In Covenant (Leader's Manual)

’s IN COVENANT {leader manual } promises , promises !

IN COVENANT

rmy one

SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following, remembering to include reference to the suggested Scripture and how it relates to the topic (see page 03 of the In Covenant book): 1. What is the difference – if any – between promises and normal conversation? Why do we make promises?

Matthew 5:33-37 2. What part does trust play in our daily lives?

Proverbs 3:5; Luke 16:10-12; Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 26:3 3. What does God promise – and what doesn’t he promise? What are the implications of ‘in my name’ in John 14:14?

John 14:14; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 1:11-18; Matthew 28:20 4. Why does God make covenant with us?

Deuteronomy 7:8, 9; Hebrews 8:10 Note: In question 1, it might be helpful to consider the place of promises in your culture. Do people often make promises?

If someone makes a promise, is it expected that he will keep it? How is it regarded if the person fails to keep his promise – is it a serious matter or not?

Activity Ideas •• Look at the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-31 (this is not the parable of the prodigal son!). Use your imagination to fill out further details in the story, or have some members of the group make up a drama. Discuss what might have been the thoughts and

PROMISES one rmy

IN COVENANT

PROMISES

motives of the two sons. You could give the story a modern setting.

•• Ask members to think about a time when someone had promised them something and then did not keep the promise. How did they feel? Then ask them to think if they have ever failed to do something they said they would do. Be sensitive as to whether it would be helpful to share details. This could 01 lead to a time of prayer.

•• Ask members of the group to suggest songs or choruses in which promises are made to God. Encourage members to think about words before they sing them.

•• For useful information on God’s covenant with mankind look up the Handbook of Doctrine, pages 120, 128 and 196.

IN PRAYER Pray that you will mean the words you speak to God in prayer and through songs, and that he will teach you how to do this.

Father God, forgive us when we have made promises to you or to others and have not kept them. Help us to be sincere and truthful in our worship. May others be able to rely on us to keep any promises we make to them.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Recognising the importance of promises.

•• Understanding the meaning of ‘covenant’ in Scripture.

•• Understanding that love is at the heart of God’s covenant with us.

•• Recognising that we can trust God’s promises.

in covenant

– promises one

rmy leader’s manual

IN COVENANT

SOLDIERS SUPPORTING RESOURCES The Soldier’s Covenant.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 05 of the In Covenant book): 02 1. Imagine what The Salvation Army would look like without committed soldiers.

Ephesians 6:10-18 2. Why is soldiership not primarily about individual fulfilment and personal happiness?

2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; Romans 12:1, 2 3. Discuss the place of duty within the Body of Christ. How did Jesus describe it?

Luke 17:10; Romans 12:4, 5 4. What are the privileges of making covenant with God? Ephesians 2:19-22; Mark 8:34, 35; Matthew 5:11, 12; Matthew 11:28-30 Activity Ideas •• If it is hard to get people to commit to being soldiers where you live, discuss the reasons why this is so. What could be done to encourage more people to take this step?

•• If it is easy to get people to commit to being soldiers where you live, discuss whether this is because the promises are not taken seriously (without discussing individuals!). If this is a problem, how could it be addressed? in covenant

– soldiers one

OFFICERS SUPPORTING RESOURCES The Officer’s Covenant.

Book: Love - Right at the Heart.

•• Read the Soldier’s Covenant on page 05 of the In Covenant book. Give time for members to ask questions about any aspects of the covenant which are not understood.

•• If members of the group are not familiar with the ceremony of enrolment, you could organise a role play to show what happens.

IN PRAYER Ask God for guidance as to how soldiership can be fully utilised to show him to his world and bring more people to a personal knowledge of the love of Christ.

Father God, we thank you for every soldier in our corps. May each one be fully committed to you and do their part to show Jesus to others by the way they live.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding that becoming a soldier is a sacred and blessed way of expressing commitment to God and The Salvation Army.

•• Understanding that a soldier should live as a worthy representative of Jesus.

rmy leader’s manual

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 07 of the In Covenant book): 1. Consider the following Bible verses in relation to officership.

Luke 22:27; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Philippians 2:5-8 2. Why is every officer’s personal relationship with Jesus their most important responsibility?

John 17:17, 18; John 21:20-22; John 15:9-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18 3. Discuss the Army’s responsibility to its officers – including each corps’ responsibility to its own officers.

Hebrews 13:7; John 13:34, 35; Galatians 6:10; Colossians 3:12-17 4. Imagine Jesus as your corps officer.

What would he be like? Would you treat him differently from how you normally treat your officers? If so, why?

