Dear Salvation Army, Is The General Right?

This quote has bothered me, perhaps more than it should.
Is there more to this conversation that has not been quoted here that would cast a different light on this subject? I do not presume to know everything, but I would like to attempt at interpreting this soundbite with your help.

Are we splitting hairs here, or is this a general assumption?

I have seen this quote floating around for a day and a half, and I wonder if, perhaps some context is required before jumping to conclusions.

What does this quote mean?
What did the General mean when he said “Worshiping community”?
Are these two mutually exclusive or interconnected?

If I were to simply interpret this quote/sound bite, I would have to wonder why shouldn’t they be interconnected? And also, what is so bad about being a worshiping community?
Another thought that comes to mind within this pondering then is this; wouldn’t a worshiping community’s bi-product or outpouring/ evidence of fruit be in the complete submission to God and the service of man – thereby being also a serving community?

If, I have interpreted this correctly, (and if I haven’t please correct me) I would have to disagree with the General. I do not believe the Army’s paradigm has shifted nor has it’s hand to man. This army of salvation certainly has an ever evolving identity within this world, but it’s mission, in my opinion, still remains firmly intact.

Is there fear that The Salvation Army is yearning to become a full-fledged Church somewhere? From my small context of the Army world, I do not see that as an issue. In fact, just the opposite would be my fear – we become, or have become far too Social Work heavy and lacking the “Heart to God” in our service. With the ever increasing funding sources coming from governmental entities(at least in the U.S.), sometimes there is the fear that our hands become tied to preach the Gospel in His name while meeting the physical needs.

The Balancing Act…
I understand what the General is saying, if the context is correct, but I would have to counter with the notion that this is certainly a balancing act. We serve the Almighty and through our discipleship, fellowship and worship we begin to understand how to better serve the world around us. The pendulum certainly can sway in either direction and we must be mindful of it. If we are properly aligned as an Army, our worship and adoration of God will lead to the outpouring of service to man.

So is the General wrong?
Perhaps in places of the world this is true, but in this little corner of the world, I just don’t see it.

What do you think ?
Leave your comments below, share your thoughts on this and tell us what you think this means?

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.

*Disclaimer, this blog’s opinions and content does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of The Salvation Army.*

April 25, 2016 42

“No Regrets” – Sermon Podcast

Here’s today’s Sermon from the Evansville Corps – click to listen:

To download and subscribe, click on this link: “No Regrets”

2 Timothy 4:5-8 (NIV)

⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

How to live without regrets:

1. Recognize your failures, own them then press forward, the past cannot be changed but the present and future can:

2. Hardships on the way are indicators that you’re on the right track – keep going! 2 Timothy 4:5 –
⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship

3. Don’t Let Up Until The Finish Line – Endure, Persevere, Thrive!
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (V.8)

April 24, 2016 0

Messy Church – World Services Edition

Our Messy Church – World Services/Self-Denial Experience:

Quite a few of you have asked me how our corps (church) went about doing “Messy Church” after we posted photos and a video of our event. Let me just first say that Messy Church was something new to us. We hadn’t done it before in our corps and so it was quite a departure and risk to do. Perhaps sometimes we worry too much about upsetting the “Norm” or the flow of the traditional service.

Our Messy Church event focused on World Services.
You know the old adage “you won’t understand until you walk a mile in my shoes”? Well, with messy church, we were trying to help our corps people walk a mile in the shoes of other Christians in specific parts of the world in the hopes that it will spur on more of a concern and care for World Services – and the necessity of it.

We set up in our gym with 8 tables which represented these countries (printed flags were also taped to the tables):
*India
*Malawi
*Kenya
*Columbia
*Bolivia
*Nicaragua
*Afghanistan
*Sierra Leon

The Curriculum is Messy Church “Christian Aid” which is from the UK and another denomination – this can be easily modified to fit our World Services through The Salvation Army and our specific territory and its Partners In Mission. So as you click the link above, please note that we did modify it a bit to help us focus our corps members on World Services as we changed some of the verbiage within the guide. We also used the stories linked here: Case Studies to help our corps members understand the specific struggles of children and families in these regions of the world. The case studies will help to put the objective of each table into proper perspective for the participant.

