Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry

I today had opportunity to have coffee with the one and only Andrew Vertigan. It was good to share with Andrew, especially as he co-leads my home church and was pivotal in my own call to ministry. 

Afterwards, my mind turned to the following questions: 

• What happens when leaders don’t fit into a box?

• What happens when leaders don’t flourish on their own?

• What happens when leaders have their skills, talents, and preferences assumed?

These are vital questions for The Salvation Army today. As we seek to be a movement led by the Spirit, sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus, we must consider how we release people into ministry and mission in ways that allow them to truly flourish.

Some leaders flourish best in structured, clearly defined roles, while others, like myself, thrive in the messiness of life. I flourish best in messy, intergenerational settings where life is lived out in supportive, loving communities. I flourish best as part of a team ministry, working alongside other missioners as partners in the gospel. I flourish best when I can explore new opportunities, work across disciplines, walk alongside people, and, in APEST language, operate as an Apostle Shepherd—sent to pioneer and cultivate communities of grace and belonging.

If we truly believe in the priesthood of all believers, and I acknowledge this is a more complex topic than this blog allows space for, then we must take seriously the need to shape ministry opportunities alongside the calling and gifting of those God has placed within our movement. This means moving beyond rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. It means seeing our people as individuals, not just filling appointments but releasing them into ministry where they can truly flourish.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:11-13 that Christ has given the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” A healthy, thriving movement needs all of these roles functioning together. When we fail to recognise the diversity of gifts among us, we limit our effectiveness and hinder the work of the Kingdom.

These are exciting days for The Salvation Army, I really believe that. I feel enthused, I feel excited, I feel full of hope as I see amazing opportunities for mission and ministry. I see people being released into ministry where they can flourish. I see risks being taken. I see communities being formed where the broken find healing, where grace is lived out in everyday life, and where mission happens not just from platforms but in the ordinary, sacred moments of human connection.

We live in a world desperate for God, desperate for amazing grace. We have the incredible privilege of pointing people to a God who provides pardon, restoration, and grace. But we must be willing to be bold, to break free from the constraints of assumption, tradition, expectation, and norms. We must be willing to trust the Spirit’s leading as we release all people—at all levels—into ministry and mission in ways that allow them to thrive.

When we do this, when we let God be God, we will see the Church come alive. We will see new expressions of faith communities emerge. We will see people serving with joy, with passion, and with a deep sense of calling. We will see leaders not just surviving, but flourishing.

These are exciting times. I trust that the God who calls us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24) and will equip us for all that lies ahead.