Galatians 4:14; John 10:14-18; 1 Peter 5:2-4; Matthew 25:40 Activity Ideas •• Read the ‘Love and Depth’ passage from Love – Right at the Heart (see text on page 08).

•• Read the Six Principles for Salvation Army leadership from Love – Right at the Heart (see text on page 08).

•• Think of some practical things you

OFFICERS one rmy

SOLDIERS one rmy

IN COVENANT

could do to support your own corps officers – for example thanking them 03 at the end of a meeting; telling them when you have prayed for them.

Remember that giving in cartridges and offerings is one way of giving support.

IN PRAYER Pray for the role and ministry of officers around the world, and that they will be given daily strength and grace. Pray also for your own part in supporting and encouraging them.

We thank you, Lord, for all those around the world who have responded to your call to serve you as officers. Give them strength and grace for whatever task awaits them today. Show us how we can better support our own officers and encourage them in their ministry.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding the concept of being an officer.

•• Understanding the covenant and commitment that officers make.

•• Recognising that every Salvationist has a responsibility to support and encourage officers.

in covenant

– officers one

rmy leader’s manual

BELONGING one rmy

one rmy

IN COVENANT

BELONGING SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books / Magazines: Called to be God’s People.

From Generation to Generation.

The Salvation Army Year Book.

All the World.

The Junior Soldier’s Promise.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 04 09 of the In Covenant book): 1. List ways in which the uniform unites Salvationists and the opportunities it provides. Why might people refrain from wearing uniform?

Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 4:11-13 2. In what ways can adherent members be helped to feel valued and play effective roles in the Army?

Romans 12:4-8 3. Being a junior soldier gives children an opportunity to play a part in Christian ministry. It also encourages development of skills. Consider the potential for ensuring junior soldiership is used to its fullest extent.

Proverbs 22:6; Isaiah 11:6; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 18:16, 17 4. What makes any of us feel we truly ‘belong’ to a fellowship?

Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12; John 17:20, 21 Activity Ideas •• Read the passage from Called to be God’s People (see text on page 09) which relates to the first discussion question.

•• If you have access to The Salvation Army Year Book, All the World or other in covenant

– belonging one

Army periodicals which contain news items from around the world, find pictures which illustrate different types of uniform. Are these different types related to culture, climate or the tasks being performed by the wearer?

•• Read the passage from From Generation to Generation (see text on page 09).

Discuss what overuse of Army terminology there might be in meetings at your corps.

•• Ask members of the group to devise and perform role plays based on the following: 1. A newcomer arrives at the corps and is not given a good welcome.

2. A newcomer arrives at the corps and is warmly welcomed.

3. Someone who has been at the corps for some time but does not hold any position in the corps, comes forward with some ideas for change. Local officers immediately turn him down.

4. Someone who has been at the corps for some time but does not hold any position in the corps, comes forward with some ideas for change. Local officers respond positively.

rmy leader’s manual

•• Ask members of the group to speak about early influences on their lives.

Hopefully there will be some who were junior soldiers who can testify to the value of this.

IN PRAYER Pray that God will help you, and those who make up your corps, to help others feel that they are valued and truly welcome in the fellowship.

05 SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding the reasons for wearing uniform.

•• Understanding the role of adherent members in the corps.

•• Recognising the need to make everyone feel welcome at the Army.

•• Recognising the importance and purpose of junior soldiership.

Dear Lord, we thank you for each person who attends our corps. If we have failed to make anyone feel welcome, please forgive us and help us to do better. Thank you for the gifts and abilities that each person has. Help us to find new ways of working together and making each person feel valued and appreciated.

leader’s manual

an international teaching resource

THE NEW COVENANT

This unit in part relates to Doctrines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10.

SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: Called to be God’s People.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 11 of the In Covenant book): 1. Why did Jesus make a new covenant?

Hebrews 8:7; Hebrews 8:9 2. What does the new covenant make possible?

06 Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 8:10-13 3. Consider the body of Jesus being ‘broken’ and his blood ‘poured out’ on the Cross, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel.

Discuss the depth and extent of God’s love.

Luke 22:14-20; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:10 4. We have opportunity to respond to his love. How should we do this?

1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:10, 11; Philippians 3:8-14 Activity Ideas •• The text refers to the ceremonies called ‘sacraments’, which happen in some churches. It may be that this issue was fully explored in the In Christ module.

If not, see the Leader’s Manual for In Christ – the section on ‘God the Holy Spirit’ - for some resource material, particularly the following extract.

•• Read the ‘Call to Celebrate Christ’s Presence’ passage from Called to be God’s People (see text on page 09).