Because there are 8 tables/countries to visit, we kept this portion moving rather rapidly by only giving the groups 5 minutes at each table. Each table’s task varied, from grinding coffee, smelling it and brewing it (Nicaragua); to building a shelter and roof then checking to see if it was waterproof (Sierra Leon). All of these activities fully engaged the groups and helped them visualize the struggles of each country they were in.

SCHEDULE:
Here’s how we organized our time:
The Welcome: (5 minutes)
I wanted to help some of our traditional attendees feel less uncomfortable by starting out in the chapel with our Welcome & Announcements which was followed by our offering (We sang “He’s Got the whole world in his hands”).

The Instruction Time: (5 minutes)
After our offering we explained our World Services emphasis and what Messy Church was all about. I wanted to assure some corps members that these activities were not specifically for children, but for the whole corps and all ages. I also wanted to emphasize that we all needed to stop “adulting” for a bit and just absorb our discovery. This will help some to feel more comfortable as you step out of traditional worship and what some have come to expect from a Sunday morning service.

After assuring and instructing we prayed for our service and I invited everyone to grab a “Passport” at the back of the sanctuary as they made their way out to the gym. Note: the passport sample is on page 6 of this link: Session Guide. If you wanted to incorporate another method or passport book that’s entirely up to you. We simply had stickers at each table, so after completing that country’s activity, the participant placed a sticker or “stamp” in their passport for that country.

The World Traveling Experience: (40 minutes)
Once in the gym, the participants were asked to find a country as a starting point. We encouraged the groups to go in different directions and to take 6-8 people with them. Each location had elements for their activity which coincided with the Case Studies (again these studies can be modified and adjusted). Also, since each corps/ministry is unique, you should adjust the activities for each table that arr suggested in the Guide to match your demographic and audience.

From there, have a time keeper and assure that each group has both adults and kids involved in the “travels”. Keep them traveling from country to country at or near your designated timeline!

The Celebration: (10 minutes)
Following the last country’s destination and completion of activity, depart back for “Home”. In our case we all traveled back to our sanctuary to debrief. What happens in the celebration is a reinforcement of what everyone just experienced through hands-on activities and the case study stories.

In the Guide, towards page 5 is a suggested plot for the celebration/worship component.
Our corps discussed the experience in sort of an open forum, with feedback, then we read Micah 6:8 and discussed justice, love and mercy. Following this scripture reinforcement, we watched The Salvation Army Central Territory’s World Services/Self-Denial video: ITW Self-denial Transforms

We presented a brief synopsis of Self-denial, talked about the change boxes/piggy banks and pledged to come back in a month (with weekly focus videos and announcements as reminders) and have a Self-denial offering celebration together (this would entail, our corps members bringing back their change boxes or piggy banks to give collectively in a World Services offering).

Following this we sang “Open the Eyes of my heart”
and concluded with a benediction.

A Fellowship Meal Followed: (30 minutes – 1 hour)
The last component is often what we do best isn’t it?
But it does help corps members and possible new comers to further discuss and fellowship together. We had a simple meal, but in the study Guide it even suggests having an international meal prepared for the participants.

My Thoughts on Messy Church:
This type of hand-on, full sensory worship has potential for new comers and regulars a like. This wouldn’t be something that we would do every Sunday (honestly, it took a lot more effort than your traditional service). BUT, I believe Messy Church will help bring in new corps members who are unchurched or do not understand what church is about in the first place. This is really a non-threatening type of ministry approach which, I believe, eases families and individuals into a new church setting.

There are all sorts of ways to do a Messy Church themed event in your corps, I have linked some videos below for you to check out for yourself. The sky really is the limit in how you and your team organizes one. Also, these type of events can of course be done on any day of the week, originally the Anglican church conducted theirs on Wednesday evenings.

