Dear Salvation Army, “Raised by the Corps”

Dear Salvation Army,
You have a purpose and reason to exist. Don’t ever forget that!
You will never be a mega-church, nor truly ever fit the “church” model…we are more than that.
We serve within brokenness. There are countless families, children and people who come to us bent and broken by life and sin. We cannot shirk these responsibilities. It is like a Lighthouse to many. Turn off the light and the jagged rocks will capture these souls. Do not let your lights go out! Do not take these great responsibilities to the bent and broken for granted!

Christian Orphans…
It’s not so much a physical orphan than it is a spiritual one. Many parents drop their children off or have them picked up by the Army van on Sundays or for certain programs in the week. These Christian orphans do not have a rich soil of faith at home and are left to figure out this relationship with Christ on their own…but are the corps raising them up to be strong children of faith? What an amazing opportunity we have with these young people!

I have heard many of these such stories. Even my Grandmother came to the Army and was raised by the Corps in her faith. I would imagine many out there who are reading this can relate, either by having taught a Sunday school class to such children or having been an orphan Christian.

Dear Corps…
Never stop teaching these children! You might be the only light of Christ that they experience in this world.
It might become burdensome to pick them up every Sunday. It might grind against you that their parents show absolutely no interest in the spiritual nourishment of their children…but don’t give up on the child! Keep feeding them breakfast on Sundays. Keep teaching them the principles of this faith. Keep striving to improve their daily lives. Don’t give up! What an awesome responsibility for not only the future of this Army, but the future Saints of the next generation! The seeds you plant, or water now could blossom and grow into a future leader or preacher of the gospel. Take this seriously! Heed these words: What you do with the young people who come into your corps MATTERS!

“[Kids] don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
-Jim Henson.

Be something that these future saints will aspire to!
Be their hope!
Be consistent in your faith!
Be the evidence of Christ’s love for their lives!

Dear Salvation Army,
What a great honor and power you wield in the formation of these priceless children of God!
Keep on keeping on…and don’t you ever quit on them!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today!

December 8, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army, Officer’s Kids…

I am an Officer’s kid. For those who have no idea what I am talking about, let me explain.
No, my parents weren’t in the military. My parents were/are Salvation Army Officers.
Being an Officer’s kid is a lot like being a Pastor’s kid.
Being an Officer’s kid is also nothing like being a Pastor’s kid.
Is that as clear as mud? Good.

Backing up,
I am an Officer’s kid…
So was my father and mother.
So were my Grandparents.
My Great-grand parents were the first in our family to join the ranks of this fledgling army here in the United States.

Being an Officer’s kid is a unique thing.
People expect more from you.
People expect you to act a certain way.
People expect you to be more mature than the rest of the kids your age.
In short, the expectations for Officer’s kids are unfair and perhaps the bar is set too high.

There is also the running joke that if one marries into the army and also has family in the army that a blood test is required to ensure your soon to be bride is not related. Seriously, sometimes the life of an Officer’s kid can become solely an “army” bubble…and that, in my opinion, is not always healthy.

Back to Officer’s kids and expectations…
I recall meeting many officers kids while living with my parents growing up. We moved to various locations including South Africa, St. Helena and places in the central states of the U.S. I have met some very straight-laced Officer kids, who in turn grew up to also become Officers themselves, and I have met some rebel Officer kids who pushed back at every turn.

Are the expectations of Officer kids fair? In short, I believe that the answer is a resounding “No“!
Do these expectations of Officer’s kids sometimes lead to them wanting nothing to do with the Army when they grow up? In short, I believe that the answer is a resounding “Yes“!
Other times, and I have witnessed this, Officer’s kids have seen how the Army and its leadership has treated their parents and because of those seemingly unholy moments, they have walked away from this movement.
Could we use a little more compassion in our Army? Yes.
More understanding? Yes.
The ability to understand the hectic lives of Officers who have young children in their homes? Yes, yes, yes!

One might contend that Officers know what they are getting into when they sign their covenant…but did their children sign it too? Do they tag along during the kettle season? Do they help out, sometimes as the best and only volunteer on Sunday mornings? Do they go where their parents tell them to go? Many these Officer kids have unknowingly signed the covenant of officership too.

It is the nature of this organization.
There will be cause and effect.
A ripple here might become a wave on the other side…

Questions:
How might we improve the lives of Officer’s Kids?
Does this responsibility fall squarely on the parents?
Does the corps, does DHQ, THQ, IHQ have a role in this as well?
What of the many who have left the army following reaching adulthood? Is there something to learn from those experiences?

