Salvationist 2 March 2024

BELONGING AND BELIEVING THE BIG CONVERSATION

THE word ‘belong’ is often thought of as binary: you either belong or you don’t. The verb dates back to the 1300s, stemming from ‘be’ and ‘longen’. The meaning of ‘longen’? To ‘properly relate to’.

Belonging, then, isn’t just about membership or ownership: it’s an active state of relating. That feels apt when thinking about The Salvation Army and the Kingdom of God: we belong by being in relationship with Jesus and with each other.

This weekend’s event, Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation, gives us all an opportunity to think and pray about those relationships and our mission to bring more people into that state of belonging to – and with – the Lord through the Army. We can deepen our belonging by strengthening those relationships. And we can do that through conversation –through listening to seek a deeper understanding of each other, of God and of our whole Movement as a rich, diverse reflection of him.

Articles in this issue, including the headline results of last year’s membership survey, aim to give you a flavour of this weekend’s conversation so that you can join in. How do you think and feel about belonging? And how can you properly relate to your fellow citizens of God’s Kingdom?

Belonging and believing

Commissioner Paul Main invites us to join in The Big Conversation this weekend

COMMISSIONER Jenine and I are indebted to the Membership Working Group under the chairmanship of Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe for their preparations for the Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation event that is taking place at the University of Warwick this weekend. A lot of work, engagement and conversation has already taken place in various settings to prepare for this important weekend, for which we are sincerely grateful.

We encourage you to join in the conversation wherever you are, as we explore how we can shape discipleship that is exciting, with a radical vision of belonging, committing and serving the Kingdom of God through The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland Territory. Materials will be made available in this issue of Salvationist and at salvationist. org.uk/bigconversation2024 to enable as many people as possible to help speak into what it means to belong and believe in the 21st century, in today’s Army.

We appreciate that there will be a diverse range of perspectives and

suggestions, which is good and welcomed, because not only do we need to listen to each other, we also need to listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to our Movement at this time in our history, through and in each other.

The key Bible text for the weekend is Ephesians 2:19 – ‘Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household’ – and considering what that looks like alongside the changes in culture and society and the Church in this post-Covid world.

What does it mean today, to be a follower of Jesus in this world? Or a member of his household? I am hoping and praying that this will be a time of openness, discovery and rediscovery of what it means to be Christians, to be the Church, to be the Army, to be authentic disciples of Jesus in today’s world.

Be assured we are not talking about changing our vision of fullness of life for all with Jesus, or our mission – to share the good news, to serve others

“

What does it mean today, to be a follower of Jesus in this world? ”

without discrimination, to nurture disciples of Jesus, to care for creation, to seek justice and reconciliation – or our values of passion, compassion, respect, mutual accountability, boldness and integrity, or our calling: to follow Jesus. Rather, we are talking about how we live this out together through discipleship that is radical and inclusive.

It’s a great time for us to be the Church, God’s people today!

COMMISSIONER PAUL MAIN Territorial Leader

Quiz Count your blessings

Garry D Reed

Follow the trail to discover a beautiful song by

‘I am a follower of Jesus’

Tatiane Del Campo (Sutton) shares how she is part of the body of Christ through the Army

I1 How many songs are in The Song Book of The Salvation Army? Start with this number.

Add this number.

2 When did the East London Christian Mission begin?

WASN’T born into – and didn’t grow up with – The Salvation Army. I am Brazilian, married to Peter and mother to two amazing boys, Pedro and Gabriel. I was living in London when I became a mother. Neither myself nor my husband had family around: our network of support was small and I felt isolated.

3 When was In Darkest England and the Way Out first published? Subtract this number.

Someone recommended a toddler group down the road. I started attending and soon met other mums. The volunteers of the group had something special that drew me to them. I offered to volunteer and learnt they were all part of a church.

notice that. Now I know a bit more about how important that uniform is. I remember my first experience attending Commissioning – it was beautiful and emotional to see soldiers, cadets and officers fully uniformed. But, reflecting on my first day in Sutton, I wonder if I would have felt the way I did if I had walked into a hall where most people were wearing uniform.

It was very easy for me to belong and to feel I could be me at the corps. I became an active volunteer and wanted to be involved in serving Jesus.

4 How many children’s homes does the Army run worldwide?* Subtract this number.

5 How many general hospitals does the Army run worldwide?* Add this number.

A few months later, one of them invited me to her daughter’s dedication at their church. I asked where it was. She replied: ‘Here!’ I didn’t know much about The Salvation Army and hadn’t realised that the community centre was also a church.

6 What number General was Evangeline Booth? Subtract this number.

7 How many stars are atop the crown of the Army crest? Divide by this number.

8 How many years was Clarence Wiseman General? Multiply by this number.

9 How many Generals have there been? Add this number.

10 Subtract the number of ‘Thank You, God, for Your Gift Beyond Words’ in the songbook.

11 How many maternity hospitals does the Army run worldwide?* Subtract this number.

12 Poplar Corps is often referred to by a number. Subtract this number

13 How many ‘gospel shots’ does the Army crest have? Subtract this number.

*According to salvationarmy.org/ihq/ statistics

I vividly remember that dedication. The warm welcome of inclusivity, families and older people sitting together, children running around, and the multicultural atmosphere all made me very emotional. I cried a few times without knowing why.

I can’t recall when I became a Christian, but I’ve always known Jesus, thanks to my parents. After having my children, I felt a strong desire to belong to a faithful community. I wanted to find a place where my family and I could feel at home. That Sunday, when I stepped into worship at Sutton for the first time, I knew I had found the place.

Very few people wear uniform at the corps. I didn’t know the

corps. I didn’t know the history of the Army so didn’t

My husband does not have a faith. I have struggled with this in the past, but my corps officer has helped me learn to respect him just as he respects and supports me. Peter enjoys visiting the corps during the week when he is off work to have a coffee with the corps officer. They chat about family, life, football and bikes. At Sutton, he feels at home; our friends have become like family.