Messy Church can help break our monotony and also open up worship to some of those “Creatives” out there and those who are already in your congregation. Don’t be intimidated by Messy Church either, it can be a real tool to use for evangelism and even discipleship. Give it a go, perhaps it’s not for every demographic or congregation…but you won’t know unless you first try it for yourself.

Something more to ponder today!

As promised, here are some videos on Messy Church for further review:

Messy Church Introduction

What does Messy Church look like?

News Story on Messy Church

Also check out this link for more Messy Church ideas: Messy Church UK

April 18, 2016 0

Dear Salvationist, 3 Ways To Prevent Burnout

This mission that we are on is NOT is easy, in fact it is arduous, laborious and often exhausting. We might feel compelled to do things our way and become tempted to rely solely on our strength – and this is where burnout takes place.

There are often soldiers and officers who have dead eyes. What do I mean by “dead eyes” – the spark has gone out. The fire that once burned so brightly is just a glowing ember. The fight has has been squelched. Have you been there? If so how do you come back from that place? How do you recapture that fire, that spark?

Here are 3 suggestions.
3 Primer observations to help us prevent burnout.

3 Ways To Prevent Burnout

1. Go to the well often!
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint…” (Jeremiah 31:25)
The well of the Lord is deep.
He provided aid and renewal to Elijah in his time of need, he provided comfort and assurances to David when he was on the run, and He will provide us this water when we too are distressed and in need of it.

This well of the Lord can be found in the spiritual discipline of prayer & meditation…but it can also be found in the nature around us. Have you ever just walked out in the woods and felt the peace and tranquility of that place? It sort of took away that crazy, busy, go-go-go lifestyle that you’re used to in your every day life? These walks can become that well to us because we are connecting with nature-created by God himself. But this well can be different for all of us. He can come and refill us in the most unlikely of places.

If you’re burned out right now, or finding yourself close to the end of your rope, don’t quit or surrender, instead seek out His well of refreshing. He wants us to drink deeply from it often so that we will never thirst or grow weary of this mission that we have been placed on to save souls and go for the worst!

2. Understand you aren’t a solitary soldier
“He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left...” (1 Kings 19:10)

Elijah felt all alone after experiencing a phenomenal defeat of King Ahab, Jezabel and the prophets of Baal, and despite this victory, Elijah feared for his life and felt as if he was all alone. Have you ever felt this way? It’s very common for Officers and Soldiers to feel this way even after experiencing successes at your corps and appointments. Perhaps Satan would love to convince us that we are all alone. The father of lies would love nothing more than to distort the truth and make us believe we have to stand alone…but it’s simply not true.

When we experience burnout, it often comes from a place of utter aloneness…you know what I mean. We feel abandoned, alone and afraid. We might fall into a deep depression like Elijah did and come to the conclusion that we too are the only ones left. It’s not true. Perhaps in this moment of realization it would be time to seek out other believers, those who can surround you with encouragement, love and support. Find another church and/or pastor, seek out another corps member, soldier, friend, call up a mentor or divisional officer that you trust – You. Are. Not. Alone. We were never meant to be solitary soldiers!

3. Our Power doesn’t come from us – but the Holy Spirit.
“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

I have a confession to make, all to often I rely on my own power, wisdom and strength rather than fully relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. Does this ring true for you as well? I want control. I need to press forward, and so I do, only to find that I have moved ahead of God and out of step with Him. Have you experienced this too? I believe this is where burnout can happen too. We exert so much of ourselves, we pour so much of ourselves, we invest our everything – but it is done with our own pride and strength and we find that once our strength is all gone, we have no idea what to do next besides feeling weak, alone, and powerless.

Dear Soldier, our strength and power has never been enough for the tasks that we have been given. The great burden of ministry was never ours to carry alone, we are only asked to be faithful while the Holy Spirit will lead and provide. I cannot count how many times the Lord has had to remind me of this. I charge in with all of my might and power only to discover I have run ahead of Him…and I run out of strength and power. Does this happen to you too? Are you there right now? You have exerted all of your power, and now you are burnt out? Perhaps it’s time to go back to the well. Perhaps it’s time to realize you aren’t a solitary soldier, perhaps it’s time to ask for the Holy Spirit’s strength and power once again to fill you.

