Involvement
by Commissioner Wesley
Harris
THERE were numerous evangelistic efforts to evangelise the
east end of London during
the mid nineteenth-century.
Many
of them were short-lived but what became known as the
Christian Mission flourished and developed into the world-wide
Salvation Army.
Among many reasons for this would have been that William Booth
mobilised his followers rather than depending only on the
initiative of a few clerical leaders.
He believed that “every soldier has a part to play in ther
great salvation war' and he got his people to believe it too.
He didn”t want to be a one man band.
All should share responsibility and even small tasks
be seen as important.
Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth told me that in the
early days when someone came to the mercy seat they could be
given a piece of Army ribbon to wear and copies of the War Cry
to sell to their friends.
Service began where and when salvation was found,
Converts were made to feel needed and put to work.
Commissions often confirmed responsibilities
A woman might make teafor the Home League and fairly soon be a
tea sergeant. A
man might do odd jobs in the hall and become known as a
quartermaster but
the aim and object was the winning of people for Jesus.
Converts soon felt that they had to be at the meetings
because they had responsibilities.
They were not merely pew sitters but participants and
involved, part of the regiment of the redeemed and
sharing in a close-knit fellowship.
The ministry of all believers was fundamental to the
deveopment of the Army and found expression in the active and
positive concept of the soldier of Jesus.
It is sad that particularly in some western countries
the number of soldiers on Army rolls is declining. Yet from
long experience I am convinced that around the edges of many
corps there are potential soldiers – sincere Christians who
are not soldiers because no-one has thought to invite them to
enlist! Could not those working among young people or women or
seniors be asked to provide names of those who could be
approached by the corps officers or recruiting sergeants?
In one situation we organised a “Year of the Soldier” and, for
example, on
certain
days suggested people wear their uniform to work or while
shopping and this was no doubt an effective witness and put
our people on their mettle
Of course, some prefered to remained uncommitted in
this way and their wishes were respected but there were those
who wanted to be seen as full blooded salvationists and deeply
incolved. May
there be many more like that for
"no
soldiers no Army"!
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