This isn’t some sort of “Woe is me” edition of Pastorsponderings, this is just me hoping to teach my kids the importance of being their own individual and walk their own spiritual path. I’m not saying I didn’t or am not right now…because I have. How can we improve this ever changing facet of Officer families for the better? Are we making strides today? Yes I believe we are. Is there more work to be done in this sometimes forgotten aspect of “Army life”? Yes I believe there is.

Honestly, I haven’t arrived at a conclusion on this today.
I am simply pondering the nature and nurture of Officer Kids.
I understand them.
I was one.
I sympathize.
I know that there are also perks, privileges and opportunities.

Honestly, I would like to hear from you. What do you make of Officer Kids?
Were/Are you one? Are you a Pastor’s kid…you can somewhat relate too.
How about a missionary kid? You fit this mold to some extend too.
From the outside looking in – Soldiers and friends, how do you see Officer’s kids?

Something more to ponder in our Army world today.

December 5, 2014 29

Dear Salvation Army, The Angel Said Whaaaaaaat???

(Luke 1:26-45)
Today’s Pondering, Dear Soldier…

It had been a quiet morning as the sun seemingly struggled to wake the slumbering cobwebs from the earth. This is how Mary always began her day. She helped her mother prepare the house then it was off to collect water and the list went on… The sun began to pour into their dwelling, rays of gold catching every glimmer and spec of dust falling in the air. Mary enjoyed these silent, ponderous moments. Abruptly, her silent moment is caught by the heel and turned upside down in the most remarkable way possible. Perhaps, years later, she will look back upon her life and identify this as the moment when everything changed.

Her neck hairs stand on end and she immediately knows that she is not alone. Something behind her catches the eye…movement. Spinning around swiftly she is caught off guard by the imagery in front of her. Imagine something not of this earth, strikingly radiant, suddenly appearing in your home. Wouldn’t you be caught off guard as well?

She notices beyond the aura of light that a being stands before her.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ An unknown voice calls out. The being’s voice is deep, confident and strong. Mary is afraid. A momentary swell of fear captures her and she is glued in place, unable to move. Mary peers around for the closest door, her muscles tense as she prepares to escape this fear. But The angel, for that is what it is, calls out again and says “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Whaaaat???
Okay, perhaps Mary’s response wasn’t exactly like that, but a look of concern crosses her face. How could this be? She isn’t even married yet. She is, in fact, still a virgin. It is unnatural, unheard of, it is just too much to take in all at once. The Angel had told her not to be afraid and yet she was certainly anxious and afraid.

There in that lowly room so long ago, history was being made. It didn’t happen to a mighty queen, nor did it happen to one who was prepared for such a feat…but it happened to a teenage girl, inexperienced in the world, naive and young. How could this be? The Savior of the world is placed in the arms, or soon would be, of a young woman. Think of it! Mary experiences this theophany of sorts and the symphony of salvation is born to all the world!

I find it interesting that Mary doesn’t refuse the Angel’s announcement, or laugh as Zacharias (Elizabeth’s husband) does. She takes in this message. She absorbs the news. She is strong, much stronger than most…perhaps this is one of the reasons she is chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It still astounds us today if we contemplate it long enough. Salvation will be born of a virgin. Could it be that because of such a concept the Christ is not born into sin as we were? Could it be that all of the “messiah’s” who came before Jesus, the bloodshed, the violence was all in vain? Could it be that man’s attempts to find salvation and restoration from sin was imperfect for the lambs they were sacrificing were also imperfect and not enough? There is much to ponder here today my friends.

Immediately following the proclamation from Gabriel, Mary runs as fast as she can to the nearby village…(was it the same day? Was it immediately, as in ‘that day’? We don’t know, it just says “at that time” Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.) Perhaps she stumbles a few times on the way in her haste to seek out solace and reassurance. Mary seeks out the comfort of family. She seeks out someone in whom to confide. No one will believe that she is still a virgin. No one will accept such a tale…but family, the trusted few will help, protect and guide.

For Us…
What do we make of this tale? What do we find reassuring from this record? Is there not something we can all glean from this? What does faith look like, dear soldier? Certainly Mary’s response to the Angel’s proclamation is a indication of courage and faith. Certainly the mother of Jesus provides us with an example of how we are to respond to the workings of the Lord. Are we so far removed from this narrative? Does this not still impact our daily lives? Mary doesn’t laugh at the Angel. She doesn’t weep and rebel and refuse to participate in this salvation story…in fact she accepts it and moves forward. It doesn’t say that her life improves immediately. I am sure she could not have hidden this pregnancy for too long. From a pure physical perspective, Mary’s life could have been in danger and at the very least susceptible to all kinds of scorn, gossip and sideways glances. “Oh look, there goes THAT Girl“.