•• Read the words of William Booth as quoted in Called to be God’s People (see page 10). Called to be God’s People contains a lot of helpful material on in covenant– the new covenant

REFERENCED RESOURCES FOR THIS UNIT

this subject. Take time to explore this issue thoroughly if it was not done previously.

•• Is there a time when members of your corps share a meal together? Discuss how the real presence of Christ could be celebrated in a greater way at such meals.

•• Share ideas about how meals in the home could be made truly sacramental.

IN PRAYER Pray that your personal response to the love of Christ will honour his covenant and the salvation he has provided.

Dear Lord, we are so grateful for the deep love of Jesus for us. Thank you that he was willing to die a painful, lonely death so that we can be saved. Help us to show our thanks by the way we live – by dedicating ourselves completely to your service.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding that by his death, Jesus made a new covenant, opening the way for everyone to be reconciled to God. •• Understanding that if we are to benefit from this covenant, we need to make a response by giving ourselves to God. •• Understanding that love is at the heart of this covenant.

•• Understanding The Salvation Army position concerning sacraments.

one rmy leader’s manual

BOOKS The History of The Salvation Army, Volume II, Robert Sandall, gives a description of how the role of officers began to emerge and how training began, Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd. Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Love and Depth’ (Part Two Chapter 1, pp 73-77), emphasises the important of each officer making their spiritual life their first focus before engaging in any ministry, Salvation Books, IHQ. Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Six Principles’ (pp 69-71), highlights the Army’s mutual responsibility to those serving at the heart of its ranks.

Love – Right at the Heart, ‘Love and Discipleship’ (Part Two Chapter 6, pp 103-107), looks at the example of Jesus in ministry.

Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our Life Together’, page 60, includes a paragraph that discusses the place of uniform, Salvation Books, IHQ. From Generation to Generation, ‘A Wider Family’ (Chapter 10, pp 55-60), discusses the principle of ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued at each corps, Robert and Janet Street, Salvation Books, IHQ. From Generation to Generation, ‘Mould Me’ (Chapter 6, pp 31-36), shows how junior soldiership can be used effectively for each child’s benefit.

Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our Life Together’ (p 63), includes a paragraph that highlights the need for each fellowship to be united in love for one another.

Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to Celebrate Christ’s Presence’ (pp 31-39), is among material in the book that indicates the Army’s teaching on Luke 22:19.

Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to Celebrate Christ’s Presence’ (p 38), shows what William Booth felt was essential to Christian living and obedience to God’s Word.

REFERENCED RESOURCES one rmy

THE NEW COVENANT one rmy

IN COVENANT

07

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Servants Together, Salvation Books, Chapter 8, for a wider understanding of the commissioning and service of officers.

Mapping our Salvationist DNA, Steve Hedgren and Rob Lyle, USA Eastern Territory, for a comprehensive view of @TSAOneArmy Salvationist beliefs, values and behaviours.

A Salvationist Treasury, Henry Gariepy, What resources would you add?

Crest Books, ‘Covenant Renewal’, page 186, Let us know by emailing provides a devotional reflection.

OneArmy@salvationarmy.org Holiness Unwrapped, Salvation Books, IHQ, or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ Part One, Chapter 9, ‘Consecrated’, looks onearmy/resources at covenant with God through Jesus. referenced resources

one rmy leader’s manual

one rmy

one rmy

Love and Depth pp 73, 74 from Love – Right at the Heart.

The spiritual health and welfare of officers is fundamental to the spiritual well-being of The Salvation Army and its effectiveness.

Although the Army exists to serve others and bring them into right relationship with Christ, it cannot do so unless those serving right at its heart are spiritually sound, showing Christ in their lives….

It is true that we often find strength to love as we serve. We realise the Lord is with us – at difficult times and in unexpected ways. We learn from him in relationship as co-workers (2 Corinthians 6:1) – but it is unwise to neglect devoting specific time 08 to being alone with him. It will always be important to give time to hear what he wants to say and receive what he waits to give. Jesus ensured regular quiet time with his Father, seeing it as the source of his strength for ministry (Mark 1:35). If Jesus was aware of his need to be alone with his Father, it is nonsense to think we can serve him adequately without doing the same.

For similar reasons, Jesus invites us to share quality time with him (Matthew 11:28).

Six Principles for Salvation Army leadership pp 70, 71 from Love – Right at the Heart.

1. All officers should be ‘right at their heart’: •• Spiritually healthy.

•• Embracing sacrifice in a spirit of dedication.

•• Their spiritual welfare being the first priority for them and for the Army.

Without this, their ministry will falter.

2. All officers should be right at the heart of: •• The Army’s mission.

•• Their community. leader’s manual

an international teaching resource

Without this, their ministry will falter.

3. All officers should be valued and know they are valued, through being: •• Listened to.

•• Consulted.