I am neither a soldier nor an adherent, but I am a follower of Jesus. I attend my corps regularly, help at the Sunday school, volunteer, support its work financially and co-host a small group. I am part of the body of Christ and I strongly believe I help our church become the church God has called us to be.

Have you got a testimony to share? Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk

Reconciliation

Continuing a series of messages that William Booth sent to corps to be read in Sunday meetings

COMRADES and friends. Last week (Salvationist 20 January)

I strove to show you what a terrible evil quarrelling was, specially among Salvationists, and then went on to describe some of its causes and consequences. This week I wish to inquire what can be done to get rid of the hideous thing. How can we prevent quarrels beginning? How can we kill them after they have started?

I want you to take into your minds the full and true notion of the character of the quarrelling spirit. It belongs to those ‘fleshly lusts, which war against the soul’ (1 Peter 2:11 King James Version). ‘The works of the flesh are … hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife … [and] they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God’ (Galatians 5:19–21 KJV).

I urge you, one and all, to pray against this evil. Cry mightily to God to send you peace in your hearts and homes and corps. Well might David say: ‘Give us peace in our time, O Lord.’

Try to keep your soul up to a high standard of spiritual life, love and power. Most quarrels grow and thrive in a low state of grace. While you and your comrades are full of love, and united in plans for saving sinners, you will have neither time nor heart for wrangling.

When a quarrel is threatened, use all possible righteous means to prevent it coming about. Do so for the sake of

your own peace, as well as for the sake of the War.

To those to whom this message comes who are already mixed up in a quarrel, I would give the following advice:

1. Seek for an explanation of the conduct you complain of at once, if you have not already done so.

2. Be careful to explain the reasons for your own conduct to those with whom you are at variance.

3. Seek out some peacemaker; talk the matter over and ask for assistance.

To those who may be anxious to reconcile comrades involved in some quarrel, I give the following counsel:

1. Show them wherein you think them wrong.

2. Make out the best case you can for those on the other side.

3. Press upon them Jesus Christ’s words on the duty of loving our enemies.

4. Make clear to them what the Bible says about the wickedness of quarrelling.

5. Pray with them, and, if you can, make them pray for one another.

6. Make the parties to the quarrel understand that it is not theirs to choose whether they shall be reconciled or no. Show them that the favour of God depends upon them doing their duty in this respect.

7. Get them to confess to each other, and to their comrades, anything they

may have said or done, no matter how trifling it may appear, which they know or feel they ought not to have said or done.

When that is done the opposite party will be likely to confess also. And then the reconciliation you desire will generally be effected. I, myself, have succeeded again and again by this plan in bringing hearts together, and so ending strife.

Seek a baptism of the Spirit of love on the parties, and on the entire corps, and that will probably bring all to reason and religion.

To the soldiers who are mixed up with a quarrel, and who may feel strongly that they are right in their action, I say: don’t be too sure of your own rightness. The best and wisest have sometimes been mistaken in their contention. So do not let this confidence in your own judgement hinder you from making every reasonable effort for peace. It is astonishing how easily people’s views change when their hearts get into the right position.

In every effort , for peace, my comrades, remember the example of your Saviour. Consider how he, the Lord of Life and Glory, humbled himself, even to the shameful death of the cross. Think how he still beseeches men and women who have quarrelled with his Father to be reconciled to him, and to love each other. Go and do likewise.

Jesus makes time for Zacchaeus

Captain Tom Dunham reveals how a compassionate encounter changes everything

LUKE 19:1–10

OUR three-year-old son loves imaginative play. My wife and I are often drawn into his worlds, taking on the roles of firefighters, nurses, knights, superheroes and even PAW Patrol characters.

Imagining ourselves in the stories of Scripture can sometimes be a helpful way to understand and learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We could enter the story as onlookers, watching what takes place. Or we could imagine ourselves as one of the people in the narrative.

Taking the well-known story of Zacchaeus, let’s consider what it must have been like to be him, a member of the crowd and Jesus.

Can we glean new insights from their different perspectives?

First, let’s imagine we’re Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector. As a chief collector, his wealth comes from people working under him, with extra takings on the side – a common practice of the day.

In worldly terms, he is successful and has everything he needs to live comfortably. Yet, because he is a tax collector, many people despise him. Imagine what that must be like.

Despite his success and wealth, something leads Zacchaeus to be curious about Jesus, and he seeks him out. Because of the large crowd and his short stature, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore-fig tree to ensure a good vantage point.

Imagine sitting in the tree as Jesus comes into view. Then imagine the moment when Jesus suddenly looks into

your eyes. Not only does he see you, but he also speaks to you by name and initiates a deeper connection by asserting that he is coming to your house.

This face-to-face encounter leads tax-collecting Zacchaeus from a life of greed and selfishness to a new life of kindness and generosity.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What sparks your curiosity about Jesus and the new life he offers?

What attitudes do you have that Jesus needs to transform?

Next, let’s imagine we’re in the crowd closely following Jesus. Each person rushes to get a glimpse of this man, whom we have heard is healing and teaching like no other. Maybe we notice Zacchaeus in the tree and wonder why one of those chief tax collectors has shown up.

But then we see Jesus looking up at him. Surely, Jesus will condemn the behaviour and attitude of this tax collector and the way he treats others. But no! Instead, with interest and kindness, Jesus invites Zacchaeus down from the tree and, that very day, Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus into his house and his life.

The crowd don’t think Zacchaeus deserves a personal visit from the city’s guest of honour. Outraged, the people begin to mutter: ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner’ (v7).