QUESTIONS:
How do we respond to the leading of the Lord in our lives?
What is our response?
Are we fully submitted to His will or do we still struggle, moaning and groaning within this call?
Can we reflect within this holy narrative today?
Can we find comfort in a mighty God?
Have we forgotten, or taken His holy presence for granted, especially during this busy season?

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
renew us again. May we respond to you as Mary once did so long ago. We all face challenges, some large and some small, instill in us Your comfort again no matter what season we are in. We long to be your people. We long to give you praise in all things. Refine us, O Lord. Restore unto us, this joy of our salvation today! Reignite our passion to serve you and to reach out to those who are still lost. O Lord, we can do nothing without your hand upon us. Journey beside us today. This we pray. -Amen.

To God Be The Glory!

December 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army Soldier, Are You Broken And Weary?

This work that I believe has been thrust upon us to do in this world today is arduous and sometimes debilitating to the soul. Often times I have looked upon the tasks before me and have thought that I was too ill-equipped, surely there are better, smarter, more talented people to do this work. Make no mistake, dear soldier, our rewards for laboring in this mission will not be found in the personalized accolades of this world. We will also not become famously wealthy in our service to suffering humanity. Rather, we work because of this higher calling within our hearts and lives. If we have been called into this deeper fellowship with the Father, then our highest aim is to live in holiness while at the same time ushering others into the same, life-saving lifestyle.

The Brokenness:
This is not about Leadership abuse or being beaten down by society for our testimony, although these things do happen. The brokenness I am talking about today takes place within our spirit. We have been given this free will to choose. We can choose to rebel against God in all things. We can choose to turn our backs on His leading in our lives. We can decide to ignore His pleadings to help those around us; but with these choices comes the consequence of separating from God’s will for us. This will is a deep desire for us to become like His son, Jesus Christ in every way possible. If we choose to walk such a difficult path (Holiness) we make a conscious decision to become selfless in both word and deed. This brokenness, dear soldier, can truly transform our ministries in not only our corps but in our work places and homes. It transforms our every thought and intention and directs it towards a motivation and power far beyond our own. The Holy Spirit whispers into our lives this transformational choice, without His guidance our brokenness will be incomplete and pitiful. With His power, we posses through Him the power to be transformed and to help in the transformation of others. Dear soldier, are you broken? What is the measure of your surrender? Does it end with the benediction on Sunday until the following Sunday, or does your surrender run through and through?

The Weariness:
The second component deals with physical and emotional exertion. In my country (United States), this time of year is extremely busy. We rush to and fro, forwards and backwards, only to repeat it over and over again for the next twenty one days. It can be an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I believe we truly lose the emphasis of Christmas in our extreme business. I understand we need the funds to support our programs, but there are times when I question if what we do, which takes a toll on our bodies, is the appropriate method to this madness. I know of countless officers and soldiers alike who grow overly tired during this six+ week stretch and there is a groaning of their bones for finality.

In our efforts of doing good for Christ and living out our brokenness, “let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). I read this verse and think to myself how can we possibly NOT become weary in this season? Many of us literally dread the Christmas season, and I can’t help but think that the Lord does not want us to grow weary like this.

Questions:
Is there still holiness in Nativity for you?
Do we suffer from burnout in our efforts to do good?
What are we doing to care for the needs of our bodies and souls?
Have we lost that “lovin’ feeling”?
Have we lost a step in our relationship with Christ because of our responsibilities?

Prescriptions:
There isn’t one “miracle” pill to take, but allow me a moment to offer you a few remedies for weariness.
#1 Sleep.
I don’t care if you have to go to bed earlier or sprawl out on a pew, get some rest! Take your rest seriously!
#2 Pick up a new book to nourish your soul!
Read something that will connect with your spirit on a deeper basis. Don’t just settle for an easy read, but try and sift through the riff-raff for some good, healthy, challenging reads. Don’t stress about how long it will take you to read it either, just read.
#3 Keep Your Sabbath Holy!
For Officers this becomes quite difficult when you lead the red kettle campaign Monday through Saturday and then preach & teach on Sundays…but keep your Sabbath holy. Maybe this happens by attending another church’s service (Oh yes, I just said that!). Even the Shepherd needs to be fed, so go get fed!!! (I need to take this advice to heart as well!)
#4 Your Relationship With Christ
How is it? I don’t mean how do other people view you, but how is your personal relationship with Him right now? What are you doing to feed your spiritual life? Are you in a spiritual desert right now? Are you communing with the Father? Have you carved out vital time in your prayer closet, wherever that may be?
#5 Find, Recapture Some Joy This Christmas!
Christmas isn’t all about Kettles and Toys. It should never JUST be about that. If it does become this, then we will have lost our way in trying to do good for others we will have lost ourselves in the process. We must rekindle that spark, that flame, that passion for holiness. Let’s rediscover the mystery and awe of the Christ-child. Laugh a little. Enjoy life a little…take a breath and yes even relax a little.