If you are burned out right now – there is hope!
If you feel as if you might be headed that way – it’s time to take personal inventory of your actions, motivation and life. This Army has never been about us shining and looking good in our uniforms, but instead it has always been about fully submitting to God and allowing Him to lead us in His strength and power. Faith doesn’t require us to conquer the world, it simply requires us to conquer our fears through the power of the Holy Spirit, from there, full submission to God can and will lead us onward.

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

April 14, 2016 1

Dear Salvationist – Arrogance Beware!

Luke 18:9-14(NLT)

Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

⁹Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: ¹⁰“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. ¹¹The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer^[a]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! ¹²I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ ¹³“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ ¹⁴I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Beware dear Soldier of the trappings of arrogance, for it can creep into that uniform of yours and corrupt your heart and attitude! We do not wear this uniform and associate ourselves with this army because we are better than other people, instead we should wear it as as sign of utter humility, servitude to Christ and as a constant reminder of our mission in this world.

Could our corps halls feel like an exclusive club to outsiders? -This should never be the case! We might become tempted, at times, to puff ourselves up with all of our corps’ accomplishments and fortunes, instead run from such thoughts and temptations! Do not become like the Pharisee in the parable Jesus told – who was so enamored by his own pride and arrogance that those earnestly seeking were criticized and despised.

No, instead fight this war against pride and arrogance as a Soldier of this army! We ought to fall to our knees and repent every time we become prideful of who we are instead of Whose we are. We must recognize and repent every time we aspire to places of position and power out of personal gain and selfish ambition. Pride and arrogance will poison our army if we are not careful; and although we do good in our communities lest we not forget Who our faith is in and for Whom all of these good works are accomplished.

If we as soldiers exchange this true calling of sincere holiness in our lives for earthly recognition and these temporary places of authority the world bestows upon us, we will have lost it all – and our identity as an Army for God.

Jesus despised the hypocrite and the religious zealot who couldn’t see past their own personal needs and desires. Beware dear Soldier of the trappings of arrogance and pride.

Prayer:
Lord, make us humble. May we be mindful of our fellow man – and the hurting world around us. Give us Your heart and eyes – may we ever be on our knees earnestly seeking after you. Holy Spirit, instill in us this servant-heart. Break us of our pride and arrogance. Remove the dross, wipe away the old life. If need be, remove us from places of prominence so that we may be yours and yours alone. Lord, forgive us when we have had a divided heart – you want us all to yourself, and there have been times when we have strayed. May Christ-likeness be our goal as we humbly serve. Amen.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

April 6, 2016 1

Dear Salvationist: “Those People”

A New PonderCast – (an Audio Pondering) is available to listen today.
Today, hear the words of General William Booth and ponder with me on the topic of “Those People”

Or Click Here to Download & Subscribe to our PonderCast: “Those People”

Transcript of today’s PonderCast is here as well:

“Those People”

Dear Salvation Army,
Dear Salvationist,
I would like to take a moment and talk to you about what this Ministry of the Salvation Army is and isn’t – at least from my experience.

The Salvation Army is more than just a church first and foremost.
Our ministry takes giving within the context of ministry a step further than most churches do.
I’m not saying we are better than other churches, I’m just saying that our scope of the Great Commission has more of an aggressive tone than other churches. We claim the old motto “Soup Soap & Salvation” and we attempt to live it out in our ministry.

The very fiber of our being, of who The Salvation is can be wrapped up in that phrase of William Booth – when He said, “Others”.

The funny is we still live in a very divided world – even amongst Christians and Church.
We even have this division in our corps sometimes.
We can become so comfortable in our services and in how things operate but when new families start coming we get a little nervous and sometimes even upset.

