Daniel

Embracing a New Chapter: Welcoming Our New Salvation Army Lieutenants Today marks an exciting moment for The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom & Ireland Territory as we celebrate the commissioning of our new lieutenants in Wales. These dedicated individuals, who have been trained at William Booth College in London, are now being sent out to serve communities across the United Kingdom and Ireland. As they step into their roles as ministers of the gospel and leaders, we are filled with hope and anticipation for the impact they will make. Our new lieutenants have embarked on a journey fuelled by calling, faith, compassion, and a commitment to serve others. They will undoubtedly face challenges and joys, and as they navigate this path, I offer three key principles for them: 1. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing At the heart of God’s mission is a profound calling to keep God front and centre in all we do. This unwavering focus on faith will guide us through every decision, every inte...

Embracing the Valleys: A Journey of Faith The Christian life is often painted as one of utopia, joy, and mountaintop moments. And, in many ways, this is true and my testimony. There is a profound joy and deep peace that comes from being a follower of Jesus — when we repent, place our faith in Jesus, and live a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. The Bible speaks of this joy and peace, offering us glimpses of the abundant life promised by Jesus, our only Saviour.  However, this picture would be incomplete if it did not also include the valleys — those low points that are inevitable in any journey. The reality of our discipleship includes not only the mountaintop moments but also the valley bottom experiences. It is through these moments that our faith is tested, our character is refined, and our dependence on God is deepened. The Good Shepherd in the Valley Psalm 23 is one of the most well known passages of Scripture, and for good reason. It paints a beautiful picture of the Lord a...

Celebrating Eight Years: A Journey of Faith and Transformation Today marks a significant milestone in my life: eight years as a Salvation Army officer. Over these years, I have had the privilege of serving in five different appointments, from Coventry to London, witnessing the power of God's work in diverse communities and people. As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful for the beautiful cloud of witnesses who have walked alongside me and for a faithful God who has been my constant guide and strength. In these eight years, I have experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and encounters. I have witnessed lives transformed by the grace of God and communities uplifted by the collective efforts of compassionate individuals. Each appointment has taught me invaluable lessons and deepened my understanding of faith, discipleship, and leadership. Mountain Top Moments and Valley Bottom Struggles The journey has not always been easy. I have encountered both beautiful mountain top mo...

Embracing Strong, Effective Leadership in The Salvation Army: Jesus-Centred, Holy Spirit-Led, and Rooted in Accountability With a new Government elected in the United Kingdom and a fresh Prime Minister at the helm, leadership is once again in the spotlight. Leadership, however, extends beyond political realms, permeating all aspects of life, including faith-based organisations like The Salvation Army. As part of the Christian church, The Salvation Army thrives on a unique blend of spiritual and business-style leadership models. While business strategies can offer valuable insights, spiritual leadership requires a distinctive approach—one that is Jesus-centred, Holy Spirit-led, and deeply rooted in mutual accountability and integrity. Jesus-Centred Leadership At the heart of The Salvation Army's mission is the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as fullness of life for all with Jesus is envisioned. Jesus exemplified servant leadership, prioritising the needs of others, displaying co...

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing: The Core Mission of The Salvation Army In the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, five countries increasingly marked by complexity and change, it's easy for organisations to lose sight of their foundational purpose. This is true even for well known movements like The Salvation Army, often applauded for its charity work but often not known for being a denomination of the Christian church. From supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and care homes for older people to support for people who experience poverty and marginalisation, the impact of The Salvation Army on society is profound and undeniable. Yet, amidst this broad array of support and services, it is crucial for us to remember the primary role of the Church and The Salvation Army: to preach the Good News of the Gospel. The Centrality of the Gospel The very essence of The Salvation Army's mission is encapsulated in its commitment to ‘saving souls’ and ‘growing ...