This Army needs you alive both physically and spiritually. So don’t kill yourselves in your weariness!

Just another pondering for our Army today!
To God be the glory!

December 3, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, I Won’t Apologize To Sin…

Dear Soldier,
Let me clarify with a story…

A long time ago…

I had the distinct displeasure of confronting an issue in our corps.
It was unpleasant.
It was sad.
I was extremely disappointing.

Two people were carrying on with a relationship even though one of them was married (to another person).
The entire church knew about it.
I was even asked by a retired pastor if I was going to do something about the situation.
I wasn’t sure what to do at first. I’ve never been afraid of confrontation. I usually don’t back down from such situations, in fact I have to be careful…if I’m brutally honest. I had been praying about this issue. Praying for a simple, (less messy) solution…but none came. Finally I rounded the bend in our church hallway and caught them. Right then and there I confronted them. It wasn’t so much the scene of Jesus turning over tables in the temple, but it sure felt close to that in my heart. I felt (and still do) very sad about the situation. Here were two grown, mature adult Christians caught up in a sin and neither would admit to any wrong doing. We began to have an intense moment of fellowship, if you know what I mean. I was angry with them but at the same time very, very sad. They were obstinate and aggressive in their defense of their situation. Suddenly it became everyone else’ fault…I honestly wasn’t looking to play the blame game. I had not been praying for a direct confrontation like this, yet here it was. Confrontation is never comfortable or enjoyable, and if it ever becomes comfortable and enjoyable then something is very wrong. I hated it. I wanted to be somewhere else other than right there in that moment, and yet I couldn’t be. How could the church grow, continue to confess sin, fellowship in a healthy way and love one another with discipline and accountability when THIS elephant in the room was looming largely?

Sadly, circumstances were not recoverable…at least to my knowledge (I still hold out hope for reconciliation). Both decided to go elsewhere to church. I was even given an ultimatum – “apologize to us, or we won’t come back to church“…really? I’m sorry, but I won’t apologize to sin. I just can’t. I can’t compromise like that. Sin has a way of blinding us of our faults. Sin has a way of shifting the blame, making us less aware of wrong doing while rationalizing it away until it’s okay and it’s someone else’ problem.

I never once said that they had to leave the corps. They weren’t “kicked out”. Amidst the confrontation I was painfully aware of grace and love…but I (we, the corps council) expected more from them because they were a part of our corps family. Isn’t it like that with family? The level of expectations are always higher because “family” should know better, should act better.

Glass Houses…
I keep thinking about the woman caught in adultery in Jesus’ day…Pharisees and teachers of the law drag this woman to Jesus. Seriously, where was the guy who was caught as well?…doesn’t it take two to tango?..I digress.

These Pharisees want to trap Jesus while at the same time satisfying their blood thirsty need for “justice”. Jesus, confronted with this issue, stoops down and writes in the sand. Then after writing, doodling, naming the pharisees…I don’t know what He wrote, Jesus looks at the accusers and says “He who is without sin cast the first stone…” – They depart. The leave. They don’t linger. Something remarkable happens. I would call it a miracle. But the story isn’t over yet. Yes, the blood thirsty accusers are gone, but the guilty woman still stands there. Can you imagine the shame and embarrassment that she must have felt? The man she was with apparently does the walk of shame home without any other consequence, while she is caught, dragged, confronted in front of most of the town…how embarrassing and utterly horrifying!

Finally, Jesus stands up and looks around and then to her and says, almost sarcastically surprised, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” She says to Him, “No, Lord“…and then amazingly Jesus replies; “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

No Judgement…but Don’t Apologize to Sin…
Let’s face it, we are all susceptible to sin. If we believe that we are impervious to sin, watch out and beware! I’m not trying to scare anyone here, it is just a reality. We still struggle with this fallen life. Temptation is all around us. How we deal with these temptation defines how deep our spiritual maturity in Christ goes. There is fine line in our walk with Christ in becoming a Pharisee and addressing real sin issues within the body of believers. If done correctly, spiritual discipline and correction can become a life line of saving grace to someone caught in sin. If done incorrectly, we throw adulterers, liars and cheats before Jesus while avoiding love, grace, compassion and understanding and/or facing our own hypocritical sinful selves.

