I'll be working on part 4 over the weekend, but the below stats are my fodder for thought.
Statistics don’t lie—for an increasing number
of officers, the years of service fall far short of their covenanted life-long
commitment..
More than 50% of SA officers are resigning,
breaking their covenant, and which, incidentally, falls in line with pastors across all
denominational lines.
·
In the USA more than 1,400
Protestant ministers leave their position each month.
·
50% of pastors’ marriages end
in divorce.
·
90% of pastors work more than
50 hours a week. (I can hear my SA officer friends say; ‘Is that all?’)
·
94% feel under pressure to have
a perfect family.
·
80% of pastors’ wives feel
unappreciated by the congregation.
·
84% of pastors’ spouses feel
unqualified and discouraged in their role as ‘helpers’.
·
How do we rate???
The SA has a good across the board record
at burning people out. For some reason we accept working long hours against
unrealistic timelines, often at the expense of our personal lives, health, or families. "As long as it’s for God it’s OK".
No wonder then that 50% of the total SA officer resignations stem from family, separation and eventual divorce issue.
Some brief observations;
- In the last decade TSA opened fire in 19 countries
- In the last decade TSA closed 20 corps in southern Scotland alone.
- Movement or a church?
- In 2012, there are 109 appointments to be filled in the UKT and only 49 officer units on transfer.
- In Canada, Sweden, NZ and Finland the attrition losses in the number of active officers run to a staggering 75%, with only a dozen cadets in Sweden and Finland.
- Recent statistics reveal a total of only 24 Cadets in Canada with twice that number ready to retire.
6 comments:
Hi! I'm from the Southern Territory and I am a former officer. I am wondering if I should still be considered "ordained"? Do I need to get ordained by a another church just so that I can still be considered ordained? I still have a love for ministry and seek opportunities to do so.
I am not sure why The Salvation Army is "surprised" by the attrition rates- esp. in Canada.
My husband and I resigned- for many reasons. But it seemed that there was a campaign from higher ups to reduce officer numbers. To make things unbearable so officers would want to resign. At the time, and since, I thought it was a deliberate strategy from THQ. It was the only thing that made sense.. So when I read things that say "we need officers","we value officers." I am gobsmacked. Because about 10 years ago in Canada/Bermuda territory that was not the message being received by many officers.
I am also a Former from Canada & Bermuda Territory. I gave 20 years of service and when I decided to leave after a few years of unbearable mistreatment there was no one helping me to stay. TSA wants those who can be pliable and accepting and never questioning their methods etc. God will call them to account one day. TSA has ruined the lives of many 'formers'. There is no support when one leaves the 'work'.To say that they 'need officers', is an understatement. TO say they deserve them is a 'whole other kettle of fish!' TSA is in the position it is because of their very poor personnel management over decades. I do believe that unless TSA drastically changes its methods of recruitment and continual pastoral care of its officers it will go the way of the Dodo in the next 5 - 10 years globally. Are you listening General Bond?
I think that "elitist" is a word that explains some thought from some leaders in the Army world.Unless there are some serious changes (not Biblical standards or doctrine)but policy changes (progressive but not permissive), the Army will continue to diminish in effectiveness and quality of service. There is no promise of the Army continuing forever.Things could be much different and improved. A problem that is evident is that when leadership is apathetic and practices the same thing looking for different results it then becomes insanity.(12 Step)I see a pride problem. Everything is not OK.
USA Former
Former- Canada & Bermuda Territory- A rut is an open ended grave. This perfectly describes TSA. Leadership for the most part beyond the 'boots on the ground level' has not much clue. Officers today are lazy ( my opinion after years of observation ) and do not sacrifice much for the cause anymore. They want to live in big homes in upper middle class neighbourhoods and drive new vehicles while some of their corps folk and employees work tirelessly at low paying jobs and are expected to work long hours. If that had been the case in the beginnings of TSA it never would have lasted very long. There are a few hard working officers who actually have a clue and love their people. Sadly in my opinion most are just enjoying the free ride ( job, home, vehicle, pension ) and haven't got a clue how the real world operates. One day soon the public will finally clue in to this and stop supporting TSA financially. Because lets face it- a good portion of funds raised goes to keeping these lazy officers in the lifestyle to which they have become accostomed!
Sadly in my opinion most are just enjoying the free ride ( job, home, vehicle, pension ) and haven't got a clue how the real world operates. (From comment above)
I don't know if I agree with this statement. Maybe for a few but I think a minority of Officers. I served for 22 years before resigning, went to CFOT when I was 20. The allowance and housing and bicyles that were furnished to us for local transportation was welcomed. ( first appointment) I didn't expect that much. Moving after 22 years back into the real world suprised and scared us. We were homeless for several months, (from assisting the homeless to being homeless) shocked us into reality. Some of the officers may take advantage of the care, but most know nothing else.
Former
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