•• Supported.

•• Affirmed.

Without this, their ministry will falter.

4. All officers should be treated with dignity: •• Fairly, equally and with respect.

•• As bound together by the same mutual covenant.

•• In a spirit of openness, frankness and honesty.

•• Respecting and giving confidentiality.

•• Ensuring their basic needs and those of their children should be an indisputable aim and priority.

Without this, our fellowship will falter.

5. The Salvation Army’s integrity should be evident at all times, by: •• Its ministry within and without the movement matching its mission statement.

•• Evidence of sacrificial living among all ranks of officers.

•• Prioritising the moral obligation to supply all officers within each territory with the official stated allowance.

•• Giving of ourselves in genuine mutual support to one another in ministry.

Without this, the Army’s credibility will falter.

6. Basing our ministry on relationship, we follow the examples of Jesus, who: •• Put the needs of others before his own.

•• Dealt graciously yet thoroughly with failure in others.

•• Helped people see what they could become.

•• Lifted them up, not knocked them down.

•• Still helps them become the people he knows they can be.

By this, our ministry will be honoured.

Surprisingly, even the most passionate evangelists still make basic mistakes such as these, which do little to encourage people to return.

Call to our Life Together p 60 from Called to be God’s People.

Interestingly, United Kingdom research on a divisional basis has shown that any personal welcome given by a corps officer, while appreciated, is less significant than being welcomed by members of the congregation. The officer is ‘expected’ to do this; other members of the congregation extend a welcome because they are perceived to want to do so!

There is a further barrier that arises for those from outside who look to join the Army family. It is that of a close-knit community that feels threatened and reacts fearfully once a newcomer is ready 09 and wanting to take some prominent responsibility in the corps. This is when established family members need to see further than their own interests and contribution – and ensure that their reactions are in harmony with God’s will.

The uniform identifies Salvationists.

Although not worn by every Salvationist, its presence within the fellowship tends to have a bonding effect. From whatever country – say Uganda, Belgium, India or Canada – or from whatever position in life – say member of parliament, secretary, doctor or bus driver – and however wealthy or poor, healthy or sick, whether male or female, young or old, there is a shared identification which comes with the uniform. It is instantly recognisable among Salvationists and it would be rare indeed if there was not an immediate sense of belonging to one another when the uniform is seen. The uniform says ‘we are all in this together’. It speaks of commitment to one another as well as to God. It plays a significant part in uniting the Army’s soldiers, even when they may be unaware of it.

CHAPTER 10 ‘A Wider Family’ – p 58 in From Generation to Generation.

While it is legitimate and worthwhile for the corps programme to provide activities that enrich and benefit the lives of its regular attenders, at the heart of all that takes place there must be deliberate intention to attract those who don’t yet belong – and to make them feel welcome on arrival. Unfortunately, because of the overuse of Army terminology and abbreviations, or by assumptions that ‘everybody knows’ a song that is spontaneously included, newcomers can easily be made to feel like ‘outsiders’.

Call to Celebrate Christ’s Presence p 31 from Called to be God’s People.

We call Salvationists worldwide to rejoice in our freedom to celebrate Christ’s real presence at all our meals and in all our meetings, and to seize the opportunity to explore in our life together the significance of the simple meals shared by Jesus and his friends and by the first Christians.

We affirm that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one true sacrament of God. His incarnation and continuing gracious presence with his people by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the mystery at the heart of our faith. We hear our Lord’s command to remember his broken body and his outpoured blood as in our families and in our faith communities we eat and drink leader’s manual

an international teaching resource

one rmy together. We affirm that our meals and love feasts are an anticipation of the feasts of eternity, and a participation in that fellowship which is the Body of Christ on earth.

William Booth quoted in Call to Celebrate Christ’s Presence p 38 from Called to be God’s People.

‘Let us do all that we do in remembrance of his dying love. Every act of our life ought to be religious. Every day ought to be a Sabbath in the sense of it being sacred and devoted to the glory of God, and every meal we take ought to be a sacrament.

10 ‘Look not only on the form and ceremonies; read your New Testament, not only with an eye on what I have told you, but settle it in your souls – that the Kingdom of God does not come by might nor by power; for the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, it is not sacraments, nor ceremonials, not forms, not church attendance, not processions, not uniforms.

The Kingdom of God is within you. It cometh not by observation. It is not what you can see or hear – the essence of it is not.

Outside things may help you. They do help me very much. The countenances of my comrades help me, so do their songs, their faith, their devotion. The crash of a great big meeting, when hearts are yielded and souls are shouting the praises of God, helps me. But the power is not in these things.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.’

leader’s manual

an international teaching resource