It’s like when the disciples and others watched Jesus go to Zecheus’ house – there were some who complained because Zecheus was a tax collector and he was reviled by people. Why would Jesus go to that person’s house. Why would he go see “those people”

Another of “those people” that Jesus visited was the Samaritan woman at the well. Even his disciples kind of shook their heads at this encounter. Why would Jesus go to “those people”? And besides that a man, let alone a Rabbi wouldn’t be caught dead talking with a woman – and a Samaritan woman at that.

But you see Jesus came for the least of these, those who were searching.
He didn’t care where they came from or where they had been…you see “those people – were His people!”

And sometimes in our corps – when we get too comfortable and suddenly “those people” show up, it sort of disrupts our flow…It upsets the apple cart…and we have to wonder sometimes, even in our uniforms if we haven’t become that clique –that exclusive social gather fighting for a cause so everyone can see us and pat us on the back…and when genuine spiritual need comes to our corps building – do we shun it? Or welcome it? Do visitors to our corps buildings feel like “guests” or do they feel like outsiders…because the ones in uniform are giving them sideways glances, shaking their heads at the unchurched, unfamiliar new comers…

Ah Salvationists…Dear Salvation Army – “Those People” are our people too!
The drunk that smells like the fumes around his body might spontaneously combust at any moment and he is shaking so bad that it’s visibly noticible in the seat next to you. Yeah, Jesus says “that’s my people too”.

That older lady who come occasionally just to see what she can take with her after the service – She’s one of “those people” and Jesus says that “She’s one of His people”. That young scary looking young man who wanders into your service half way through who smells and is wearing a questionable tshirt with offense material on it – “We look at him and think THOSE PEOPLE” AND Jesus says “He’s one of my people.”

Salvationist –
Our halls are emergency rooms for the spiritually afflicted.
And we are all “those people”…we all came searching for hope and love and acceptance.
We do not look like other churches because the least of these are our regulars. It is a shame when we try to become like other ministries and churches when our calling as an Army is has a specific target and ministry already.

We don’t look like other churches because the Salvation Army shield is like a beacon of hope, a lighthouse to many of “those people” who have lost their way. It is a safe-harbor for many to come. It should be a place where “those people” don’t feel as if we’re looking down at them – because we have all been there.

Where other places have turned “those people” away – we must accept them, welcome them offer them love and hope and in turn – eventually show them what Christ’s transforming power looks like.

March 29, 2016 5

Palm Sunday Sermon Podcast “Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem”

To listen and download this Sermon Podcast Click This Link: Sermon: “Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem”

Or listen to this sermon right from this screen:

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

⁴¹And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, ⁴²saying,“Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. ⁴³For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side ⁴⁴and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44)

March 20, 2016 0

Dear Salvationist – 5 Ways To Kill A Corps

I am certainly not advocating trying these out today in your corps, actually I’m pleading for all of us to do the opposite. Our various ministries can, and should be paramount to our faith and to those we serve. How we lead others, how we conduct ourselves in our corps makes a difference!

With that being said, dear Soldier, here are 5 ways to kill a Corps!

5. Gossip
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
The Fastest way to burn your corps down to the ground is to strike the match of the malicious tongue that wags and pierces hearts. Be aware of what you say and how you say things. No one likes to be around people who are asinine in their speech and malicious in their actions and opinions of others. Gossip has no place in the corps, unless you long for it to die a slow and agonizing death.

We know that gossip shouldn’t be, but why do we tolerate it and even entertain it in our halls? Dear Salvationist, have nothing to do with idle chatter and people who only want to slander and smear the truth. (2 Timothy 2:23).

4. Favoritism
“My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. ²For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, ³and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” ⁴have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? ⁵Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? ⁶But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? ⁷Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?” (James 2:1-6 NASB)

It even happens in Corps buildings.
It might not necessarily be about rich and poor, but perhaps personalities and someone’s available gifts. An Officer can favor only a specific few corps members and by doing so, unknowingly cause dissension, envy and strife. The same can be said for local officers who choose corps members to help them in their daily duties. Be fair to all who come into your halls! Show love and compassion and be aware that favoritism can happen even if we’re not cognizant of it. Favoritism is a true, perhaps unseen danger in our corps, and if left unchecked will cause jealousy, anger and disharmony to occur which can lead to a terminal corps.