The correct way desires to address spiritual issues, make one stronger in the faith, hold each other accountable for the purpose of building each other up in love, grace and compassion. The incorrect way only serves to empower the accuser, demand judgement, criticizing immorality while avoiding any accountability of ones own actions. We have to be careful how we conduct ourselves as accountability partners and leaders in our corps!

No…we can’t apologize to sin…but we can lovingly correct, share the burden of leadership with others. Pray for reconciliation, confession, and forgiveness. We were never meant to be judge, jury and executioners in our corps…but we must hold each other accountable and bring each other back from places of sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t ignore critical issues in our corps. We can’t pretend they don’t exist. We can’t bury our heads in the sand when elders, local officers and soldiers (even officers) trip and fall. If we have any love in us for Christ and for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, then we will fight tooth and nail to seek reconciliation and restoration…until that time, don’t stop praying intercessory prayer for each other!

Something more for our Army World to Ponder today.

December 2, 2014 4

Dear Salvation Army…A 10/40 – 13/59 Window General?

There have been 20 Generals of The Salvation Army.
In that time there have been three women who have been elected to the position of General.
Also in that time there has not been an elected General from the 10/40 or the 13/59…(with exception of current General Andre’ Cox who was born in Zimbabwe).

What do I mean by 10/40 and 13/59? These are global longitude coordinates. Within these two windows a majority of the world’s population resides.

The Money Trail…
The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters is, of course, located in London England. Second to that Canada, The United States and Australia are the predominant financial powerhouse countries of the Army. From these territories, flows the majority of the world’s financial contributions to “World Services”. Could it be that based upon this major reason, the election of the General has been a predominantly “Western” selection?

What I’m not saying…
I’m not saying that we are unsatisfied with our current General. In fact, he’s a funny, articulate, down to earth kind of guy.
I’m not saying we ought to be begrudge the places where the funds come from either…without these crucial world service contributions – school, corps buildings, printed materials and resources would not be built and purchased for the 10/40 and 13/59. The world vitally needs these resources.

What I am saying…
A majority of The Salvation Army’s Soldiery can now be found in South America, parts of Africa and India. With the statistical decline of the Army in the Americas and Europe, one could draw the conclusion that in the future these places will be the ones in need of missionaries and resources.

So…when will we finally wake up and elect a General from the fastest growing places within our Army?

Others will say that there are many more contributing factors of electing a General…and yes, you are correct. There are many required leadership qualities that the appropriate candidates must possess…but…with the growing Army in these places there will most certainly be qualified leaders who will rise up!

When?
If we are a revolutionary Army…this will happen in our near future.
If we are a revolutionary Army…this wouldn’t even be an issue to discuss.
If we are a revolutionary Army…we will elect our next General based upon the leadership qualities of the person and not about where they hail from, what kind of political, financial, regional power a candidate might possess.

Believe it or not, even our Army plays politics from time to time. There is such a thing as “Army politics”.
I’m sorry if I burst your bubble. It happens.

I’m Optimistic:
But…at the end of the day, we do know who is the Commander of this Army – The Lord.
If we are completely submitted to the will of God, and we lead through humility instead of earthly ambitions this topic will become a non-issue. Who knows…perhaps I’m naive and overly optimistic. At the very least we ought to continue to pray for our leaders and this growing army…and the future.

Something more to ponder for our Army today. To God Be The Glory!

November 26, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army…Modern Rules For An Old Army

During the Polish campaign of 1939 (World War II), German forces, armed with weapons of modern warfare faced off against an opposing force of Polish Cavalry on horseback. The results were devastating to the primitive, Polish army who rode on horseback into the fray against metal machinery and tanks. Certainly times had changed. The ways in which wars were fought had changed as well. Those who refused to adapt and prepare themselves for a foreign, more modernly armed aggressor were soundly defeated and stood no chance within this modern war.

Make no mistake, dear Soldier, we are soldiers of an Army actively engaged in a spiritual war! We must be prepared! We absolutely hold to the truths of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and the power of The Holy Spirit as the Commander of our Army.

There MUST be preparation for modern battles.
The past is in the past.
We have a tremendous heritage…but, we cannot ONLY look back, we must engage in the here and now and prepare our Army of Salvation for the future.

That being said…

Questions and Metaphors:
Are there still times when we are riding into battle on horseback when the enemy is armed with tanks?
Are we naive and disconnected with the realities OUTSIDE of the corps, DHQ, THQ, IHQ?
Do we come prepared to engage the enemy and prepared to help save suffering humanity?

