Why Salvation Army Soldiers and Not Salvation Army Members?
Richard VanderWeele 16 October 2009 13:00:53
While I'm seated at my desk writing this initial blog on the Territorial Priority - Soldiers, I occasionally glance up at a graphic artist's record, temporarily taped up on my wall, of the summary presentation from a working group of officers and soldiers who met a few weeks ago to discuss the issue (attached). One of the ideas promulgated by some in our group, captured by the artist, was a suggestion The Salvation Army focus less on recruiting, preparing, developing and enrolling soldiers and instead change the focus and definition of membership for our movement to simply "Christ Follower". I don't buy it - I don't support it! As someone in the group stated, it's time to "Be The Salvation Army again".Don't get me wrong, I want to welcome and encourage every person who walks through the doors of a Salvation Army facility to attend our worship services, participate in our programs, grow in their faith and become fully involved in our fellowship. But, I also want, and need, a cadre of believers who are willing to enter into covenant with Jesus Christ as soldiers of The Salvation Army.
Soldiership is more than following Christ. Take a look at The Soldier's Covenant (attached) and take note of the commitments a Salvation Army soldier makes beyond what is expected of a follower of Christ. In particular, our movement needs soldiers who can make this type of commitment...
I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army,
sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
endeavoring to win others to Him,
and in His name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.
To me, soldiers are like the disciples Jesus surrounded himself with - people set aside to carry responsibility for the ministry of Christ's good news. Men and women who aren't content to simply worshipHim, but are willing to take up the mantle of Christ and engage in His mission and ministry firsthand. People who are spiritually mature, well discipled and equipped to teach and lead others along the pathway of Christlike spiritual formation - people who are holy. That's my definition of what a Salvation Army soldier ought to be!
Oh, and one more thing - The Salvation Army needs soldiers who are willing let the world know they are Salvationists by wearing the uniform. The uniform opens doors, offers hope and provides an outward expression of a personal work of God's grace in the life of the wearer.
Are you ready and willing to be a soldier of The Salvation Army? If not, why?
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