Interview: Michelle Kay
Original Publication - JAC #46, December 2006 – January 2007
JAC
interviewed soldiers from five territories regarding battle
issues that we all face. We expect that most of you will learn
much on what the problems and solutions are in this great
salvation conflict. We esteem the interviewees as those
fighting hard and committed to glorifying Jesus as they
capture, train, and deploy on very different fronts.
JAC: Quick bio:
MK: I am a passionate salvo (from Ryde, in
Sydney), who wants to live my life as
if it matters. My life's vision is "to actively lead a
lifestyle of worship, and to encourage and empower others to
do the same." I
work part time for the Salvation Army, Greater West, as
"worship coordinator", and also run a music school in my local
area. "Funkey Music Factory", based in Epping, exists to
positively 'make a difference' in the lives of those who learn
there, and I hope and pray that as well as great, professional
music education, there are also great stories of life change
and salvation along the way.
JAC: Tell us, about your salvation and
sanctification.
MK: I recall kneeling at the Salvation Army
mercy seat, at age eight, as a definite response to an
invitation from Jesus. I took my grandma with me...she is now
with Jesus...
Sanctification however I would describe as a
process, only since meeting the Holy Spirit in 1997. Until
then I was a Christian, but did not know the growth and
refining changing power of the Holy Spirit. I was involved in
religion predominantly, which does not interest me at all
now... It has been a journey since then of renewal,
development, expansion, challenge and change....
Whilst not always easy at all, I would not
go back to the life I led before.
JAC: What engages your passions and energies
these days.
MK: 1.Watching and being part of the renewal
process occurring in The
Salvation Army throughout Australia
in particular. That is exciting.
2. Running alongside others who believe that
we really can make a difference and actively engaged in doing
our part (wherever we are called and equipped) in winning the
world for Jesus.
3. Passionate worship that empowers the
saints
4. Education that releases and equips
students towards their potential- whether that be inside or
outside of 'church walls'
JAC: What is your role with The Salvation
Army?
MK: Greater West worship coordinator, as a
part time job- so I am often involved in conferences, or other
meetings/events. I also support, encourage corps, individuals,
teams, etc.
Wider- is part of the calling of my life-
see below
Lay- I am the worship coordinator for Ryde
Salvation Army- which means I coordinate Sunday celebrations,
train the musicians, and with the leaders/officers, am
responsible for direction of Sunday worship celebrations.
JAC: What is your mission/calling?
MK: I have a mandate and calling upon my
life to be an active part of the renewal process of worship
that is occurring in The Salvation Army. God has confirmed
this many times and continues to open doors that I then only
have to walk through. I believe that when our heart is fully
toward God, our hands then immediately extend toward man.
"You become like what you worship- worship
Jesus, become Christ-like... love
God, love what God loves..."
JAC: How does The Army support your
war-fighting?
MK: If "The Army" is DHQ, then I have a
brilliant boss, who trusts, supports and encourages my role,
ministry and giftedness in many ways.
If TSA is my home church/corps, I have a
brilliant body of Christ who is around me, loves me and
strengthens me with prayer, love and SMS messages when I am
away ministering elsewhere!
If TSA is friends, I have a close network of
people who regularly build into my life, and regular 'iron
sharpen' me - with accountability, friendship and practical
help.
JAC: How do you influence people?
MK: Depends who the people are, and my role/
position in their lives. As a general rule, I think my
influence is through 'encouragement'.
I believe, and actively try to engage the
"360 degree leadership" model that
Bill Hybels teaches on, believing I can
influence north, south, east and west in my life, not just
those I am 'positionally' the leader over. Everyone needs
encouragement though- whether above, or 'below' you in the
leadership model- so I will always seek to encourage others in
their run. My
ultimate aim is that my life of worship 'rubs off' on those
around me, whoever they are,
as I seek to lead a life as a 'portable sanctuary' in
and outside of a building.
JAC: What are your dreams for the next
several years?
MK: Other than to make a difference in my
world, I want salvation for the not yet Christians in my life-
my neighbours are still on my hit list.
I want 'Funkey Music Factory' to be all that God
intends it to be- salvation, being a voice and encouragement
into the lives of impressionable students, to name 2 things...
I want a renewed, revitalized Salvation Army
that advances the cause and kingdom in culturally appropriate
ways- making massive differences in this world, and being the
answer...
I ask for every Spiritual blessing, and
promise that has my name on it, and to be the woman of God
that I am called to be for 'such as time as this' .
JAC: What are the keys to successful warfare
on your front and the larger salvation war?
YMK: Obedience, knowing and living who I am
called to be, God's power and grace as a continual renewal and
refreshment for me.
I would say that for all of us too.
JAC: How are you and your comrades
strengthening The Salvation Army?
MK: Program-wise: there are a few very
exciting things that I/we are part of:
1. Unlimited- is a renewal/mission
conference that began in 2002, from a vision given to my boss
Major Miriam Gluyas. I am honoured to be part of the Sydney leadership team for this conference. We
regularly see and hear about great fruit that is growing as a
result of God encounters at Unlimited. God is using Unlimited
as a vehicle for change in our country. Fantastic.
2. ID-
this is a GREAT, exciting venture in Australia. ID is a youth network and
empowering program which is open to and targets passionate
youth Salvos who are keen to make a difference in their world,
and who actually believe that we can win the world for Jesus!
ID has similarities to ALOVE in the
UK, placing value and
importance on the
4 'essentials' of worship, mission,
discipleship and social justice, and teaches (throughout the 2
year course) the 4 topics of:
Winning the world for Jesus, relational
evangelism, leadership, and mentoring.
ID began in Sydney
and has now spread to six other hubs in
Eastern Australia.
It is more than exciting to see youth rising
up and taking the challenge of speaking into their
generation/communities and world for the cause of the kingdom.
Life-wise I believe we seek to strengthen
TSA by speaking kingdom language, and refusing to be critical
of the bride...
JAC: What are some of the dangers we have to
face in the coming years? (and how?)
MK: I think we need to know who we are. If
you are sold out on who you are, then you are not 'threatened'
by those who choose to look different, and do things
differently to you (within the church), and you are not
threatened by the enemy either (these are different people!)
I believe that when we rise up, know who we
are, what we are raised up for, and all go do it, without
fighting with each other in the HOW, then we will see a
massive harvest.
Unity commands a blessing- I think we miss
out on this often due to division that does not need to be
there.
JAC: What final exhortation have you for
this audience?
MK: Know who you are, what you are called
and equipped for. Go after that, with all your strength and
determination. When we all know our role in the body, we will
be such a force to be reckoned with. Exciting days.
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