I know that our intentions are good!
But I also wonder if, sometimes, we are ill prepared to truly help pull people from the slums, the pits, the darkest places?

Modern Rules For An Old Army:
(I don’t wish to insult or imply that we are all “out of date” antiques in uniform, these are merely suggested rules for engaging in modern culture and modern issues)

1) Cliche’s, Jargon and Gobble-de-goop
Everyone who has lived within the Army world long enough knows certain phrases intrinsic to The Salvation Army. Phrases like “Fire a volley”, “Washed in the blood”, “Mercy Seat”, “Gospel Shots”…and many more. We might understand these phrases, and over time new comers might as well, I’m not saying throw them out, but perhaps we ought to refine and explain these phrases before “firing off a volley”. Perhaps one of these modern rules might be to explain our words, use understandable terminologies around new comers and visitors in the hopes of making them feel at home and welcomed.

2) Uniforms BEWARE!
I am not advocating the discontinuation of uniform wear, but let’s make sure visitors are welcomed into our corps and sanctuaries! Eight times out of ten we welcome these guests and would be members, but then there are the two percent who have so much starch within their uniforms that these uniforms can hang up themselves. Soldiers and Officers, wear your uniform diligently but consider the hearts of visitors and non-uniform wearing members before you consider what they might be wearing. We can help a modern world while still wearing our uniforms…can’t we?

3) People are Imperfect…Glass Houses…
This is not an “escape clause” for people to carry on and live immorally. But, there are times when off color language might be heard in a corps building…shocker. There might be times when a recent convert slips up along the way. The standard that WE think should be upheld isn’t or can’t be upheld by those around us. I’m not saying don’t hold that standard, I’m saying be careful that we do not become Pharisees in our rigorous moral “rules” that we forget people will mess up. Don’t get so stringent that there is no room for grace when people mistakes and don’t live up to YOUR standards. Yes, do preach holiness. Do live holiness. Help others to recognize that living out and imitating Christ is possible, but don’t frustrate other people’s spiritual growth if they aren’t growing as fast as you would like them to grow. We live in a “fast-food” society where everything is instant, but we can’t make imperfect people instantly Christ-like…it will take time! Be patient.

4) Take Risks…Don’t Be Ostriches!
You know that old idea that Ostriches bury their heads in the sand…well guess what? They don’t. They dig holes for their eggs but they don’t put their heads into the dirt to hide. Long story short, we cannot be a ‘progressively moving forward’ kind of army if we do not take calculated risks within culture and evangelism. These risks will look differently in various places in the world, but without risk there is no reward. If we do not use these talents that God has given us, we will cease to be an Army of Salvation and instead be an Army social club. We ought to evangelize to everyone, no matter if they look like us or not. Jesus came for the whosoever and we ought to be seeking ALL who would receive Christ’s invitation for Salvation. Be mindful that we will be criticized and at times persecuted because of the risks we take to include people from all walks of life into our fellowship, but don’t fear the retribution if we are seeking to please the Lord and save people! Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with YOU! (Joshua 1:9)

In order to live within this modern world, our old, tired army has to be prepared and ready…are we?

Something more for our Army to ponder today.

November 25, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army, How To Build A Healthy Corps

Dear Soldiers and Officers, this is not the end all or be all of Corps Growth or the “How to” guide for all things Corps…but this is a start, a primer of sorts.

I want to delve into this topic of building a healthy corps today because I feel it vital to consider the basic elements that make up a healthy, vibrant corps. All too often we can simply settle, maintain the status quo but never truly experience the thriving pulse of vibrancy. Dear Soldiers and Officers, let’s not settle for mediocrity in our corps. Let’s not plod onward thinking we can’t improve or grow more deeply spiritually as a corporate body.

Here are four basic elements for us to consider today. These are tools to help us experience and create a healthy, vibrant corps. ***(Disclaimer, we are not striving solely for a number increase, nor should we look over the fence at another larger corps and church and exclaim “let’s become them”…embrace your corps’ identity in your community)***

4 Basic Elements To Building a Healthy Corps:

1. Prayer & Prayer Meetings
It seems like some sort of over-simplistic Sunday school answer. “You have a problem? Then pray about it.” But here is reality; those who pray together, weep together, laugh together, strive together, fellowship together will become strong…TOGETHER. Long ago our corps would meet for prayer meetings and they would gather together, sometimes holding hands and pray for the needs of their congregation and community. Some still meet like this…many have ceased to meet in such a way. Soldiers and Officers – THERE IS GREAT POWER IN PRAYER! Both corporately and privately. I don’t mean to sound callous, but somewhere along the way a majority of us stopped meeting like this. I am not sure if we truly believed God would hear us in our prayers or if we just simply got tired of meeting together.

