Plain and simple, we need more candidates for officership. We are believing for a growing Army, but our present number of candidates are short of maintaining our current officer strength. Know that we are determined to grow with or without increased officer support, but our officer corps is a proven source for an effective means to accomplish our God given objectives.
I am convinced that God is looking for more souls to enter His Kingdom and for the church to grow in that process. I'm also convinced He is looking to TSA to be a prominent part of His plan.
If God is calling you to become an officer, don't delay. Come forward now and realise the joy of following Him completely. In my experience, there is a direct correlation between our officer strength and our effectiveness in bringing people to Christ. Every soldier and employee and volunteer has a role and is valuable and vital in the process. Each of us should ascertain if God is calling us to officership.
2 Timothy 2:2 (MSG)
2 Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.
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13 comments:
Yes! Officership is a joy and a privilege to serve our great King, Jesus Christ.
I am a new officer and I can tell you I am loving the challenge that God has given me. I have had so many opportunities to witness for Christ and what a joy it is. Like many before me I ran from officership but as I have said before there is no point doing a "Jonah" and trying to run from God's calling. Embrace it, fears and all and trust that God will continue to bless you.
Sharon Bywaters
Maybe it would be pertinent to review the processes. I understand that there are many areas of an application to investigate, it would be unreasonable to not research an individual into whom so much will be invested. But if the heart is willing....... Communication between departments and Headquarters seems to be a game of table tennis: those who respond can easilty fall through the cracks.
May God touch the hearts of those who have not responded to the call to do so TODAY
"Samuel, Sameul," says the Lord.
Samuel says, "Eli, is that you?"
Eli says "Samuel, it is the Lord"
Sometimes the Lord calls and we haven't discerned that it is possibly the Lord's voice, not just someone else.
May the people considering officership hear ever so clearly the proding of the Holy Spirit, just like Jo and I did!
Yes Lord Yes! Good word Commissioner! God is calling... But are we all responding? I pray we do! May God continue to call people to serve Him through Officership! Hallelujah!
How does God's Word call, shape, transform, and 'send' me..and us? Which is what discipleship is all about. Within the call to salvation is the responsibility to be participants in God's action in the world. Our participation is integral to our conversion/disicipleship. It seems that there are too many who have been called but are happy to receive the benefits of grace while ignoring that fact that they are receiving such blessings 'in order to be a blessing', that is active participants. WJE
Great word, commissioner. Many of my young friends at our city corps feel that the Army doesnt look after it's officers, and look at the negatives of moving, poor pay, not owning your own home etc. They also feel that we don't value input from lower ranks, eg corps officers, in leadership decisions. But bottom line is we need leaders on fire for God, and sacrifice has always been one of the marks of leadership in any field. May many step forward for God.
We all become recruiters by our witness. Help us, Lord.
The Salvation Army look after officers well, I know this when I see in other countries those who serve faithfully with less. Their vehicle is their feet, their money is so miniscule that they often rely on their comrades as they are one family in service together. Many have no running water, no power... yet they serve with passion, with love and with no complaints. May I be like them Lord... it is not for the 'extras' that I give my life, but because you Call me to serve wherever and whoever!
To Anonymous - As an Officers Kid (and proud to be one), I would argue that Officers are actually looked after quite well! We never had to worry about where we were going to live, how we were going to get to school or where our next meal would come from. Yes it is true that Officers aren't paid very well (in fact they are considered to be given an allowance not a wage), but you have your house, many of your bills and your vehicle taken care of. We never lacked for anything.
As for getting moved anywhere - that can happen in any job, if my dad worked at a bank, or my mum was in the regular Army, we would have to move to where the work was.
I thank God for those of my friends who have responded to the call for Officership (many of them have commented on here), and for my parents responding all those years ago.
I've been an officer for a few years now, and I'd like to make a couple of comments on the idea that Officers have to make sacrifices in order to follow their call.
First, it's true that it can be hard. There are things about our role that can make life difficult, and I am constantly having to remind myself that whilst I heard and accepted a call to Officership, my children never asked to be officers' kids. They have had to pay some of the price for my obedience, and my constant prayer is that God will use their experience to make them good soldiers. I know many Officers' kids who haven't reacted well.
That said (and this is my second point) a sacrifice isn't a sacrifice if it doesn't hurt. I know quite a few people who haven't realised this until it's too late. That's sad.
My last comment is more of a request to those who haven't been called to Officership --- please don't take the sacrifice made by Officers' lightly. Some of the most hurtful things Soldiers have said to me (always with good intentions) have been along the lines of , 'Well, you knew you wouldn't be able to have or do such and such when you signed up.' That's true, but it always seems to come from people who have far more than I ever will on this earth. If I'm complaining about something I probably need to be brought into line, but be sensitive!
Let me finish be saying that whilst I have written from my perspective as an Officer, most of this goes for whatever sacrifice we're called to make. Forsaking a well paying job and a single place to call home is part of my Cross, we're all called to give up everything to follow our Master. It will always hurt, whatever form it takes.
Officership is the most exciting and rewarding opportunity that I can think of.
Is it always plain sailing ?- NO
Is it always easy ?- NO NO
Does everyone stop and listen because you are 'called of God'?
- NO
Does life and ministry turn out just as you imagine? - NO
Do you experience the most satisfying life and know God's blessing, inner peace & joy in your life, even in the midst of turmoil, disappointment and times when you feel totally alone ? - YES YES & YES
If God has spoken to you in a Damacus Road type experience in a still, small voice that you become aware of over time then you should prepare yourself in body, mind and soul, develop who you are, get some practical training at your corps and nearest social centre and get the best education that you can get.
God deserves nothing but our best.
Give all that you are and all that you know to as much of God as you understand and allow Him to prepare, guide, equip, grow & strengthen you in whatever fields of ministry that he calls you to.
I can't promise you wealth, good health, and a totally stress free life, but I can promise you the ride of your life.
Nothing beats joyful obedience to God.
The words of a song that we used to sing a lot are true:-
"True happiness is love expressed in service,
True holiness compassion deep and strong.
In giving of my best I find contentment,
And so forget how hard the way and long."
Good word, Frog.
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