We’re not told, however, the reaction of the crowd as Zacchaeus offers to give back four times the amount he has

taken. When he later goes public with his private resolve and stands before those he’s swindled with a handful of cash, might their public muttering change to private shrieks of joy?

As the crowd go home, how do they reflect on what they have witnessed that day?

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do you make space for other people to encounter Jesus without any expectations on them?

Are you willing to rejoice with those who are welcomed into the Kingdom?

Are you willing to forgive them as Jesus forgives them?

Finally, let’s imagine we’re Jesus. As Jesus comes into Jericho and stands among the crowd, I wonder what he sees as he gazes around. At what point does he become aware of Zacchaeus? Why does Jesus look up into the tree?

As Jesus’ gaze meets the eyes of Zacchaeus, he recognises him and calls him by name, inviting him out of the tree. Jesus is interested in knowing Zacchaeus personally but doesn’t want the encounter to remain in the public space. He wants to spend time with him and invites himself into Zacchaeus’s house.

I wonder if Jesus is aware of the mutterings of the crowd. I wonder what his response is.

We don’t know all the details of his conversation with Zacchaeus, but verses 8 and 9 contain the take-away points: Zacchaeus repents of his sin and offers

to make restitution. In response, Jesus assures him that – having displayed faith as Abraham did – ‘salvation has come to this house’.

As followers of Jesus, we want to become more like him. While we recognise that we can’t personally save or restore anyone, we know we can point people to Jesus so they can receive fullness of life just as Zacchaeus did that day.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Are we aware of people on the fringes of our corps who are looking in?

How might we best respond to them?

How will people see Jesus in us as we go deeper in our relationships with others?

As we imagine ourselves in this well-known story, may we continue to be curious about the ways of Jesus. May we encourage others as they encounter Jesus. And may we model kindness and love as we grow in our relationships with those around us.

From January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 2 MARCH: CARE FOR CREATION - SHALOM

Lord, your ineffable peace is broader and deeper than anything this world can give. Help me to live a life intent upon treading softly on this Earth, one which demonstrates your indwelling Shalom. Then, by your grace, others too may receive and enact your peace. by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

SUNDAY 3 MARCH: SABBATH PRAYER – HOPE

The world is listening out for hope amid war, crisis, poverty and injustice, and we have a message of hope to tell. In our faithful response to God, we choose to be those who look for hope and hold tightly to it, that others might get hold of it too. At the close of the Self-Denial Appeal, we pray that God will use our financial gifts to bring hope to officers all over the world.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

MONDAY 4 MARCH: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – MESSY CHURCH

Father God, we are so grateful for the way Messy Church enables people of all ages to learn about you in inclusive and creative ways. May your love and goodness continue to be shared through Messy Church in the UKI Territory and beyond. by Major David Betteridge (Director of Family Ministries)

TUESDAY 5 MARCH: SERVING AND CARING – PARENT-AND-TODDLER GROUPS

Dear Lord, thank you for all the parent-and-toddler groups that operate through the Army. Being the parent or carer of a young child is a great privilege and joy, but it can be hard at times. May our groups be places of love and acceptance where those who attend feel supported and cared for.

by Major David Betteridge (Director of Family

Ministries)

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH: GROWING IN FAITH – PARENTING AND GRANDPARENTING

Thank you for resources that equip and empower people to express their growing relationship with you to their families. Thank you that we can grow as disciples, whatever age or stage of our lives, telling of your faithfulness from one generation to the next.

by Major David Betteridge (Director of

Family Ministries)

THURSDAY 7 MARCH: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – TAIWAN REGION

The Salvation Army in Taiwan is led by Regional Commander Major Sara Tam (Mei-Shun) and Regional Secretary for Women’s Ministries Major A-Tuan (Grace) Weng. The region’s ambition is to constantly explore new relevant initiatives to serve the people of Taiwan, endeavouring to meet their physical, social and spiritual needs.

by the UKI Boiler Room Team

FRIDAY 8 MARCH: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – PARTNERSHIP WITH RESTORED UK Father God, we pray your protection over those who experience abuse from those who should love them. Thank you for calling the Army to partner Christian charity Restored UK and enabling local corps to be Beacon Churches, journeying with survivors of domestic abuse. We pray that many will find safety and new hope through this partnership.

by Major David

Betteridge (Director of Family Ministries)

CAPTAIN TOM DUNHAM Corps Officer Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.

Belonging and Believing Belonging and mission

Major Kerry Coke talks to Salvationist about her session on discipleship and calling

WHAT does it mean to be a follower of Jesus today? And how does that tie in with belonging to, and serving, the Kingdom of God through The Salvation Army? As part of Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation this weekend, Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Kerry Coke is leading a session exploring mission and discipleship in a radical, exciting way.

What are you doing in your session?

I’ve assembled a diverse panel of people who belong to the Army and are leaders in one way, shape or form. I’m going to ask them about their understanding of belonging with reference to the UKI Territory’s five mission priorities and vision statement. I’ll invite questions from the audience too. We’ll be open to the Spirit in all that. And if we have difficult or challenging conversations, and we need to just pause and pray, then we will.

So how is belonging connected with mission?

We’re all called to belong: to be disciples of Jesus. What I’m interested in is the uniqueness of that journey for each of us. Our mission priorities are: share the good news, serve others without discrimination, nurture disciples of Jesus, care for creation, and seek justice and reconciliation. Is there one of those that you’re particularly drawn to? How does that shape your discipleship and how you view belonging?

You might be called to live a simple life and reach the poor, for example. You might be called to seek justice and reconciliation. But you are different to the person next to you. They might be called, for example, to be a politician and live out their faith in that way. Some people are really called to nurture disciples. They’re getting stuck into doing that, and that’s what belonging means to them.

We are each called to God’s mission in a way that is unique to us – and how great it is that, together, we all make up this whole thing that is The Salvation Army! We all make up this big picture of what it means to belong.