Prayer is a vital spiritual discipline both corporately and privately. It takes concerted effort to pray for each other and for everyone to ACTUALLY SHOW UP to these meetings of prayer. If we want to experience a healthy corps, then we need to pave the way with fervent, meaningful times of prayer upon our knees. The vital signs of our corps may not improve drastically overnight, they may not improve in a month or two…but over time the Lord will grant us a softened heart and a yearning to bring the needs of our corps into focused concentrated prayer. When this happens, true love will spill over us for each other; true fellowship can occur; a sincerely desire to see God transform lives within the corps will also happen within us.

2. Intentional Discipleship
I don’t mean just some printed materials we use in a six week course. I don’t mean just another program to count on a stats sheet…I mean Christian brothers holding other Christian brothers accountable, Christian sisters holding other Christian sisters accountable. Intentional studying of God’s word together, elder Christians guiding a patiently loving younger Christians. Can it begin with a simple bible study tool? Of course, but it has to become something more than just filling out answers and memorizing scripture. Trust is sometimes an issue. Divulging ones personal struggles with another “Christian” brother or sister can be extremely difficult and even embarrassing. One might feel that they are too vulnerable if trust is not first established and coveted in confidentiality. But when we disciple one another…when we yearn to grow together (because let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t trust others in our corps and we don’t think that they have our best interests in mind) When we can learn this spiritual discipline of discipleship, we can finally grow into the identity the Holy Spirit has been preparing us for since the moment of initial sanctification.

3. Intentional Joy & Fellowship
Not only should we be meeting for pray and discipleship but we ought to be joyously seeking fellowship together outside of the walls of our corps building. I understand we do not all have the same interests and personalities and this might make fellowship difficult at times, but do we make a concerted effort to go to each other’s homes? Are we seeking out times to share a meal together, go to a movie together, maybe take up a hobby together…or even bowl? There can be joy found in laughter and the sharing of life moments together. Are we willing to put ourselves out there? I think that sometimes we are afraid of asking people over or taking a chance to share a meal with another member of our corps because we’re afraid we might not have anything in common or find total rejection. If we are to become a healthier corps, we have to be willing to take a risk and to find intentional fellowship with other soldiers and friends.

Out of these intentional moments, a sweet aroma of love and joy can be expressed, so much so that others might be drawn to our fellowship. People will see this kind of interaction of corps members and long to be a part of something like that. Individual crave acceptance and love. People want to “fit in”…when we make that concerted effort to fellowship with others, we can begin to emit that sweet aroma of joy and fellowship to those around us, and by proxy, we are unknowingly creating a visual type of appealing evangelism.

4. Listen To Needs
I don’t merely say “Listen” to imply that we offer canned advice and suggestions, but rather when we actively listen to the needs of those around us we become more inclined to physically bridge that gap for others. When we stop talking about our wants and needs, we can begin to listen to the needs of others. “Others” can be those within our fellowship already as well as those who are on the fringes or living within our community. Don’t draw a line in the sand that separates “Our People” from “Community People”…In God’s eyes ALL people are His, some just don’t know it yet. Make sure that we allow this intoxicating joy to spill out and over not only those WITHIN but also those who are on the outside of the corps walls. When we begin to actively listen to the needs of others, we can begin to hear the pulse of organic evangelism that is created from an Ideas book or another promotional “EVENT”, but rather is done simplistically and genuinely. I am not saying that these other evangelistic ideas can’t be genuine, but from experience, listening to the needs of others silences the groans of prideful, often deaf, arrogant self and refocuses the heart onto true love and service to others.

These are just four ways to build a healthier corps together with you and me…and that neighbor down the street who has never been asked or invited to share in this intoxicating joy of fellowship. Remember, we are saved to save and in the process we can sharpen each other and grow together through holy living.

Just something more for our Army world to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

November 24, 2014 2

Perspectives Day #5 Featuring Commissioner Harry Read

Many within the realms of Facebook and other social media sites have been blessed and encouraged in reading poems and thoughts by Commissioner Harry Read. He also has written books and here are a few of them: Books by Harry Read
To read more about Commissioner Read also check out this interview link: JAC Interview

Without further adieu allow me to introduce two encouraging and thought provoking poems by Commissioner Harry Read:

Heart-Talk

OUR SHEPHERD GOD

The heart of God is wounded by the lost,
Not just because his chosen way they scorn
Or that his love towards them has been tossed
Aside, as though of worth and meaning shorn.

