My dissertation explained

Music-making:

Then and now

In this series by SISTAD* students, Captain Leanne Wallis tells us about her MA in Mission (Leadership, Mission and Ministry) dissertation: ‘Salvation Army music making in the UK today – a practical and theological investigation’

GENERAL John Larsson once wrote: ‘If music is one of God’s gifts to the Army, we don’t want less of it – we want more!’ Throughout my life, I have known how music can save souls and bring us closer to God. However, it has been more than 140 years since the first brass group appeared. How has Army music-making changed since those early days? What challenges face us now? How do we ensure that our musicmaking remains relevant?

I initially researched Salvation Army history. At the beginning, William Booth was closely involved with the organisation of Army music. Robert Sandall believes that Booth ‘was determined that the bandsmen should be converted men of high character, and that their playing should serve only the objects of the Army’. Salvation Army music and musicians were all regulated tightly.

Since then, our music-making has radically changed. Nowadays, Salvation Army music is sold, and Salvationist musicians can participate in other groups. In 2015 ‘open music sections’ were authorised, with unrestricted membership. General John Larsson saw the potential in this change, writing that music-making, not just listening, could be used for mission and outreach. The boundaries in Army music-making have been broken down.

I then explored corps music-making today. I interviewed the director of Music and Creative Arts, Dr Stephen Cobb. He believed that groups had been moving towards an ‘open’ format for some time, giving the Army ‘the chance to do mission through music’. However, he was aware of the challenges of this change and recommended finding a suitable person to be a role model. He believed in the need to try to ‘understand what doing and being Salvation Army means’ so that inclusiveness would not lead to compromise.

I also surveyed over half the corps in the territory. More than 80 per cent had organised music groups, mostly a band or songsters or a singing group. Of these, 80 per cent of songsters were open to non-soldiers and 84 per cent of bands. These ‘open’ groups were asked for the reasons for ‘opening up’. Fifty-eight per cent gave positive reasons, such as reaching out, welcoming others, growing people’s spiritual lives, responding to interest, and ministering to prodigals. Ten per cent gave possibly more negative reasons, such as dwindling numbers.

Eighty-nine per cent said the change had increased numbers. Five corps reported that new commitments had also been made. Others said that people felt welcomed and accepted, reporting a more relaxed atmosphere and positive relationships. Nine per cent reported no change and five per cent reported problems. So it seemed that a significant proportion of corps responding who made these changes experienced growth in numbers as a result.

Three challenges stood out. First, inclusivity. How inclusive should Army music-making be? I considered how Jesus included ‘outsiders’, such as Zacchaeus and the woman at the well. Jesus accepted people as they were, but challenged their beliefs and behaviours to encourage change. How can we learn from this?

Second, evangelism. How do we see evangelism in music-making? Robert Webber argues that evangelism is about community and providing healing to life’s hurts. In Matthew 13:31–33, the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast illustrate the natural growth of God’s Kingdom, reminding us that sometimes things take time to reach their full potential. This could mean that open groups could bring potential for evangelism, providing places of acceptance and relationship to people exploring faith, in an environment where God’s Spirit is working.

Third, change. How can music groups best face change? Change can be complicated, painful and damaging. Catherine Booth said ‘there is no improving the future without disturbing the present, and the difficulty is to get people to be willing to be disturbed’. Nupanga Weanzana and others believe that the best response to change is to turn to God’s word, knowing that God is faithful.

Practically, Edinburgh Napier University recommends that time is allowed for change. For example, pastoral care council members might spend time considering the areas involved, setting out good plans, distributing written information and helping those affected by it. Connections could be made with another corps to share experiences and receive encouragement. Change is challenging, but it can help bring about a different future.

I believe that, if these three challenges are negotiated well, Salvation Army music-making can continue with new potential for this day and age.

*SISTAD is the territory’s School for In-Service Training and Development, which provides courses for officers and employees, plus open learning courses for everyone; visit salvationarmy.org. uk/SISTAD for details

CAPTAIN LEANNE WALLIS

Corps Officer Leek

STUDENTS MOVING STUDENTS MOVING TO NOTTINGHAM! TO NOTTINGHAM!

Are you looking for a Are you looking for a church to attend? You church to attend? You are warmly invited to are warmly invited to Nottingham William Booth Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Corps Memorial Halls Corps King Edward Street, NG1 1EU King Edward Street, NG1 1EU

Sunday worship at 10.30am Sunday worship at 10.30am Student Sunday lunches offered. Student Sunday lunches offered.

For more details contactFor more details contact Majors Robert and Julia Jepson: Majors Robert and Julia Jepson: 07341864282 07341864282 nottingham.wbmh@ nottingham.wbmh@ salvationarmy.org.uk salvationarmy.org.uk

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with with David Daws (trombone) David Daws (trombone) and and Exeter Temple Band Exeter Temple Band and Songsters and Songsters Followed by refreshments Followed by refreshments

Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE EX1 1DE Exit at the top and turn right. Exit at the top and turn right.

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LISTINGS

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Bath Citadel Green Park Road, BA1 1XE Saturday 24 September, 6pm HARVEST PRAISE

The South-Western Fellowship Band, Bandmaster Norman Cassells. Tickets £5 at door or phone Major David Wise: 07518 111092.

MGS MGS works professionally providing works professionally providing COUNSELLING THERAPY MEDIATION

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences

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Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com

(Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK) (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

Email: kate.gregory@salvationarmy.org.uk Tel: 01273 607095

salvationarmy.org.uk/brighton-congress-hall

RSA 100 – A CELEBRATION

Saturday 24 September, 7pm St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA The International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters A musical celebration of the life and works of Ray Steadman-Allen. Along with guest speakers, this will be an evening of celebration that you will not want to miss. TICKETS NOW ON SALE: sjss.org.uk

Eaton Bray LU6 2DR Eaton Bray LU6 2DR RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

of Majors Allison and Andrew Gaudion Sunday 25 September, 11am Sunday 25 September, 11am Led by Majors Granville and Kath Myers Led by Majors Granville and Kath Myers Video greeting and messages to Video greeting and messages to granville.myers@salvationarmy.org.uk granville.myers@salvationarmy.org.uk