenges you face as General?

Multiple challenges impact The Salvation Army’s global mission, including poverty, social exclusion, social injustice, the increasing gap between the rich and poor, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and lack of respect for the things of God. When faced with secularism and materialism we need to rediscover our confidence in the divine inspiration and authority of God’s word.

I believe The Salvation Army must continue to have a strong bias for the poor and the marginalised. There is a lot more that we can be doing in mobilising our corps. For too long we have relied upon institutional social care. Many problems today demand that we are fully engaged in the communities in which we serve and not serving ourselves and sitting in comfort. We need to pay more than lip service to things we believe and truly live out the values we proclaim. Belief and actions should go hand in hand.

My vision is that as an Army we will be fully mobilised and committed to the calling God has given us. We are a covenanted people, we have all signed a covenant and I would like to see us live up to that.

How important in your opinion is the Army’s relationship with other churches and other faiths?

The links with others are very important. We need to recognise that we all belong to the same family. In the Christian churches we have a strong bond and can learn from each other. We don’t have to compare ourselves with any other because God has given us a specific calling as The Salvation Army. We need to feel secure in our own faith and we don’t need to be judgmental about other people. I have seen evidence in projects and development work of people of different faiths working together in harmony for the common good.

One of the challenges of an international Salvation Army is diversity. The office of the General is vital in holding that together. How do you find unity in diversity?

Diversity needs to be celebrated. We shouldn’t see that as a problem. There are so many things that bind us together as The Salvation Army, including belief in the Bible, faith in Jesus, doctrines, the mercy seat, 24-hour prayer, uniforms and orders and regulations. I am a great believer and supporter of the internationalism of the Army, believing this to be one of our greatest strengths. The High Council met as a group of many different cultures all drawn to the light of God through Jesus Christ his son. I hope that we can celebrate our differences because the things that bind us together are far stronger than the things that separate us. Having lived in different cultures, I have learnt that no one has ‘the’ right answer and that there are many right answers.

What role does your family play in your life?

They keep me sane I would think! We are very proud of our children and have four grandchildren – two born within the last five weeks. One of our priorities, when we get a moment, will be to go and spend some time with them. Our family is very important to us; we thank God for the blessing. My mother, sister, brother and his family live in the UK but our children are all in Switzerland. We shall soon have a mountain holiday!

Who has influenced you most over the years in your personal development?

In my recent journey General Linda Bond has been a real example of courage and faith and that has spoken to me strongly.

I have had the privilege of considering General John Larsson as a fatherly figure. He first appointed us to territorial leadership in Finland and he has always been a good and steadying influence.

In my early years of officership General Eva Burrows was a real inspiration to me and helped me to aspire to do something greater in my spiritual development.

What about the International Vision?

I am grateful to my predecessor General Linda Bond for her visionary leadership, for her submission to the will of God and for the fact that she inspired our International Vision of One Army, One Mission, One Messageand that must continue. A change of General does not change that focus.

Major Jane Kimberley is Editor of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland’s ‘Salvationist’ publication

Additional photographs by Major Nigel Bovey

-Via IHQ Website: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/interview060813

August 6, 2013 1

“Get Off Of Your Laurels!”

“Nothing wilts faster than laurels that have been rested upon.” –Percy Bysshe Shelly

The hero takes the stage as the crowd explodes into cheerful celebration. After grueling torment and near defeat, the hero stands alone from the rest of the competition. He has defeated his adversaries masterfully and now he is crowned with a laurel wreath on his head and the affections of the crowd. He is their champion and hero.

But what happens to many champions after victories such as these? What becomes of them? Some continue to strive for excellence and gain victories again and again, while others stumble and fall upon their pride and face humiliating defeats later on.

Dare I say it is what happens after the victory that matter most! In the Christian world we face temptations on all sides. We experience real spiritual warfare for our souls. Sometimes we go to revival meetings, camps, youth/adult conventions and we experience real victories by the Holy Spirit in our lives at the ‘High Places’. These are mountain top experiences and we cherish these experiences for the rest of our lives. They are milestone markers in our relationship to Christ. These moments in actuality become sacred to us and rightly so because they were real tangible moments when we felt God’s presence in our lives.

But what happens when we come down from these mountaintops with our laurels of victory having done battle with sin and temptation? Do we think those temptations and sins will simply disappear on our descent into the ‘real world’? Can we ride that victory all the way to the gates of heaven? Of course not! The real battle is still ahead of us. We have to enter our lives again fresh from victory and engage the enemy (sin) once again. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we go into the world looking for sin, that’s not what I mean. But in our attempt to live holy lives we will most certainly face sin again on the battle field. When we come down from the mountaintop we must realize that Satan is waiting for us. He doesn’t want us to succeed continually in our victories but would rather we face the cold realities of a world wrought with sin.

When we come down from a mountaintop experience, high with the Holy Spirit, we need to be mindful that we cannot rest on yesterday’s victories to get us through today or even tomorrow. The Apostle Paul wrote of his own struggles, and in his wisdom he said this: ^“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

What Paul is saying here is that though he had won other victories at other mountaintop experiences he couldn’t rest his laurels on the past because the prize “heavenward in Christ Jesus” was still ahead of him. He had to keep on going, and this is what we must do as well!

We cannot rest on our laurels from previous victories and expect to grow into holiness without engaging in our present battles as well. I think there are two key words here to remember: “Pride” and “Press”.