Let’s break that down a bit, starting with belonging and discipleship.

If we think about belonging as about our calling, then we’re all called to character formation. We’re saying: ‘I want to belong because I want to be different. I want to belong because my character needs changing so that I become more like Christ.’

That’s the covenant we each make when we join – whether that’s signing the Soldier’s Covenant, for example, or your personal covenant with God as a committed member of a congregation. You walk through the door and you’re walking closer to Jesus.

You’re gathering with a group of like-minded people of God and you know that your fellow believers are supporting you and praying for you as you live out your faith in your everyday. And so your belonging sustains your calling: to discipleship and to God’s mission.

Which brings us back to mission.

Maybe we often think about belonging as: ‘Who do I have to be to be in?’ I want to flip that thinking on its head in this session. Belonging isn’t just about being in: it’s about being out in the world. We’re called to live out our faith within the fellowship of believers and we’re also called to live out mission. It’s not one or the other. So belonging isn’t just about Sundays: belonging is about what you do on Wednesday at 2.30pm or Thursday at 8am. The more we belong, the more we’re out there engaging in God’s mission. The more missionally active we are, the more discipled we are. That’s what it means to belong to the Kingdom of God: radical lifestyle change.

Living out our mission and values makes it visible to others that we belong, doesn’t it?

If you only think about belonging as when you gather for worship, there is no integrity in that. There is no boldness in that. I could say the same about all our values. Imagine if you had a whole bunch of people connected to the Army who said: ‘I’m in, and I’m going to live that out every day.’ Through us authentically living out our faith and sharing the good news, other people will come to belong to God’s Kingdom.

Because mission is about belonging! It’s growing membership of God’s Kingdom! Yes! Picture a parkrun where they didn’t want to try and get more people involved. What would be the point? Our territory’s vision statement is fullness of life for all with Jesus. The more we share that, the better disciples we are. The more you live that out, the closer you get to Jesus. The more you can say: ‘I belong to Jesus’ team.’

Belonging and Believing Prayer points

Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator Major Gary Lacey shares some points to pray into the weekend wherever you are.

BEFORE

Prepare our hearts

Pray that our motives, our stories and our beliefs are ready to share in a thoughtful and coherent way. Pray that we are ready to share straight from the heart while being totally mindful of other people’s views.

Set our minds

Set our minds, in prayer, on the face of Jesus, not on earthly things (see Colossians 3:2). Pray that God’s power will fall in clarity on a pathway forward for belonging and believing in the UK and Ireland Territory.

Set our attitudes

Set our attitudes with grace. Pray that we will not carry our own agendas but seek to find grace in our attitudes towards each other, and bring godly respect into everything that happens going forward.

DURING

Lamenting

Pray a passionate expression of sorrow for the times we have let our own agendas overtake our hearts. Pray that a fresh start in our thinking and discussions will be a gentle and graceful venture.

Speaking

Pray Ephesians 4:29 over ourselves and the conversations going forward: ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’

Listening

Pray that our hearts and our ears will be opened by the Spirit of God to absorb, hear and respond appropriately to other people’s views and thoughts. Pray that we will listen especially to the voice of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

AFTER Change

Pray that change will come as we look to the now and to the future of the UKI Territory with regards to belonging and believing. Pray for God’s navigation as we journey through change.

Transformation

Pray that we will all be transformed as we move forward. Pray that we will allow God to shape our future and the future of the territory ahead of our own agendas.

Travel forwards

Pray for a holy excitement to overtake the difficulties that we all face going forward as we journey together. Pray that we remember that God always wins!

To join in a Zoom prayer session at 10am on Saturday 2 March, visit salvationist.org.uk/bigconversation2024

Belonging and Believing The survey results

Salvationist shares the headline findings of the Membership Working Group’s survey and conversations

THE Membership Working Group is exploring how the UKI Territory can shape discipleship within The Salvation Army in this territory. From September to November 2023, people were invited to take part in a ‘listening phase’ that aimed to support this dialogue.

There were 1,587 responses to the online and paper survey, as well as conversations between 328+ adults in 18 focus groups and 259+ children and young people in 22 focus groups. The focus groups came from seven divisions, the Territorial Advisory Council and Territorial Music School.

While these represent a broad range of perspectives, as with any listening exercise, there will be other voices and demographics that are not included in these findings for a number of reasons.

Have

you

ever felt like you or someone else doesn’t belong to The Salvation Army?

The top themes to arise from responses in the survey and focus groups included:

Membership

Not being a member caused feelings of unbelonging, as did adherency over soldiership, which was seen as being looked down upon as unworthy, or a second-class membership. The tiered system of membership was criticised as alienating both in its hierarchical nature and consequences. Lack of membership/soldiership precludes other aspects of involvement, such as being part of discussions, fellowship through activities, serving in outreach and belonging to sections.

Belonging to The Salvation Army

The themes emerging from the analysed information emphasised the following as particularly important to a sense of belonging at The Salvation Army, and how this is experienced through actions and feelings:

1. Feeling included and being allowed to be involved.

2. Feeling accepted just as you are, without judgement.

3. Feeling welcomed and being greeted by name.

4. Feeling valued and seen for your unique self and gifts.

5. Feeling in one’s spiritual home through a sense of community, connection, calling, and relationship with Jesus/God.

It was felt that these approaches should be for all regardless of membership or uniform status, which can both be a barrier to belonging. The approach to people identifying as LGBTQ+ was seen as exclusive and contrary to feelings conducive to a sense of belonging.

Uniform

This tied tightly into membership requirements. Many described uniforms as a barrier to belonging, especially if they felt called to play in the musical sections but were excluded because of their lack of uniform. Those not in uniform reported feelings of unbelonging, being ignored and being treated differently or as inferior. Uniform wearing was seen as encouraging elitism, while coming out of uniform was associated with ungodly behaviour and feeling or being treated as tarnished.

