The first of the 481 blog articles posted to date signaled the formation of our fellowship three years ago next month.This fellowship was formed seeking to provide positive Christian aftercare respecting and celebrating the SA officership service of more than 330+ members internationally, averaging 14 years of service by each of the FSAOF members .
We believe there exist weaknesses in The SA resignation counseling process, exit procedure and after-care provisions. The fellowship serves several purposes which we believe to be the role of The SA and we urge them to explore and initiate procedures/programs to assist in the following areas:
1. Providing Christian supportive exit counseling to officers (and their families) contemplating resignation, or resigning their commission
2. When resigning, make absolutely clear what the SA regulations are, and don't attempt to enter into private agreements with one spouse to the detriment of the other.
3. Having access to ALL personnel files in order to correct misquotes, assertions, falsehoods, etc.
4. Establish counseling procedures (pre/post retirement) using outside agencies to include all members of the affected family.
5. Consider granting the Officer contemplating resignation a sabbatical
6. Providing practical counseling support in the areas of; separation allowances, unemployment benefits, loan assistance, tax advice, re-acceptance policy and The SA lay employment policy, etc.
7. Providing temporary housing, auto, office & equipment –computer, etc. for a fixed time while seeking employment
8. Establishing a communication system whereby officer colleagues are informed in a timely and dignified manner of an officer’s intent to move from and beyond officership.
9. Assisting officers in providing support documents/files needed in preparing a CV/dossier necessary in seeking employment
10. Determining a former officer’s choice in maintaining the status of their ordination; often required when seeking a ministerial role in other religious bodies.
11. Establishing a consistent policy in repaying student loans
12. Providing those officers desiring it, a public recognition in gratitude of their SA service
13. Establishing a policy of private restitution for those officers who wish to resign without negative consequences
14. Providing a Christian supportive welcome by the CO in SA corps visited subsequent to resignation
15. Providing address/contact info in the Dispo for those former officers wishing to be included
Dr. Sven Ljungholm
Blog Administrator
Former
Residing in the UKT
3 comments:
I applaud you Sven in your ministry to 'formers' and especially your ministry to me. Thank you!
All power to your elbow as you strive to bring about the very best for the Army and to 'formers' or future 'formers'. I strongly believe if people in authority listened to you, took your thoughts seriously there could be fewer 'formers'because people would be treated with respect, dignity and care. Thank you for all you are and all you do!
Former UKT
Sven,
Thank you for all of your support and care of former officers. I firmly believe if the Salvation Army desires less officers leaving the ranks then all Territorial Headquarters should heed the list that you have mentioned. You have mentioned basic common courtesies that should be extended to those that often sacrificed and did much good for the Lord and the organization. Most of what you have mentioned was never offered or even considered for me after I served for over 25 years. I am not complaining but it sure would have made me think of returning after being asked to as of late. I will never return because of the unfair treatment when I exited and the unfair demands in requesting me to return to active officership.
Blessings to you and your efforts.
USA East former
I could never work that hard again; all those hours and all those sermons and programs. Funny, not too long ago I told that to another former who is going back in and he said - it's different now,they don't work that hard anymore. I still don't think I could muster the spiritual or physical energy to write and preach on a weekly basis I said. He said, they don't. They have guests all the time. They rarely get in the pulpit these days. They don't do Sunday night and Wednesday night is pretty done for. Maybe I could go back after all.
USA South
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