Leadership

I mean no disrespect to the senior leadership of The Salvation Army. After all, I was once part of it as a territorial commander for 11 years and a chief/general secretary for seven years. But I have to say that some of the best initiatives in our ovement have come from the bottom up rather than from the top down.Take the wearing of uniform, for example. Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, granddaughter of our founders, told me that it was not introduced because of an edict from headquarters but because of the desire of ordinary salvationists to show whose side they were on.
Following the recent 'Connections' convention I believe there will be many new ideas in our movement and ideas have legs! I notice a spontaneous 'Youth Speak' feature has appeared on the internet (www.beyondconnections.com.au)and I guess I will not agree with all the ideas which will be expressed but I am sure I will be thrilled by the enthusiasm engendered. After all, the literal meaning of the word enthusiam is 'full of God' and really, that is what being a salvo is all about.

Connections

The Salvation Army's Connections convention in Melbourne has been fabulous with huge crowds gathering and much to inspire. The Army's leaders, Commisioners Jim and Carolyn Knaggs, have given splendid direction and this should lead to even greater things. Of course, the important point about a convention is not just what people feel during it but what they do after it. The mission of the Army has once again been brought into focus with the way ahead being plain. Now it is a case of 'going for it.

Sanctified cheek

I have a cheek, Lord,
approaching the Chief Executive
of the universe on minor matters,
and little affairs of my little life.
In one sense I would not presume
To use you,
Only hope you may see fit to use me.
Yet I need help and to whom else can I go?
You did say, in effect,
your door was always open.
So, I've taken you at your word,
aware of your greatness,
amazed by your grace,
reverent in heart,
emboldened by faith.
Pardon my cheek, Lord,
but I believe you understand.

Wesley Harris

Get connected

Later this month The Salvation Army will be celebrating with a great series of meetings in Melbourne under the title, 'Connections'. The world leader of the movement will be a key speaker and there will be a coming together of Salvationists and friends. There will be an attempt to connect with each other, with the vital issues of these day yes, and with God. A list of events and venues can be obtained from the SA by phoning 9896 6000. See you there!

Uniform

As a Salvation Army editor I had a lengthy interview with the late Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, a grand-daughter of the founders of our movement. She told me that the wearing of uniform was not something imposed by headquarters but came from the desire of Salvationists to show whose side they were on as Christians. They turned out in in all sorts of rigs which were anything but uniform until it was reallised that common and easily recognised garbs would have a greater cumulative impact. Still, the uniform is meant to be a silent witness to Christian faith and may take on a sacramental significance. Police forces have their plain clothes and uniformed branches, and so does the Church!

SPROC

My wife and I have just returned from the South Pacific Retired Officers' Convention in Adelaide. About 200 ROs from Australia and New Zealand gathered for fellowship, encouragement and prayer. It was a great experience. It was said that the company represented 6000 years of service and there was the throb of true spirituality along with the cameraderie and fun. The singing was outstanding - hearty and meaningful. In these days when congregations are often segmented and when, in some situations, the twain never meet we should recall that at Pentecost the young and the old were specifically mentioned in Peter's sermon. Both need each other and have a part to play. Amen?

Re-visiting

This past week I have been taking some visitors from Scotland to see some of the sites around Melbourne such as the beautiful Dandenongs, Sovereign Hill, Phillip Island etc. I have done this tour before but have still enjoyed my latest visits made in good company. In a similar way I regularly re-visit 'sites' in the Bible and find new inspiration in words which have become familiar over the years. The need is for renewed vision and an ability to see new truth which God has to reveal. The Army Mother said, 'God's revelation will keep pace with my consecration'. Now that is a thought to ponder!