FORMER SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS FELLOWSHIP

THE FSAOF                       

The FSAOF was inspired and launched on August 15, 2007, an era when every facet of business had begun using one common media outlet to expand their market focus and outreach, the world wide web (internet). Both the intrinsic and extrinsic usefulness for the use of the Internet was immediately recognized and motivated many to form international alliances. It was in this same fashion that I was inspired to form the FSAOF. Initially I created a web-log page where ‘former’ officers could visit and read challenging and inspirational messages with ‘formers’ being the article contributors and our focus audience. One of the driving purposes was to slow the steady flow in the numbers of Salvation Army officers resigning and deserting the assignments they’d prayerfully and willingly accepted as being Divine appointments. 

Our primary intent was to get alongside those contemplating resignation and those who’d already made a ‘break’. We wanted to make all ‘formers’ our friends through our Spirit led fellowship; we were careful to not be seen as in any sense making them our ‘mission’. Anti-religion and negative SA leadership sentiments were running strong.  Few active officers, on the separation of faithful officers from the organization, demonstrated the spiritual kinship William Booth ascribed to us: “He received the spirit of officership, whereby he mingled amongst us, for a season, as one of us, and go where he likes, and do what he likes, the imprint of the life he lived will remain.”

Within a few weeks the interest, need and usefulness became evident with scores of blog visitors daily. And the FSAOF has to date welcomed almost 90,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, with around 50% having a SA link.

A few months subsequent to the launch of our blog, the private FACEBOOK site was created with the intent of being a “safe house” where formers from around the world sensed that they were in the presence of like minded souls, others who had trod the road of the Divinely inspired and chosen Evangelist but who for varied reason was separated from the army’s fighting forces; those with whom they had shared years of service under the SA banner. We formed a spiritually committed fellowship that is as faithful and supportive as any that can be found inside or outside the church.

Dozens come together in fellowship daily. Our fears, hurts and joys are shared. We discuss, mostly in a brotherly way, all matters of interest and concern- no subject is too foreign to be shared in our loving fellowship; hundreds of threads and thousands of responses. It is a place of healing, rest and reconciliation.

FSAOF MEMBER PROFILE

Many of those in the Former Salvation Army Officers Fellowship continue serving in consecrated, ordained roles as pastors , teachers and shepherds, while others live out their calling in other areas of service. No matter where our vocation is lived out, and as we faithfully serve, we are also mindful of a key corporate mission as ‘former’ officers; the reformation of THE SA Officer recruitment, retention and resignation process- to thwart the steady departure of well-qualified, committed officers.

We are in the process of sharing the results from more than 7 recently conducted survey with SA leadership detailing for the first time the loss of return on investment relative to the high level of attrition of officers. And also sharing, from experience several recommendation on how the losses can be reversed.

A first and key step in formulating a successful strategy is acknowledging that reform is necessary. One need only take a cursory look at the alarmingly high percentage of officers resigning from active service each year to recognize both the immediate and long-term negative implications. And our concern is shared by many, including active SA officers, and others, as evidenced by the more than 900 articles and comments shared through our blog site.

As a spiritual body of more than 450  members, the FSAOF is very concerned about the army’s future, the organization that trained us for the ministry and in the roles where many of us serve today. The spiritual body we represent was grounded and formed in response to a ‘call’ each of us heard, accepting our vocation in accordance with Paul’s description in Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV) ‘It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up’.

We believe wholeheartedly in the soul-saving mission of the army and want to do all possible to advance that divine assignment. However, to serve the present age and to march steadily onward can best be achieved by calling on the resources represented by the FSAOF, that in part brought the advances the army, through God the Holy Spirit, has achieved. The Former Salvation Army Officers Fellowship members represent a formidable earlier resource willing to be used once again in SA service.

Your battle is our battle...

May God continue to bless the hundreds of formers in our fellowship, their families, and their Kingdom committment. And may God bless the Salvation Army. 

Dr . Sven –Erik Ljungholm

Former Salvation Army Officer

Birkenhead Corps, UKT