Their lost-ness he can never disregard,
Their waywardness and sin to him are pain,
And should they find life easy or too hard
He yearns and yearns to have them back again.

He is a Father-God with Shepherd heart
Who, through his Spirit searches for his own.
From his own erring lambs he will not part;
He wants us all around his heavenly throne.

Our Shepherd God is searching everywhere
To bring his flock within his loving care.

Matthew 18: 10-14
The parable of the lost sheep.

With every blessing,
Harry

——————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Heart-talk

OUR PERSECUTED BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE FAITH.

O LORD, We pray for those who suffer for your name,
Who walk the path of persecution, stress and pain.
Deliver them from doubt, let hope within them flame
And use them, Lord, let not their trial be in vain
And, through their faith-full fortitude, your love proclaim.

Matthew 5: 10-12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”.

With every blessing,
Harry
30.09.13

November 21, 2014 0

Perspectives Day #4 Featuring Major Stephen Court

“Can DisCo Save The World?”
by Major Stephen Court

“There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you.”
Kool and the Gang, 1980

The 70s were a little ahead of my time. The earliest Disco hit I remember was 1980 song CELEBRATION.

Disco had a massive impact on western culture.

With the monotony of routine church life, many Christians could use a splash of the party atmosphere Kool and the Gang celebrates.

When western Christianity escapes the temptations of spiritual consumerism and church buffet a different kind of DISCO can save the world.

Our DISCO stands for discipleship covenant.

These DISCO groups are sprouting in different spots in many cities around the salvosphere as soldiers and recruits join together to support each other in the salvation war. ‘So bring your good times, and your laughter here.’

Covenant is a serious thing. And we don’t want to tie people up unnecessarily. So DISCO participants commit for a short period of time – normally one to three months – to hold each other accountable for certain things. The novel wrinkle in this discipleship exercise is that each member of the groups determines the things for which s/he wants to be held accountable.

That is, there isn’t some uniform standard imposed on everyone. So a group can contain a brand new convert and a long-time follower of Jesus, as each person is vulnerable and accountable for certain activities and practices for the committed time. Everyone advances at your own pace, from your own status quo.

So, one person might want to be held accountable to fast two days/week and do a silent retreat once a month while another member might need help to do rations every day, exercise a few times/week, and read a good book during the DISCO.

And everyone benefits. Members pray for each other, support each other, and help each other. ‘We’re gonna celebrate your party with you.’

DISCO works best face-to-face. But it is also proven to work online. And it normally happens with the same gender.

The thing is, a good DISCO, though it may last only 90 days, will change the lives of its participants. It’s ‘a celebration to last throughout the years.’

And as those participants spin off DISCO after DISCO in corps after corps and city after city and territory after territory, we can legitimately ask, Can DISCO save the world?

And I think you know our answer.

Here’s a generic example:

DISCIPLESHIP COVENANT
To align ourselves with the heart and purposes of the Lord Jesus Christ, to prepare for the plans He has, and to optimize the opportunities He is presenting us, we are committing to the following disciplines over the next month:

On a daily basis to:
Seek His will in our decision-making and then be accountable to each other for the action based on that will;
Make myself available to help the other fulfill God’s will in his life;

On a weekly basis:
To witness/evangelise in a continuing manner as best as I can;
To intentionally seek evangelistic opportunities;
To intentionally encourage others at our Corps;
To pray for the burdens and trials each of us is experiencing in an extraordinary manner;
To participate in worship and discipleship;
To be able to encourage each other in a firm and loving manner, to grow in grace, and to extend our Kingdom impact;
To encourage and keep each other accountable in living holy lives;

Bobby’s specifics:
To disciple ______ (including rations; memory work; evangelism; sometimes worship).
To do ____ of rations daily.
To memorise _____ of Scripture each week.
To evangelise each week.
To exercise XX/week.
To go avoid porn sites / magazines.
To treat women like my kid sister.
To avoid being alone with a female.
To avoid being alone with someone who is still using.
To volunteer at the corps XX/week.

Signed: ___________ date: _____

Bart’s specifics:
To do daily family devotions.
To read XX chapters of the Bible daily.
To do daily chores.
To tithe my pay cheque to God on Sundays.
To read one Christian book this month (one we agree on).
To attend my brigade each week (and call the other members in between)
To prayerfully consider soldiership.

Signed: ___________ date: ______

November 20, 2014 0

Tag: The Salvation Army