Political Party Conferences and Salvation Army Officer Councils

Political Party Conferences and Salvation Army Officer Councils

What’s the difference between political party conferences and Salvation Army officer councils? Perhaps this could be the start of a joke! We’ve arrived in the season of political party conferences in the United Kingdom. Reform UK met in Birmingham, the Liberal Democrats met in Bournemouth, Labour are currently meeting in Liverpool, with the Green and Conservative parties meeting later in the year in Bournemouth and Manchester respectively.

It’s a time of year where my already keen listening to LBC and Sky News dramatically increases; I love travelling the political rollercoaster of policy decisions, complex relationships, the spin of PR and comms, and the trying to figure out which party genuinely has the best offer for our country. I enjoy the experience, it’s fascinating, and I’m always wanting to absorb the information and sense the atmosphere.

Just like the main political parties gather for their annual conferences, later this year, in October, Harrogate will host Officer Councils for Salvation Army officers, envoys, and leaders from across the United Kingdom and Ireland. I’m not expecting any major hiring or firings to be announced in advance of councils (although, one never knows!), but I am keen to hear our “manifesto pledges,” those things that make up our mission priorities as we seek fullness of life for all with Jesus across our nations.
Unlike the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary for Business & Administration is unlikely to be announcing a new budget or fiscal principles, and the Secretary for Communications is unlikely to be announcing a major shake-up of how we communicate our branding or communications strategies. However, we are likely to see an Army of people mobilised together to experience the voice of God, to sense the Spirit, and to receive personal and corporate transformation!

God isn’t finished with The Salvation Army yet—our nations are desperate for the boundless salvation, hope, and transformation that can only come through Jesus Christ. As we seek to love God and love others, and as we seek fullness of life for all with Jesus, these are exciting times! There is so much opportunity, there is so much potential!

Instead of reflecting some of the elements of political parties where infighting, intolerance, and injustice have at times become the norm, councils must be a place of building each other up, supporting each other, and fighting for the only justice that will ultimately save the world.

Officership is an immense privilege—it is a daily blessing for me, it is a bigger privilege and humbling experience than I can currently put into words. God doesn’t need The Salvation Army, Salvation Army officers, or even me, but despite all our shortcomings, He chooses to invite us to partner with Him in His mission to bring about His redemptive work in the world.

So, while us officers and leaders have a lot in common with the political party conferences—gathering together in a venue, catchy slogans like “Love God Love Others,” lots of socialising, enjoying the space to just be, and queues of people all wearing similar uniforms and clothes dotted around Harrogate—I hope our difference can be felt because of the one we have ultimate faith in: God. The privilege is ours to serve Him through the imperfect vessel of The Salvation Army—I thank God for it!

Between now and Officer Councils taking place, I’m going to commit to praying for our spiritual leaders across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Perhaps you’ll join me. Thank God for officership and thank God for The Salvation Army!

And I’ll use these words as our manifesto:
“Build Your kingdom here,
Let the darkness fear.
Show Your mighty hand,
Heal our streets and land.
Set Your church on fire,
Win this nation back,
Change the atmosphere,
Build Your kingdom here,
We pray!”
(Rend Collective)

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