3. Lording Power
“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder andwitness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, ²shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will ofGod; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; ³nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

This Salvation Army was founded upon a militant structure and sometimes we can get carried away with ourselves in places of leadership and authority. Many of us have heard story after story where, one who was entrusted with power and authority, has used it in very unbiblical ways to hurt others. I would hope that this is not the norm, but rather isolated incidents of worldly ambitions becoming visible to all.

Dear Soldier, be keenly aware of the pending dangers of authority and power. If you are or ever become entrusted with any kind of power – use it wisely and with every amount of Holiness that you can muster! What you say, how you lead, what you do – makes the world a difference! Although we have a militant structure, keep in mind who is the head of our army – it certainly isn’t me or you, or even the General – It is the King of kings and Lord of lords!! Be good leaders! Be kind leaders. Be wise leaders. Set a godly standard by exercising grace, love and hope.

2. Find Fault In Everything and Everyone!
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” (Romans 14:1-2)
I have met some deeply cynical people in my day. Many were housed within the corps…these individuals could never be pleased no matter how hard one might try. No matter what took place, these individuals always saw the negative and very rarely the positive. After time, no one wanted anything to do with them, because bitterness tends to bleed into the very fabric of our corps buildings if we let it.

This blazing fire that could consume your corps, is like that of gossip. It can invade and taint everything it touches. People become disillusioned by it because no matter how hard you try fault and imperfections are always seem instead.

Examples (just to name a few):
“Well Captain, the service is just too dry for my tastes…”
“That worship band plays too loudly and I hate that sort of music…”
“We’ve never done it that way before, and we’re not about to try!”
“That man in the back has been coming to our corps for three weeks and he smells…”
“I might stop coming to the corps because _______(name here)___ is still there and they are horrible people!”

Sometimes, these nay-sayers use the old phrase “This and better will do” to justify their salty – never satisfied – fault finding attitudes that they have. The problem isn’t everyone else, the problem stems from these individuals who can find nothing good to say…ever! Don’t the the corps burn to ground because of fault-finders and judgmental people!

1. Abdicate All Leadership and Responsibilities

“Let someone else do it!”
“I don’t have the time to come to corps programs and activities…”
Corps Officer – “So, who will lead adult Sunday School for the next three months?” (silence fills the space…no one volunteers even though there are many capable individuals in the room)
This Army isn’t fully functional until ALL capable members of our corps are engaged and serving! Officers – you cannot abdicate your calling and role in the corps! Soldiers, you cannot let or conceive that all things done in the corps is the sole responsibility of the officer!

If we want our corps to die – then never step up.
If we want to preach to empty pews during holiness meetings – then never lead.
We can die by not taking responsibility. We can allow stagnation to set in and wilt away as one generation dies and there is no one left to take their place.

If you suffer from self-esteem issues or you question if you’re good enough to lead – you can do it! You just need one person to believe in you. We all make mistakes, it comes with the territory of leadership. Being responsible means we own up to our victories and our failures…and then we keep going and we don’t quit simply because the going got tough. We need more soldiers and officers with backbones – there I’ve said it. It’s not a slam again those who are faithfully serving (Thank you for what you do both behind the scene and in front of everyone!)…we cannot afford to abdicate our authority and leadership IF this is where God has called us to! Be faithful in the good times AND in the not so good times! This Army needs you! It needs good leaders! It needs consistent, prayer driven leaders.

Wrapping it up.
So this is my top 5, it’s a primer…what’s yours?
Share with us your top 5 things that will kill any corps from your experiences!
Together, we can avoid these pitfalls!

Something more for the Army world to ponder today!

*Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent The Salvation Army’s thoughts and opinions, reader discretion is advised*

March 11, 2016 8

Dear Salvation Army, 4 Proven Ways To Evangelize

Dear Salvationist,
How does evangelism work?
Does the word “Evangelism” turn you off?
Does that word evoke in you some sort of imagery of phoniness and deceptive means to introduce people to Christ?
Is there a proven method to reaching people?
Is that what we’re called to do – to “reach people”?
What does “Evangelism” look like in our world today?
Obviously it differs from culture to culture.

