SSO (retirement option) facilitates continuance of service by the active officer when his/her officer spouse retires at normal age or retires early.
In the case of SSO (retirement option) the single spouse officer is married to a retired officer spouse.
When will Single Spouse Officership be offered?
In July 2005 The Salvation Army International Headquarters approved Single Spouse Officership as policy for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Extensive input and dialogue on this concept at every level of The Army has prepared this Territory to launch SSO in May 2006.
During the first four to five months of 2006 the preparation of policies and procedures to accommodate SSO will be completed. Sometime after April 30th Divisional Commanders and Department Heads will release information and establish interviews with interested Salvationists. Timing is important. All applicants for SSO must allow time for an extensive interview and evaluation process.
What is the application process?
The application process starts with a written request to the Divisional Commander or Department Head asking for consideration as a single spouse officer.
An interview with the applicant and the non applicant spouse (or spouse to be) will be arranged.
Divisional commanders and Department Heads will be able to detail the numerous steps in the SSO application process.
Officers who are currently in active service and former officers should not assume that application for SSO will be approved automatically. A significant review will be part of the application process. The Salvation Army wants to ensure the very best candidates for SSO in this Territory (Canada), so that our mission will be accomplished.
How will Single Spouse Officership function in a corps/community church setting?
In some cases corps are already used to ’single officer’ leadership, so the adjustment to SSO will not be as significant. In other corps settings where an officer couple usually provides leadership, SSO may be a significant change, requiring a reassignment of responsibilities which an officer spouse once performed.
Some corps are no longer able to sustain financially two full time officers (a married couple). In these corps SSO may provide financial relief.
A change of appointment for the spouse who becomes the remaining SSO officer may be necessary
What will be the role of the non officer spouse?
The non officer/retired officer spouse will possess a thorough understanding of The Salvation Army, its mission and values and its officer appointment system. The nature of officership as a spiritual covenant rather than a contract with The Salvation Army must be understood and affirmed. He/she must sign a ‘declaration’ of support for the officer spouse’s ministry and a willingness to relocate with the officer spouse as part of the Army’s appointment process.The non officer/retired officer spouse must be a senior soldier of The Salvation Army ‘in good standing’. This person will share the same commitment as his/her officer spouse to The Army’s mission, values, beliefs and lifestyle.
Divisional Commanders and Department Heads will provide a copy of the ‘Manual of Guidance for Single Spouse Applicants’ to interested persons when an interview date is established. This manual will address questions and detail the application process.
3 comments:
I see the most positive aspect of single spouse officership being that those who sense a calling to officership can follow that call, even if their spouse cannot - or can continue to serve, even if their spouse cannot.
My big issue though as a non-salvationis is why the Salvation Army requires the wife to work. I understand being part of the ministry but it seems unbiblical to force the wife to work and go to their seminary.
USA
I may have considered serving as an officer again and my wife would like to pursue another career. She still would be supportive and of course still loves the Lord. Too bad we were told that only both serving as officers is the only acceptable way in the USA. That makes one less officer and one less soldier available. That forced us to decide to move on to another place of worship. That must be what territorial leadership is looking for, a stricter , smaller Army.
USA former
As a long serving single Officer I married a 'former' who had 15 or so years experience of Officership. In one appointment he was warmly received and his experience and commitment was appreciated, accepted and the Corps were pleased for him to be involved and used in the best way possible
The next appointment wasn't quite like this and although initially he was received warmly and comments were made 'Two for the price of one' He was encouraged initially to be used unofficially within the leadership team. However, it wasn't long before some of the local officers saw something of the quality and worth of my husband but soon became threatened and aware of their own inadequacies. Sadly, instead of building on the positive and this 'free' resource we became disliked, and treated in an abusive and destructive way. Eventually I found myself in a position of believing I had to choose between the corps or my husband.It was a myopic thinking Corps thirty or so years behind in the times and it was not unusual for people to transfer in and out of the Corps as the whim took them. I chose my husband and thank God the Army were understanding and supportive, although I do think DHQ could have been stronger in their decision making rather than taking the easy option (even though it was more comfortable for me). However, if there was a clearer role for the 'spouse' perhaps this could have been prevented and the good built upon rather than becoming destructive. I fail to understand in a struggling Corps where previous Officer either had resigned or asked to move why a solid, professional Officer (couple) were not received and used to the advantage of the Corps, TSA and ultimately the Kingdom. I fear for the future of that Corps and any officers that are appointed there as internal troubles continue unabated with new officers.
Name and address supplied.
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