Life on the Front Line Part 3 of 3

The Culture Outside

‘Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.’

There is no doubt that the context in which the Army works is constantly changing towards a secular society. In Britain, for example, ‘the number of residents who stated that their religion was Christian in 2011 was fewer than in 2001. The size of this group decreased 13 percentage points to 59% (33.2 million) in 2011 from 72% (37.3 million) in 2001. It is the only group to have experienced a decrease in numbers between 2001 and 2011 despite population growth. The second largest response category in 2011 was no religion. This increased 10 percentage points.’ (2011 Census) 

The Salvation Army has always been, in my opinion, an adaptable innovator and now is the real test of whether it can be as relevant to the culture today as it was when it began in the 19th century. This will require some tough decision making to allow appropriately gifted Officers the opportunity to innovate the mission of the Army in such a way that it is faithful to its calling and relevant to 21st century society. The basic message of salvation has not changed, but the way in which it is communicated must change constantly in step with the culture.

Conclusion

The opening point about culture and strategy is of key importance. It seems that Corps and Headquarters are pursuing different strategies within vastly different Army sub-cultures. Whilst there is a refreshingly clear vision from the General – One Army, One Mission, One Message – the whole Army, from the tiniest outpost to the largest headquarters, needs to embrace this vision with a spirit of unity. 


This means reconciling differences and rebuilding relationships to allow a powerful culture of single-minded, soul-saving, saint-growing, humanity-serving to emerge.

We all know that the harvest is plentiful and that the labourers are few, which is why reconciliation is critical to the Army’s future mission. An Army that is expending energy and resources on friendly fire is not an Army that will win the war.

So my message to the Army is ‘reconciliation, reconciliation, reconciliation’ as the only way to secure a growing mission for the future.

Stuart Rivers
Former Officer at Aldershot Corps, UK