Corps

The culture and structure of the individual corps affected feelings of belonging. A few participants noted that they felt they belonged at a local level but not at a wider, denominational level. Others felt like they only belonged at corps where there was less focus on formal membership, while some

described power imbalances

which meant roles, access and a sense of belonging were controlled by a select few. There was also a sense that the Army’s wider hierarchical structure was negatively impacting belonging, and this included a lack of willingness to encourage young people into leadership roles.

Being unvalued

Some participants described either being made to feel like they weren’t good enough to fully belong to a corps or that they were restricted by their own sense of lacking.

LGBTQ+

Many felt that people identifying as LGBTQ+ (especially people who are same-sex attracted) are unable to belong due to being restricted from soldiership and officership by virtue of their sexuality (if not celibate) as well as

Belonging to Jesus

The following were the most popular themes associated with belonging to Jesus and being his disciple:

1. Behaviour and the practical application of faith by trying to live like Jesus, reflected through actions and words, especially through love and caring for others.

2. A personal, faith-filled relationship with Jesus. Seeking guidance and to be close, especially through practices such as prayer, contemplation and worship.

3. Deep and intentional Christian fellowship to navigate the challenges of life together, sharing experiences to support and encourage one another.

4. Intentional efforts at learning and spiritual growth to develop in maturity as Christians, for example through Bible study and discussion with other Christians.

5. Spiritual experiences and listening to the Spirit.

being unable to marry within a corps. Although there are variations across settings and it was acknowledged that many corps can be welcoming and inclusive on a local level, the overarching international position was seen by many respondents as one of exclusion and unbelonging. Some expressed sadness or disapproval at loss of soldiership due to sexuality, both for themselves and in solidarity with others. Responses also documented sentiments of not being accepted, valued or welcome, and some felt they had to hide their same-sex attraction.

Exclusivity

These included general calls for greater inclusion as well as feelings of being or having been excluded, usually due to negative experiences. These were commonly related to the existence of cliques and being

Belonging to Jesus in The Salvation Army

Formal membership was seen as secondary to religious practices, spiritual experiences, and a personal relationship with Jesus. The following were seen as most valuable to discipleship and membership within The Salvation Army:

1. Discipleship for all (not just members): communally through Bible teaching (through courses and preaching) and opportunities for discussion or to ask questions; as well as individually through Bible study, prayer and reflection. Corps leaders were seen as essential in supporting and enabling discipleship.

2. Supportive relationships were crucial, especially for decisions about membership, in which officers, corps friendships and family relationships were indispensable. Mentoring, small groups and fellowship were also seen as invaluable to discipleship, accountability and encouraging people in their faith journey.

3. Calling and spiritual experiences were essential to membership decisions, while membership was seen as an expression of faith and one’s relationship with Jesus.

4. Respondents desired a culture of acceptance and love regardless of where people are on their faith journey, allowing them to be involved in all aspects of corps life.

5. A Salvationist family and a sense of duty were strong influences on membership.

outside of the ‘in group’, leading to feelings of exclusion and difficulty in making friendships. These cliques were often linked with people having been in the Army for a long time. Feelings of exclusion were exacerbated by an elitism around being in the band, songsters or other sections; uniform wearing; and membership. Other themes include disability and accessibility, and not being able to participate.

Unwelcome

Respondents described experiences of themselves or others feeling unwelcome. These were most commonly linked to the other issues raised (LGBTQ+, sections, uniforms, cliques) as well as new issues: not being welcomed by people at the corps, children not being welcomed, not being able to use one’s talents or gifts, and reserving seats.

Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe comments:

‘As the Membership Working Group has journeyed together over the past year, we have been reminded of our need for Holy Spirit wisdom as we move forwards. While these results will help inform the Membership Working Group’s recommendations – which will go to territorial leadership this summer – this weekend and these results are all about listening. Listening is the greatest form of respect we can give to one another. We will be making space over the weekend to lament the times when we have got things wrong and to hear from God about how we can do better.’

Prayer points for the weekend can be found on page 9.

Belonging and Believ

IN 2022, delegates from across the international Salvation Army met in Singapore for a week-long symposium on human sexuality. They explored what it means to be a child of God, identity in Christ, living with difference, constructing an understanding of faith and sexuality, same-sex attraction/same-sex relationships, pornography, married life, how to live faithfully in all relationships and how to include those who do not feel included. As international liaison officer for dialogue on human sexuality, Colonel Julie Forrest led the symposium, supported by the International Moral and Social Issues Council and the International Theological Council.

As part of Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation this weekend, Colonel Julie is sharing some thoughts on the symposium.

What are you presenting at the weekend?

As well as being the territorial secretary for leader development, I am still the international liaison officer for dialogue on human sexuality. In that capacity, I’ll be giving an hour’s presentation on the symposium. This is just a snippet of a nuanced seven-day symposium.

How does this fit into the conversation around belonging and believing?

One of the symposium’s goals was to reflect on inclusion, and how we embrace those who consider themselves to be on our margins because of their human sexuality or behaviour. The symposium was focused on sexual behaviour and sexual relationships. But when I think about inclusion, for me it’s also about, for example, disability, race, mental health, any kind of social interaction difficulties. It’s about making our worship as inclusive as possible. I read a line in a book a long time ago that suggested we pray ‘God break my

heart with the things that break yours’. In doing so, God reminds me of people who feel less because of something they have done, or had done to them, in their sexual behaviour or in owning their sexual identity. One of the starting points at the symposium was considering scenarios of how accepted people feel they are. One comment that came out of that was to remember that we don’t need to take Jesus to the margins: he is already there. Jesus is in the people who are sitting on the margins and that includes people within our church. So if we want to meet with Jesus, we meet with people where they are.