You’ve seen them before in your neighborhood.
Is it dishonest to NOT answer the door when the Jehovah’s Witness knocks on it?
You keep telling yourself to be polite, yet you’re still in your pajamas and your hair is a mess, you can’t help but feel embarrassed and that your personal space is being invaded.

Have you been here before?
Most of us have.

Is this the proper way to evangelize?
Is there really a blueprint to evangelism?
Do you have to rehearse cue cards and scripture passages, until you’re polished and prepared to really “sell it”? Is that what evangelism is – selling a product, selling Jesus?
I don’t think so.

There’s something harsh these days about cold calling and neighborhood canvasing.
Don’t get me wrong, perhaps in some ways it can be successful…I’ve just never seem much evidence to that fact, instead quite the opposite. People are put off by it. Most want to have nothing to do with what “you’re selling”. I’m not proposing we stop evangelize, I just think that perhaps we’re going about it all wrong.

Dear Salvation Army, Here are 4 Proven Ways To Evangelize:

1. True Evangelism Happens Organically.
Genuine evangelism happens naturally and because the sweet aroma of Christ is evident in our compassion for others. This isn’t a forced, “cold-call” or a cue card session. This is Christ being seen in us, spontaneous and real – no pretenses, no ulterior motivations, just a Christ-follower wanted others to experience the free of grace and love.

2. Relationship Building
True evangelism and even discipleship takes place when we care more about the person than we do a “pew-filling”. Relationship building costs more in us, perhaps that’s why people are less inclined to invest in relationships than they are in the door knocking type of evangelism. When we intentionally seek out people, befriending them, caring about them, showing up for them – we will see a deeper type of compassion and love in us. We will want to fully commit to sharing Christ. We will take the time to be the very reflection of Christ. Relationship building, to me, carries the most authenticity when it comes to evangelizing to people around us.

3. Coffee Shop/Bar Gimmicks
Pastor Offers “Free Prayer”…
I cringe at the word “Gimmick” but it means more than just phony pretenses and cold

free1 — Isn’t all prayer “Free”? Who’s paying for prayer?

approaches. If we have this desire to win souls, and we are brave, we can put ourselves “out there”. This won’t drive the masses to your corps (church), but this is a different type of statistic – one that carries compassion to the need. Set up shop in a cafe’. Place a card that says “free prayer” or something like that. Go to the local Bar (gasp) and sip a coke-cola while you offer yourself to meeting people with Christ on your mind and heart. (** I would caution you, with the latter approach, that if you have or had a drinking problem – I would advise against going to the bar and sitting. The temptation might be all to real for you.**) There is something about getting into the community and being a beacon of hope where perhaps someone is searching for a voice of encouragement and care.

4. Finding YOUR Groove!

Don’t be someone you’re not. Don’t be fake. Don’t put on a show – Jesus isn’t a show, or a facade, and I wonder sometimes how God-honoring some of these evangelistic methods truly are. Does God need us to sell Him to the masses? Is that what we do? Is that in the job description? I mean, sure, we need to be intentional, we need to care about others, but do we have to go door to door? Do we have to pass out tracts at a sporting event? – No. I think that REAL evangelism looks nothing like that – I think it can present itself as hateful instead…and people are so turned off by it, that no one pays attention to it.
I believe God has given all of us unique gifts and abilities – perhaps within those gifts and abilities lies this sweet-spot. It’s our groove. It’s the place where we thrive and where God thrives with us. Perhaps, it is in this groove that our true abilities to evangelize really takes wings. Within our groove we find balance and commonality with others. Within our groove God brings people to us through the path that we’re on. Within our groove true passion and genuine love is evident.

So what’s your groove?
Where has God led you?
How has He used you to bring others to Him?
What are your proven means to evangelism – not cold-calls and passing out tracts, but real, tangible relationship building, loving, caring compassionate, authentic evangelism?