Pride:

The Apostle Paul understood the dangers of pride in his life and clearly says, “I am not there yet, my destination isn’t complete.” C.S. Lewis once said, When we allow pride to enter into our hearts (pride in what we’ve already accomplished, pride in our holiness, pride in our efforts) we, unknowingly take two steps backward. We begin to compare ourselves with other Christians along this same journey instead of comparing our image with that of Christ’s. Pride allows us to keep our laurels yet resting upon them will not propel us forward rather will create in us a stagnancy and therein lies the real danger of an atrophied soul!

Rather…

Press:

Instead of pride leading to our spiritual demise, we ought to humbly press on toward our ultimate prize which is the very image of God within us – Imago dei. Without this heavenward goal, which is holding captive our thoughts, actions and speech, we can become so much like the world around us that we blend in completely and are no longer ‘set apart’. We must press on from victory to victory…keep on keeping on. We don’t have time to hang our laurels. We don’t have time to rest and admire them, but we journey on because we haven’t reached our destination yet.

Let me ask:
Are you resting on your laurels of past mountaintop victories? If so, it is time to set them aside as glorious as they were and press on. Our ultimate victory is assured in Christ if we are faithful to Him. Our goal to be like Him and in so doing we shine before the world so that His redemption is visible to all. Eternity is our reward as we press on towards our goal!

August 6, 2013 1

Here’s to you PCUSA Committee!!

In Christ Alone

August 3, 2013 0

High Council: GENERAL ANNOUNCED

And there you have it…the announcement has finally been made:

Our new General is: General Andre’ Cox

Here is His profile –

CANDIDATE PROFILE: COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX

Chief of the Staff
International Headquarters

Date of birth: 12 July 1954

Nationality: British/Swiss

Home corps: Genève 1, Switzerland & Austria Territory

Commissioned: 25 May 1979

Married: Silvia Volet, 25 September 1976

APPOINTMENTS

Switzerland and Austria Territory
Corps (June 1979)

Zimbabwe Territory
PR (July 1987), THQ (June 1992)
Financial Secretary (April 1994)

Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory
Head of Communications Department (October 1997)
Business Administrator (February 2002)

Finland and Estonia Territory
Territorial Commander (July 2005)

Southern Africa Territory
Territorial Commander (October 2008)

United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland
Territorial Commander (May 2012)

International Headquarters
Chief of the Staff (February 2013)

As the General takes His official office he could possibly pick his Chief of the Staff from one of these candidates if he so chooses.

The world has anxiously awaited this announcement and I am sure that there will be much thought given to our new General’s mission and vision for The Salvation Army in our world and he will provide us the leadership that we have been praying for. This new General comes at the heals of an abrupt departure of General Linda Bond, who subsequently took early retirement for ‘personal reasons’. Though this event took the Army by surprise, our World Leaders rallied and convened rather quickly to the High Council in order to stem off any additional vacancies or additional issues. It is unfortunate that the High Councils had to convene a year early, but as many have said, the Lord has provided and we will continue to trust in God’s guidance for the future!

On behalf of the Soldiery around the world we wish to congratulate General Andre’ Cox, and we will be praying for his leadership and for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to continue to use this Army for the Lord!

August 3, 2013 4

High Council Day 6: “Announcement Imminent”

So today is the day!

Even on The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters’ Website the promise of an Imminent announcement is posted for the world to see. Below that is the live video link to be tuned in so that everyone can watch the announcement:

http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/tv

Soon, all of our speculations and discussions will be moot as the High Council’s decision will be announced and we will have our next General.

Are you ready?

August 3, 2013 1

High Council Day 5 Official Update

For all intense and purposes the High Council could quite possibly reach a decision tomorrow on the prospective General nominations. They could very well announce this news as quickly as tomorrow (Saturday, August 3rd) as well!

Here is the official transcript of today’s update:

// 02 AUGUST 2013 //

‘¿A QUE tú no sabes lo que en High Council pasó?’ were the words sung by the Hispanic members of the High Council at the commencement of the fifth day of the proceedings of the 18th High Council of The Salvation Army – ‘Don’t you know what happened at the High Council?’

The song explained: ‘Don’t you know what happened in Damascus? The Holy Spirit was poured out on Saul. Don’t you know what happened at the High Council? The Holy Spirit was poured out on everyone.’

The Chaplain (Commissioner James Condon) read from Revelation 1:6: ‘[Jesus] has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father’ (New International Version), then led the council members in singing ‘Unto Thee, O Saviour-King’ (The Song Book of The Salvation Army 532), drawing attention to the line: ‘Body, soul and spirit, all in obedience to thy call.’ The verse, words and songs chosen were extremely apt as members prepared to listen as each candidate and each spouse answered a specific set of questions prepared for them.

The candidates had 24 hours to work on their questionnaire answers and speeches which meant the translators worked into the early hours of the morning to ensure every member was able to follow the proceedings clearly and to have a copy of the speeches being read.

The answers to the questionnaires were delivered without interruption and received in silence in accordance with the Orders of Procedure. After each candidate and spouse had finished there followed opportunity for members to ask clarifying – but not additional – questions.

Later in the day the candidates delivered their speeches, which were again received without comment but followed by a period of contemplative silence.

After the speeches the President (Commissioner William Roberts) adjourned the council for the night with the invitation to return in the morning to begin voting for the 20th General of The Salvation Army.

The Chaplain had the final word: ‘The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer’ (1 Peter 3:12) he reminded council members, before closing in prayer.

Report by Major Christine Clement
High Council Communications Officer

Photo: Major Makoto Yamaya (Japanese translator) gains a perspective of how members will experience voting.

(via the web: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr020813)

August 2, 2013 0

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

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.