Colonel Julie Forrest talks to Salvationist about her session on the 2022 International Symposium on Human Sexuality

ving Human sexuality

What topics did the symposium cover?

Some of the issues included married life, singleness, partner abuse, infidelity, sex outside of marriage, same-sex attraction and same-sex relationships, and how we honour the girl child. But we didn’t jump straight into these topics: what I’ve become aware of is that we don’t talk about sexuality in the Church enough. We talk about faith, but sexuality is never blended in that to understand Kingdom values, what God would want, how he would want us to treat our bodies and the bodies of others. And what are the consequences of not talking about faith and sexuality? Part of it is that people can live double lives, or leave because of what they perceive the Church to think. So a whole session at the symposium was talking about constructing our understanding of faith and sexuality.

How did you approach having such nuanced conversations?

It was an international conversation, so we had to start on a level that was accessible to everyone, taking into account the different laws and cultures in countries around the world. For some people, that might be too deep. For some, it might be too shallow. I think sometimes we can jump straight into a

specific topic, for instance same-sex marriage, but we haven’t had a respectful conversation first about different points of view, for example about what same-sex attraction is. It’s about understanding and being able to have good conversation with people. One exercise we did at the symposium, for example, was on barriers. People wrote on boxes what they saw as a barrier between people in a same-sex relationship and the Church and we built a physical wall from them that stayed up for several days. It was challenging for everyone to see the different points of view represented physically.

What does a ‘good conversation’ look like?

We have to learn to listen well. That means listening to understand someone else, rather than listening to respond. So it’s not about one person arguing a point. If we have those good conversations, we can go away wiser from understanding one another and, actually, the Holy Spirit has been right in the centre of it, because that’s what we’ve invited to happen. Then we let the Holy Spirit do his work. We don’t have to have full agreement on everything, but we do need as Christians to learn to respect one another and at least be

able to say, ‘I understand why that is your point of view.’

Listening to someone can be a powerful thing, can’t it?

Yes. One of the take-aways from the symposium was that everyone needs to feel included and be heard. I think about including people as ‘see me, hear me, use me’. I don’t want to be invisible in a congregation. I want you to hear my story and understand my faith journey. And I want you to use me in working in the Kingdom of God. If you can offer those three things to people, then I think you are doing a good job of including people – and that, as I said earlier, is not just about sexuality, that’s about everything.

What resources are available to help people gain more understanding or have good conversations?

I recommend faith-based facilitation conversations using the IHQ Let’s Talk About… documents – you can speak to your DHQ for more information about those. I have a very strong feeling that when we trust that process, we can come to a good conclusion. That conclusion in the documents asks: ‘How then shall I live?’ It isn’t about decision-making, but informing conversation.

International Symposium on Human Sexuality, Singapore, 2022

ENVIRONMENT

Army participates in Green Church awards

UKI

THE Salvation Army is partnering the Church of England Environment Programme, the Methodist Church and EcoCongregation Scotland to organise the 2024 Church Times Green Church awards.

The awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and congregations to offset the damage being done to the Earth, and to set good examples that inspire others to follow suit.

The awards are open to church groups and church schools of any denomination. Partner organisations include A Rocha UK, Inspired Efficiency, Ecology Building Society and The Conservation Foundation.

There are seven award categories: green building, for an existing building that has reduced its carbon footprint or strengthened its climate resilience, or a new building built to high environmental standards; land and nature, for projects creating space for wildlife and encouraging biodiversity; congregation and community action, for taking a leading role in environmental action that benefits the community; green champion, for an individual who has made a significant difference; training and education, for projects promoting environmental understanding; green health, for projects connecting faith, nature and health; and action on a shoestring, for projects achieving a great deal with a little.

Each category has a £1,000 prize.

The panel of judges will be looking for projects that have made a positive change in the past two years in buildings, outdoors and in the community. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony during Creationtide in the autumn.

Groups can enter in one or more categories. The deadline for entries is 30 June. To nominate a project, group or person, visit forms.gle/V7HVCTcWLcDcR4WU7 . – AR

EVENT

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

DROITWICH Family Tea Together was created to keep connected with local families as their children outgrow the parent-and-toddler and pre-school groups. It also offers further opportunities to build on relationships with current families. The hall was full for the latest session, which featured a mini disco, photo booth, games and hot dogs. Tea and refreshments were paid for by a local company as a result of the admiration for all the corps community work. Pictured is Emma with her daughters, Polly and Rosa. – MM

LIFEHOUSE

PERTH Residents and staff from Homelessness Services across Scotland gathered for Salvation Army Has Talent. The hall was decorated to give a theatrical experience, and four judges oversaw the fun and fellowship. The event was facilitated by Skinnergate Lifehouse and a good time was had by all. – GA

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

OLDBURY The 67 children and young people who attend the Friday evening youth groups will benefit from new technology, thanks to a council grant of more than £3,400. The grant also helped procure a new football table to help all children feel included, creating space for children and teenagers to play games and relax. – MC

BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL An African Praise meeting celebrated unity in diversity. It included moving testimony, a beautiful trio, lively Zimbabwean worship and reading of the word. The event was followed by a Zimbabwean hot buffet. – JM

YORKSHIRE

DAVID Haywood retired as Yorkshire Fellowship bandmaster. He has been in the band since it formed in 2005 as the deputy bandmaster and took over as bandmaster in 2015. Band Executive Officer Major Paul Wilson thanked David for his years of service, reading letters from DHQ and THQ. Funny and heartfelt stories were also shared. David continues with the band, taking his seat in the baritone section. – SP

CARDIFF CANTON

AFTER more than 38 years’ service, Primary Sergeant Sue Mapstone retired from the role. Sue is pictured with her granddaughter, Eva, who is a primary member. – DW