Dear Salvation Army…what is your groove?
Dear Salvationist – Where is God leading you?
Who is He leading you to?

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.

March 10, 2016 0

Dear Salvationist -Making War and Swaying With Booth!

“We are sent to war. We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war…and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus” (William Booth)

Dear Salvationists, allow me but a few minutes to ponder and dissect this quote by our Founder:

I understand this quote…I really do.
In some ways it resonates with me.
I know that within our world there is a spiritual war that wages on for the souls of men, women and children.
I also have the understanding that for forces of darkness (Satan, demons, sin & death) are not (nor will they ever be) equal to the force of Light who is God – the Creator and sustainer of all life.

I agree with this quote…and yet I have trouble with it.
I agree that we are to engage in a spiritual war as soldiers – not of just an army formed by men and women from the 1860’s, but as an army called by God. We face opposition almost daily, and even when we wear the uniform (or because of it), we encounter resistance and even contempt. The spiritual war, which is unseen, is real…it is evident. This war has claimed millions of souls, and it will not cease simply by ignoring it.
I agree we are to wage this war.
I agree we fight for more than “good works”.
I agree that this army of salvation is here for more than just Sunday church services.
We are more than just a congregation.

“…We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going…”

However, I wonder if this type language is insulting to churches around the world today?
I understand the context and time that this was written in. I’m not bashing the Founder, or disagreeing with our mission. I just wonder if these words apply more for the time in which General Booth lived than it does today? There was a certain segregation in the industrial age from the working class, the aristocrats, the poor. Even among the churches, in that era, the marginalized and poor were not being reached. Does this still happen today? Was this about bashing the contemporary church of Booth’s day or about rallying Salvationists into action? I believe it was the latter. I believe William & Catherine intentionally set out to do what needed to be done in their day and their mission and purpose certainly went beyond the perimeters of “Church”.

(Coincidentally, I wrote about this very topic last week entitled “Are we ‘Doing’ Church All Wrong?” and you can read more about that pondering by clicking that hyperlink. )

I wonder if we, as an Army are STILL fully committed to this war?
I wonder if we’ve become lacks in some ways.
Is there still a fire in our hearts?
Are we still willing to wage to the very gates of hell for the lost and hurting?
Sometimes within the Church we (all of Christians) are so horrified when a drunkard walks into our sanctuaries…or someone who smells…or someone who is a criminal…or someone of ill-repute…yet, isn’t that what we the “Church” should be all about? It should never be about the disruption and the order of our services…after all, I believe even the Holy Spirit disrupts our services from time to time because He has something to share that our “order of service” didn’t squeeze in.

We are pretty good at dressing up our buildings. We make them look inviting. We spending millions of dollars on new edifices with beautiful plaques of dedication on them…but these places are still only buildings. They ought to invite everyone in. They ought to serve the purpose of saving souls…but that shouldn’t be all that we are..all that we do. We should never be static and firmly planted in just our buildings…we should be an Army on the move – working in our communities…going to the poor, the lost, the marginalized, those without hope…instead of waiting for them to come to us, which they never will.

“…and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus“
I know, dear Salvationist, that we are Christ’s hands and feet in our world, but does that mean that He needs our help to “subjugate” the world to the sway of Jesus? I know what Booth means here, but I have trouble with the language. I recognize our responsibilities and being Saved to Save, or Saved to Serve, but we also recognize that without the power of the Holy Spirit – nothing is possible. We are without power…and though we might claim certain victories in our own strength, we are never more powerful than when we call upon His presence to guide and to provide.

The world within the “sway” of the Lord – is the Lords work to be done – not ours.
We, in my opinion, are called to obedience, and in that obedience we become pliable to God’s workings and will. It is a power surrogacy or sorts. We stop talking about our war plans, and our building plans, and our fund raising goals, and we listen to God’s battle plan and His redemptive power will surge through us so that the “sway of the world” has, and always will be His to command.

I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.…(John 17:15-17)

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

March 8, 2016 0

Category: Salvationist