We Need Officers ATTRITION SERIES VII

A READY, WILLING AND QUALIFIED POOL

 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.

As a spiritual body of more than 500 members, the FSAOF is very concerned about the army’s future, the organization that trained us for the ministry and in 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.

The Salvation Army battle against attrition is also our battle!

 TSA ADVANTAGES IN RECONCILING WITH, RECRUITING AND REINSTATING FORMER SA OFFICERS

A first and key step in formulating a successful strategy in seeking the return to active service is acknowledging that reform is necessary, identifying where and what ought to be the immediate objects of our joint focus. One need only take a cursory look at the many comments by former officers to recognize where a spirit of mutual respect and concern for the overall mission of TSA might have averted the alarmingly high percentage of officers resignations.

Three comprehensive survey results are available that speak specifically to the suitability of scores of officers relative to their potential effectiveness should they be encouraged to seek a return and be accepted.

Sven Ljungholm