STOTFOLD

Sergeant-Major Hugh Brown received a retirement certificate from corps officers Captains Adrian and Gemma Allen, having held this commission for 39 years. We give thanks for his faithful service and leadership. – HT

SHIREMOOR

ANDREW Hook was recognised for his continuous service of 77 years as bandsman and songster. He is still heavily involved and continues to use his gifts to glorify God. Andrew is pictured with his sons, Songster Leader Stuart Hook and Territorial Envoy Darryn Hook (Crook). – FS

DUNSTABLE

AFTER more than 71 years as a bandsman, Retired YP Band Leader Raymond Jackson transferred to the band reserve. Bandmaster Tommy Spratt expressed gratitude for his support, sharing that Raymond had probably played every instrument except soprano cornet! Corps leader Territorial Envoy Roger Coates presented Raymond with a certificate and a letter of appreciation from Divisional Commander Major Mike Lloyd-Jones describing Raymond as a ‘living example of faithfulness’. Also pictured are corps leader Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates and Dr Ayo Anifowoshe, who linked up with the corps while the band was carolling. Having attended an Army primary school, he thanked the Army for giving him a positive start in life and presented the corps with a framed picture of William Booth. – RC

CORPS

WOODHOUSE

RENUKA Fernando, Josie Hall, Mitch Self, Dawn Self and Valerie Stanley were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Gary RockeyClewlow. Renuka described how she came to follow Jesus at the corps having come to the UK from Sri Lanka. Josie had been attending corps activities for many years before attending on a Sunday. She has now made the corps her place of worship. Mitch, Dawn and Val started coming to morning meetings after the Covid-19 lockdowns and asked to become adherents. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Pip Dickinson. The Lord is working in Woodhouse! – VB

DEBBIE Walker was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Claire Durrant. Having settled in the corps, Debs felt the time was right to become an adherent and continue her discipleship journey. – CD

SHIREBROOK

KAREN Goodison was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain David White. During her testimony, Karen shared that she left the corps a few years ago, although her faith never diminished. She felt called back in 2017 and became an adherent in 2022. Recently, she felt called to become a soldier. She feels blessed by the love and support shown throughout her journey and that the corps is her spiritual home. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Stephen Hicks. – LW

BOURNE

ON Covenant Sunday corps officer

and

Lieutenant Sarah O’Grady enrolled Monika Brown as a soldier and welcomed Eleanor Reid as an adherent. In their testimonies, Monika read from ‘Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour’ (SASB 355) and Eleanor read from Hebrews 10:11–25. Also pictured are Corps Treasurer Charles Green and Iain Hards holding the flag. – CG

GRANT Manser, Kim McLaughlin and Graeme Sargeant were enrolled as soldiers, and Ruby was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Territorial Envoy Vicki Tate. It was standing room only as families

friends came to support them in their commitments. – VT

HERNE BAY

WREXHAM

MAJOR DAVID ARNOTT

DAVID was born in Glasgow in 1940 with no Army connections. As a young man he was a heavy drinker and became alcohol dependent. In 1975, David attended a salvation meeting at Cumbernauld and was wonderfully saved.

David answered the call to be an officer and, in 1979, he and his wife, Grace, were appointed to Laurieston as envoys. They served there for a remarkable 19 years before moving to Dennistoun. During this time, they became aux-captains, and were further promoted to captain in 1986.

David was an officer with a big heart. He cared for people, and he loved them. His heart of love reached up to God and out to people at the same time. There are many who were comforted and assisted as a result of his faithful, dedicated life. His influence on countless people will live on for years to come. David’s personality and consistent witness to Jesus will long be remembered. – JS

DOREEN TISSIMAN DUDLEY

DOREEN was born in 1935 and joined Gravesend Corps as a teenager. She became involved in the corps cadets, where she made many friends and met her future husband, John.

They married in 1960 and were blessed with three children. John’s work meant the family moved several times, soldiering at Watford, Lye, Horsham and finally at Dudley. Doreen was a songster and took the role of songster sergeant for a number of years.

She took part in many corps activities and particularly enjoyed being part of the Army musical productions in the 1980s.

Doreen had the gift of hospitality and was always willing to billet visiting sections and open her home to visitors. After a short illness she was promoted to Glory on 20 October 2023.

Doreen is greatly missed by her husband, sons and daughter, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. – IO

GLORIA BONE NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

GLORIA was born in 1943 to Salvationist parents Fred and Betty Wilson. Brought up through the singing company and songsters at Gateshead Corps, she married Brian in 1966 and had two children, David and Allison. This was followed by a move to Felling Corps and finally the family moved to Newcastle City Temple.

Gloria was songster librarian for a few years and the whole family gave excellent service to the corps. She was devoted to her family, which included three grandchildren, Matthew, Gaby and Jay. Her working life revolved around the Post Office, which she eventually retired from in Gateshead. That position gave her the opportunity to use her talents of caring and supporting many customers.

Gloria had definite views on many subjects and was never afraid to stand up for her beliefs. She was loved in the corps and will be missed. – BI

ISABEL KELSO COWDENBEATH

ISABEL first came into contact with The Salvation Army as a child when Lochgelly Corps ran an outpost in neighbouring Ballingry. She and her siblings attended Sunday school, thus beginning a life of service that continued until her promotion to Glory on 8 January. Throughout the years, Isabel served as a company guard, corps cadet guardian, Boys’ Brigade leader, a pub boomer, home league secretary and corps secretary.

Over the last 20 years, while worshipping at Cowdenbeath, Isabel took responsibility for the home league and ran the weekly lunch club, serving her legendary soup. She was the very embodiment of ‘saved to serve’.

A devoted mother, Isabel leaves behind a large family who will miss her greatly, as well as her corps family. Her chair in the hall is conspicuously empty. – JJ

MALCOLM PRICE DUDLEY

MALCOLM was born in 1938, a thirdgeneration Salvationist. He attended Dudley Corps and was a member of the junior band and corps cadets. At the age of 18 he joined the Worcestershire Regiment on national service and served in Jamaica.

He entered the teacher training college in Bognor Regis, where he met Gillian. They married in 1962 and settled in Dudley. He served faithfully in the corps as a bandsman and band secretary.

Malcolm lived out his Christian faith and always had a friendly smile and a word of welcome to all who came to the meetings. The results of his quiet influence were seen by the many people who attended his funeral.

A husband, father to Stephen and Elizabeth, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ, Malcolm was greatly loved and will be sadly missed. – IO

ELSIE DYER STAPLE HILL

ELSIE moved from Christchurch to Bristol at an early age and attended Staple Hill Corps, joining the junior sections. She became a senior soldier and was a songster for 57 years before joining the reserve.

It was as a songster that she met her husband, Mike Dyer, on their visit to Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, and they married in 1963.

In September 2023, they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary but, shortly after the celebrations, Elsie was taken into hospital and subsequently into residential care.

More than 200 people attended her funeral service, where the songsters sang her favourite song ‘Written in Red’.

Elsie was a warm, kind and generous person who will be missed by the corps, her two children and grandchildren. – VW

Please note members’ tributes should be no longer than 150 words. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

Effective 1 July

MAJOR ADRIAN ALLMAN, Divisional Leader/Divisional Commander, West Midlands

CAPTAIN CLARE ALLMAN, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, West Midlands

MAJOR FIONA BROOM, Divisional Commander, South East

MAJOR MARK HERBERT, Principal Designate, William Booth College

MAJOR LINDA HERBERT, Personnel Officer, William Booth College, and Cafe Hope Pioneer Lead, THQ

Effective 25 July

MAJOR MARK HERBERT, Principal, William Booth College, with the rank of lieut-colonel

Effective 1 August

CAPTAIN MARION ROUFFET, Divisional Leader/Divisional Commander, Ireland

CAPTAIN JONATHAN ROUFFET, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, Ireland

Wedding anniversaries

Emerald (55 years)

ANN AND GORDON CAMSEY, Leighton Buzzard, on 8 March

JANET AND KEN HANCOCK, Edmonton, on 15 March

Golden (50 years)

MAJORS DENIS AND OLIVE LOMAX on 2 March

DAVID AND CT KATHLEEN MAGOOKIN, Belfast Temple, on 2 March

Dedicated to God

CONNOR, JOSHUA and TALYN, sons of Philip Greenslade and Stephanie Birch, at Fakenham by Captains Adrian and Gemma Allen and Territorial Envoy Alison Parker

Retired officers’ birthdays

COLONEL MARY ELVIN, 85 on 13 March

Promoted to Glory

JOAN THOMPSON, Bourne

JUNE SHARP, Birmingham Citadel, on 30 December 2023

PAUL HUNTER, Poole, on 27 January from his home

CMS PAUL DEVINE, Abingdon, on 13 February

ALFRED WILEMAN, Sheffield Citadel, on 17 February from Meadow Grange care home

Bereaved

CAPTAIN ALEX DEVINE, Oxford and Abingdon, of her husband

CMS Paul Devine, Mahala of her father

PAUL WILEMAN, Sheffield Citadel, Martin Wileman, Doncaster, and Andrew Wileman, Winton, of their father Alfred Wileman

BARRY BURTON, Southsea, of his brother David

ENGAGEMENTS

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Mon 26 Feb – Tue 5 Mar Kenya East (East Africa Centenary Congress)

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 Mar University of Warwick (Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation)

Wed 6 Mar The Senedd, Cardiff (St David’s International Reception)

Thu 7 Mar The Senedd, Cardiff (St David’s Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast)

Sat 9 Mar – Sun 10 Mar King’s Park Conference Centre (Intercultural Mission Conference)*

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 Mar University of Warwick (Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation)

Sun 3 Mar – Thu 7 Mar International Moral and Social Issues Council**

Thu 7 Mar William Booth College (leading closing worship at five-year confirmation of officership)***

*Commissioner Jenine Main only

**Colonel Julie Forrest only

***Colonel Peter Forrest only

NOTICES

Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation

The programme for this weekend’s event is available online and materials from some of the sessions and speakers will be available after the weekend. You can also register for an online prayer meeting led by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) on Saturday 2 March at 10am. Visit salvationist.org.uk/bigconversation2024

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

This week’s Sunday Worship leads us through the third Sunday in Lent and the 2024 Self-Denial altar service, including a message from Colonel Richard Borrett (Eastern Europe Territory). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Sing to the Lord with the ISS

Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters chosen by a special guest. Can’t tune in at 5pm on Sunday? The episode is repeated in full on Tuesday 5 March at 10am and on Saturday 9 March at 3pm.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Sunday Lunch: Reuben’s Pick and Mix

Reuben Dykes (Kidsgrove) serves up the musical side to your Sunday lunch, featuring favourite Salvation Army and Christian music with an Easter theme. Listen live at 1pm on Sunday 3 March.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

THURSO CORPS, THE ESPLANADE, THURSO KW14 8BB

Saturday 6 April, 2pm

Messages by email to nsd-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk or by mail to North Scotland DHQ, Deer Road, Woodside, Aberdeen AB24 2BL

EXETER TEMPLE, FRIARS WALK, EXETER EX2 4AZ

Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June

SAVE THE DATES:

FORMAL RE-OPENING ON COMPLETION OF EXTENSIVE BUILDING WORKS

Further details to follow

SUNBURY COURT

JOYFUL EVANGELISTS SESSIONAL REUNION

3 to 5 September

For more information contact anitapurkiss@aol.com 07786 245313

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@ salvationarmy.org.uk

You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.